The correct answer is to modify the cluster's automated snapshot retention period to 35 days. This is because Amazon Redshift enforces a maximum automated snapshot retention period of 35 days, and the default setting is often 1 day or, as in this scenario, 7 days. By updating the `automated_snapshot_retention_period` parameter via the console, CLI, or API, the engineer directly meets the compliance requirement without needing manual snapshots or additional services. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of Redshift backup retention period limits and the distinction between automated and manual snapshots—a common trap is assuming you need to create a new cluster or enable cross-region snapshots. Remember that automated retention caps at 35 days, while manual snapshots are retained indefinitely. Memory tip: think "35 is the ceiling for auto-snap retention"—if compliance demands more, you must use manual snapshots or a different strategy.
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.
Refer to the exhibit. A data engineer notices that the Redshift cluster 'mycluster' does not have automated backups beyond 7 days. However, the compliance team requires a minimum of 35 days of backup retention. What should the engineer do?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Modify the cluster's automated snapshot retention period to 35 days.
Option D is correct because Amazon Redshift allows you to modify the automated snapshot retention period for a cluster up to 35 days. The engineer can use the AWS Management Console, CLI, or API to change the `automated_snapshot_retention_period` parameter from the current 7 days to 35 days, meeting the compliance requirement without additional manual intervention.
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.
✗
Change the node type to ra3.xlplus to enable automatic backups for 35 days.
Why it's wrong here
Node type does not determine backup retention period.
✗
Enable audit logging to capture changes for recovery.
Why it's wrong here
Audit logs are not a substitute for backups.
✗
Take manual snapshots every day and retain them for 35 days.
Why it's wrong here
Manual snapshots require manual intervention and are not automated.
✓
Modify the cluster's automated snapshot retention period to 35 days.
Why this is correct
The retention period can be increased up to 35 days via modification.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse backup retention with node type capabilities or audit logging, assuming that hardware or logging features inherently extend backup duration, when in fact the retention period is a simple configuration parameter.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Amazon Redshift automated snapshots are stored in Amazon S3 and are incremental, meaning only changes since the last snapshot are saved, reducing storage costs. The retention period can be set between 1 and 35 days, and modifying it applies immediately to future snapshots; existing snapshots older than the new retention period are automatically deleted. In a real-world scenario, if the cluster is critical for reporting, relying on manual snapshots introduces risk of human error, while automated retention ensures consistent, policy-driven backups.
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.
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: Modify the cluster's automated snapshot retention period to 35 days. — Option D is correct because Amazon Redshift allows you to modify the automated snapshot retention period for a cluster up to 35 days. The engineer can use the AWS Management Console, CLI, or API to change the `automated_snapshot_retention_period` parameter from the current 7 days to 35 days, meeting the compliance requirement without additional manual intervention.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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