The answer is enabling concurrency scaling to automatically add cluster capacity during peak hours. This is the most effective Redshift concurrency scaling cost reduction strategy because it allows the cluster to remain small and under-provisioned during off-peak ETL hours, then seamlessly scales out additional query processing power only when BI reporting workloads spike. Concurrency scaling charges only for the additional capacity consumed, making it ideal for variable workloads where you pay for what you use rather than over-provisioning a fixed cluster size. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of cost optimization for mixed-use Redshift clusters, and the common trap is choosing reserved instances or reducing node count, which either lock in steady-state costs or sacrifice peak performance. Remember the memory tip: "Scale out on demand, not up all the time"—concurrency scaling is your elastic safety valve for unpredictable bursts without wasting baseline capacity.
DEA-C01 Data Operations and Support Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data operations and support. 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 data engineer is tasked with reducing costs for an Amazon Redshift cluster. The cluster is used for both ETL workloads and BI reporting. The engineer observes that the cluster is over-provisioned during off-peak hours. Which action would be MOST effective in reducing costs while maintaining performance during peak hours?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable concurrency scaling to automatically add cluster capacity during peak hours.
Option B is correct because concurrency scaling adds additional capacity on demand and is cost-effective for variable workloads. Option A is incorrect because reserved instances require upfront payment and are for steady-state, not variable. Option C is incorrect because reducing node count may impact performance during peak hours. Option D is incorrect because RA3 nodes are for managed storage, not cost reduction for variable workloads.
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.
✗
Switch to RA3 node types for managed storage.
Why it's wrong here
RA3 nodes decouple storage and compute but do not directly address over-provisioning for variable workloads.
✓
Enable concurrency scaling to automatically add cluster capacity during peak hours.
Why this is correct
Concurrency scaling adds transient clusters only when needed, reducing cost during off-peak hours.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Purchase Reserved Instances for the cluster.
Why it's wrong here
Reserved Instances are for steady-state workloads and require commitment; they do not address variable demand.
✗
Reduce the number of nodes in the cluster.
Why it's wrong here
This could cause performance issues during peak hours.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which DEA-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Data Operations and Support — This question tests Data Operations and Support — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable concurrency scaling to automatically add cluster capacity during peak hours. — Option B is correct because concurrency scaling adds additional capacity on demand and is cost-effective for variable workloads. Option A is incorrect because reserved instances require upfront payment and are for steady-state, not variable. Option C is incorrect because reducing node count may impact performance during peak hours. Option D is incorrect because RA3 nodes are for managed storage, not cost reduction for variable workloads.
What should I do if I get this DEA-C01 question wrong?
Identify which DEA-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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This DEA-C01 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DEA-C01 exam.
Question Discussion
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