The answer is to use DynamoDB global tables with strongly consistent reads and a global secondary index. This combination is necessary because standard DynamoDB global tables replicate data across multiple AWS Regions using eventual consistency only, meaning a write in one region may not be immediately visible in another. To achieve strong consistency across regions, you must enable the strongly consistent read option on the global table, which is supported in certain regions, and pair it with a global secondary index to enforce the read isolation required for that consistency model. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that global tables do not inherently guarantee strong consistency, and the common trap is assuming DAX or auto scaling can solve cross-region consistency—DAX is a single-region cache, and on-demand capacity mode eliminates the need for auto scaling. Remember the mnemonic “G-G-S” for Global tables, Global secondary index, and Strongly consistent reads to recall the three required steps.
DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of deployment and migration. 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 company is deploying an Amazon DynamoDB table with on-demand capacity mode. The table will be accessed from multiple AWS Regions and requires strong consistency. Which THREE steps should be taken to meet these requirements?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a global secondary index
Options A, B, and D are correct. DynamoDB global tables (A) provide multi-region deployment, but they only support eventual consistency; however, for strong consistency, you need to use DynamoDB global tables with strong consistency (B) which is available in some regions, and you must have a global secondary index (D) to support strong consistent reads. Option C is wrong because DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) is a caching layer that does not provide strong consistency across regions. Option E is wrong because auto scaling is not needed when using on-demand capacity mode.
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.
✓
Create a global secondary index
Why this is correct
GSIs are needed for strong consistent reads on replicated data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX)
Why it's wrong here
DAX is a caching layer, not for replication or strong consistency across regions.
✗
Configure auto scaling
Why it's wrong here
On-demand capacity mode automatically scales, so auto scaling is not needed.
✓
Enable DynamoDB global tables
Why this is correct
Global tables replicate data across regions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Use strongly consistent reads
Why this is correct
Strong consistency is required as per the stem.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which DBS-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.
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a global secondary index — Options A, B, and D are correct. DynamoDB global tables (A) provide multi-region deployment, but they only support eventual consistency; however, for strong consistency, you need to use DynamoDB global tables with strong consistency (B) which is available in some regions, and you must have a global secondary index (D) to support strong consistent reads. Option C is wrong because DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) is a caching layer that does not provide strong consistency across regions. Option E is wrong because auto scaling is not needed when using on-demand capacity mode.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which DBS-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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Question Discussion
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