- A
Use mysqldump to export the database and import into RDS.
Why wrong: This requires significant downtime for large databases.
- B
Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) with ongoing replication from the source database.
DMS with ongoing replication minimizes downtime by continuously syncing changes.
- C
Create an RDS read replica and promote it.
Why wrong: Read replica is for RDS instances, not on-premises.
- D
Use AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) to convert the schema and then copy data.
Why wrong: SCT is for heterogeneous migrations, not for minimal downtime.
Question 785 of 1,786
DEA-C01 Data Store Management Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data store management. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 data engineer needs to migrate an on-premises MySQL database to Amazon RDS for MySQL with minimal downtime. Which approach should they use?
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
✓
Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) with ongoing replication from the source database.
AWS DMS with ongoing replication (change data capture, CDC) is the correct approach because it allows continuous synchronization from the on-premises MySQL source to the RDS target, enabling a cutover with minimal downtime. Unlike one-time export/import tools, DMS captures ongoing changes during the migration, so the target stays up-to-date until you switch over.
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.
- ✗
Use mysqldump to export the database and import into RDS.
Why it's wrong here
This requires significant downtime for large databases.
- ✓
Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) with ongoing replication from the source database.
Why this is correct
DMS with ongoing replication minimizes downtime by continuously syncing changes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create an RDS read replica and promote it.
Why it's wrong here
Read replica is for RDS instances, not on-premises.
- ✗
Use AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) to convert the schema and then copy data.
Why it's wrong here
SCT is for heterogeneous migrations, not for minimal downtime.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'minimal downtime' with 'zero data loss' and assume a simple dump/import or a read replica (which only works for RDS-to-RDS) is sufficient, overlooking the need for ongoing replication to keep the target synchronized during the migration window.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
AWS DMS uses a replication instance to connect to the source MySQL database and read binary log (binlog) files for CDC, applying changes to the target RDS instance in near real-time. The binlog position is tracked, allowing resumption after interruptions, and the full load phase can run in parallel with CDC to minimize the initial sync window. In a real-world scenario, you would configure a validation task to ensure row counts and checksums match before the cutover window.
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: Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) with ongoing replication from the source database. — AWS DMS with ongoing replication (change data capture, CDC) is the correct approach because it allows continuous synchronization from the on-premises MySQL source to the RDS target, enabling a cutover with minimal downtime. Unlike one-time export/import tools, DMS captures ongoing changes during the migration, so the target stays up-to-date until you switch over.
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: Jun 11, 2026
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