The correct approaches are using the EXPLAIN command to review the query execution plan and checking for table locks. EXPLAIN reveals how Redshift will execute a query, showing join types, data distribution, and scan methods, which directly pinpoints why a query is slow—for example, a sequential scan over a large table or a costly nested loop join. Checking for table locks is equally critical because a locked table forces queries to wait, mimicking performance issues. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between troubleshooting actions and design or maintenance tasks; a common trap is confusing VACUUM (which reclaims disk space) or DISTSTYLE (a table design choice) with real-time troubleshooting. Remember that troubleshooting a slow query always starts with understanding the plan and checking for concurrency issues, not with altering table structures or enabling encryption. A useful memory tip is “Plan and Lock” – if a query drags, check the plan first, then check for a lock.
DEA-C01 Data Operations and Support Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data operations and support. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Which TWO are valid approaches to troubleshoot a slow Amazon Redshift query? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check for table locks using STV_LOCKS.
Options B and D are correct. Using EXPLAIN to review the query plan and checking for table locks are troubleshooting steps. Option A is wrong because VACUUM reclaims space, not directly troubleshoots slow queries. Option C is wrong because DISTSTYLE is a design choice, not a troubleshooting step. Option E is wrong because enabling encryption does not affect query performance.
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.
✓
Check for table locks using STV_LOCKS.
Why this is correct
Locks can cause waits.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enable encryption on the cluster.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption does not affect performance.
✓
Use the EXPLAIN command to review the query execution plan.
Why this is correct
EXPLAIN reveals how the query is executed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Run VACUUM on the table.
Why it's wrong here
VACUUM reclaims space, may help but not a direct troubleshooting step.
✗
Alter the table to change DISTSTYLE to KEY.
Why it's wrong here
This is a design change, not a troubleshooting step.
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 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 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: Check for table locks using STV_LOCKS. — Options B and D are correct. Using EXPLAIN to review the query plan and checking for table locks are troubleshooting steps. Option A is wrong because VACUUM reclaims space, not directly troubleshoots slow queries. Option C is wrong because DISTSTYLE is a design choice, not a troubleshooting step. Option E is wrong because enabling encryption does not affect query performance.
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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