Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the database is a Single-AZ deployment and is not a read replica. This is determined by interpreting the RDS CLI describe-db-instances output, where the field 'MultiAZ: False' directly confirms a Single-AZ configuration, and the absence of a 'ReadReplicaSourceDBInstanceIdentifier' or 'SourceDBInstanceIdentifier' field confirms it is not a read replica. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this type of output interpretation tests your ability to quickly read CLI JSON responses and distinguish between primary instances, read replicas, and Multi-AZ setups—a common trap is confusing 'MultiAZ: False' with a read replica, when in fact read replicas can be either Single or Multi-AZ. Remember the memory tip: "No source, no replica; MultiAZ false means single zone."
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data store management. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A data engineer ran the CLI command to check the configuration of an RDS instance named 'mydb'. Which statement accurately describes the current configuration?
The database is in the 'stopped' state
Why wrong: DBInstanceStatus is 'available'.
The database is a Single-AZ deployment and is not a read replica
MultiAZ False and no ReadReplicaSourceDBInstanceIdentifier.
The database is a read replica of another instance
Why wrong: ReadReplicaSourceDBInstanceIdentifier is None.
The database is a Multi-AZ deployment
Why wrong: MultiAZ is False.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The database is a Single-AZ deployment and is not a read replica
Option B is correct because the CLI command output shows 'DBInstanceStatus: available' and 'MultiAZ: False', indicating the database is running as a Single-AZ deployment. Additionally, the absence of a 'SourceDBInstanceIdentifier' field confirms it is not a read replica. The 'ReadReplicaSourceDBInstanceIdentifier' is not present, which would be required if it were a read replica.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The database is in the 'stopped' state
Why it's wrong here
DBInstanceStatus is 'available'.
The database is a Single-AZ deployment and is not a read replica
Why this is correct
MultiAZ False and no ReadReplicaSourceDBInstanceIdentifier.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The database is a read replica of another instance
Why it's wrong here
ReadReplicaSourceDBInstanceIdentifier is None.
The database is a Multi-AZ deployment
Why it's wrong here
MultiAZ is False.
Common exam traps
AWS often tests the misconception that a database with 'available' status must be a read replica or Multi-AZ, but the absence of the 'ReadReplicaSourceDBInstanceIdentifier' and 'MultiAZ: False' clearly identify it as a standalone Single-AZ instance.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the AWS CLI command 'aws rds describe-db-instances --db-instance-identifier mydb' returns JSON output with fields like 'DBInstanceStatus', 'MultiAZ', and 'ReadReplicaSourceDBInstanceIdentifier'. A read replica always has the 'ReadReplicaSourceDBInstanceIdentifier' populated with the source instance's identifier, and its 'DBInstanceStatus' can be 'available' while replicating. In contrast, a Multi-AZ deployment uses synchronous replication to a standby in a different Availability Zone, which is indicated by 'MultiAZ: True' and typically shows a 'SecondaryAvailabilityZone' field.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Data Store Management — This question tests Data Store Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The database is a Single-AZ deployment and is not a read replica — Option B is correct because the CLI command output shows 'DBInstanceStatus: available' and 'MultiAZ: False', indicating the database is running as a Single-AZ deployment. Additionally, the absence of a 'SourceDBInstanceIdentifier' field confirms it is not a read replica. The 'ReadReplicaSourceDBInstanceIdentifier' is not present, which would be required if it were a read replica.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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