The answer is the source PostgreSQL database configured with logical replication, an AWS DMS replication instance, and an Aurora PostgreSQL target database. These three components are required for AWS DMS migration to Aurora because DMS uses logical replication slots on the source to capture ongoing changes, ensuring minimal downtime through continuous synchronization. The replication instance acts as the engine that reads the change data from the source and applies it to the target Aurora cluster. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of the core DMS architecture for homogeneous migrations, where AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) is unnecessary since both databases are PostgreSQL, and a VPN is optional rather than mandatory. A common trap is assuming SCT is always required, but it is only needed for heterogeneous migrations. Memory tip: think “Source, Service, Target” — the three S’s of DMS: Source with replication, Service (replication instance), and Target Aurora.
DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of deployment and migration. 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.
A company is migrating a 500 GB PostgreSQL database from on-premises to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. They need to minimize downtime and ensure that all data changes made during migration are synchronized. Which three components are required for this migration? (Choose THREE.)
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
✓
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) replication instance
Options A, B, and D are correct. AWS DMS performs the migration with ongoing replication. An Aurora PostgreSQL target database is needed. The source database must be configured to allow replication. Option C is wrong because SCT is not needed when source and target are both PostgreSQL. Option E is wrong because a VPN is optional, not required.
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.
✓
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) replication instance
Why this is correct
DMS orchestrates the migration and replication.
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.
✗
AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT)
Why it's wrong here
Not required because both source and target are PostgreSQL.
✓
Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL cluster as the target
Why this is correct
The target database must be created before migration.
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.
✓
Source PostgreSQL database configured with logical replication
Why this is correct
Required for ongoing replication via DMS.
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.
✗
AWS VPN connection between on-premises and AWS
Why it's wrong here
VPN is not required; DMS can work over the internet with proper security.
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 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: AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) replication instance — Options A, B, and D are correct. AWS DMS performs the migration with ongoing replication. An Aurora PostgreSQL target database is needed. The source database must be configured to allow replication. Option C is wrong because SCT is not needed when source and target are both PostgreSQL. Option E is wrong because a VPN is optional, not required.
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.
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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