- A
Enable DynamoDB Auto Scaling for both read and write capacity.
DynamoDB Auto Scaling automatically adjusts the provisioned read and write capacity based on actual traffic patterns, which helps absorb peak-hour spikes without manual intervention. This reduces throttling by ensuring sufficient capacity during high-demand periods without requiring code changes.
- B
Add a DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) cluster for read-heavy workloads.
Adding a DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) cluster offloads read traffic from the main table by caching frequently accessed data, thus reducing read capacity consumption and throttling. No application code changes are needed if DAX endpoints are configured at the client side.
- C
Switch to on-demand capacity mode for the table.
Why wrong: While switching to on-demand capacity mode can eliminate throttling, it changes the billing model from provisioned to pay-per-request, which can lead to significantly higher and unpredictable costs. The two best actions for reducing throttling while maintaining the same provisioned capacity model are Auto Scaling and DAX.
- D
Change the read consistency model from eventually consistent to strongly consistent.
Why wrong: Changing the read consistency model from eventually consistent to strongly consistent would increase read capacity consumption, potentially worsening throttling. This action does not reduce throttling and is therefore incorrect.
- E
Use DynamoDB Global Tables to distribute the workload across regions.
Why wrong: Using DynamoDB Global Tables to distribute the workload across regions does not reduce throttling for a single table; it addresses disaster recovery and latency, but not local capacity limits. Moreover, setting up Global Tables may require application code changes.
DEA-C01 Data Store Management Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data store management. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company uses Amazon DynamoDB as a key-value store for a high-traffic application. The table has a provisioned read capacity of 10,000 RCUs and write capacity of 5,000 WCUs. The application experiences occasional throttling during peak hours. Which TWO actions can reduce throttling without changing the application code? (Choose TWO.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enable DynamoDB Auto Scaling for both read and write capacity.
Option A is correct because DynamoDB Auto Scaling automatically adjusts the provisioned read and write capacity based on actual traffic patterns, which helps absorb peak-hour spikes without manual intervention. This reduces throttling by ensuring sufficient capacity during high-demand periods without requiring code changes.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Enable DynamoDB Auto Scaling for both read and write capacity.
Why this is correct
DynamoDB Auto Scaling automatically adjusts the provisioned read and write capacity based on actual traffic patterns, which helps absorb peak-hour spikes without manual intervention. This reduces throttling by ensuring sufficient capacity during high-demand periods without requiring code changes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Add a DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) cluster for read-heavy workloads.
Why this is correct
Adding a DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) cluster offloads read traffic from the main table by caching frequently accessed data, thus reducing read capacity consumption and throttling. No application code changes are needed if DAX endpoints are configured at the client side.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Switch to on-demand capacity mode for the table.
Why it's wrong here
While switching to on-demand capacity mode can eliminate throttling, it changes the billing model from provisioned to pay-per-request, which can lead to significantly higher and unpredictable costs. The two best actions for reducing throttling while maintaining the same provisioned capacity model are Auto Scaling and DAX.
- ✗
Change the read consistency model from eventually consistent to strongly consistent.
Why it's wrong here
Changing the read consistency model from eventually consistent to strongly consistent would increase read capacity consumption, potentially worsening throttling. This action does not reduce throttling and is therefore incorrect.
- ✗
Use DynamoDB Global Tables to distribute the workload across regions.
Why it's wrong here
Using DynamoDB Global Tables to distribute the workload across regions does not reduce throttling for a single table; it addresses disaster recovery and latency, but not local capacity limits. Moreover, setting up Global Tables may require application code changes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think switching to on-demand mode is always the best solution, but the exam tests whether you recognize that Auto Scaling and DAX are more targeted, cost-effective approaches that do not change the billing model or require code changes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DynamoDB Auto Scaling uses the Application Auto Scaling service to adjust provisioned throughput based on a target utilization percentage (default 70%). DAX acts as an in-memory cache, offloading read requests from the DynamoDB table, which reduces the consumed read capacity and thus throttling for read-heavy workloads. Under the hood, DAX uses write-through caching and serves eventually consistent reads from memory, cutting down on the number of RCUs consumed.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DEA-C01 question test?
Data Store Management — This question tests Data Store Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable DynamoDB Auto Scaling for both read and write capacity. — Option A is correct because DynamoDB Auto Scaling automatically adjusts the provisioned read and write capacity based on actual traffic patterns, which helps absorb peak-hour spikes without manual intervention. This reduces throttling by ensuring sufficient capacity during high-demand periods without requiring code changes.
What should I do if I get this DEA-C01 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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