The correct choice is to use mysqldump to export the database and then import it into RDS. This approach works because the --single-transaction flag provides a consistent snapshot of InnoDB tables without locking them, allowing you to migrate MySQL to RDS quickly within a short maintenance window, provided your network bandwidth can handle transferring 500 GB in under two hours. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of native MySQL tools versus AWS-managed services; a common trap is assuming AWS DMS is always faster, but its initial load for large datasets often exceeds tight windows, while physical backups cannot be directly imported into RDS. Remember that mysqldump with --single-transaction is your go-to for a fast, non-disruptive migration when time is critical—just think “dump and go” to avoid overcomplicating the solution.
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 migrating an on-premises MySQL database to Amazon RDS for MySQL. The database uses InnoDB tables and is 500 GB in size. The migration must be completed within a 2-hour maintenance window. Which approach is MOST likely to meet the requirement?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use mysqldump to export the database and then import it into RDS.
Option A is correct because using mysqldump with the --single-transaction flag exports a consistent snapshot without locking tables, and the data can be imported into RDS within the window if network bandwidth is sufficient. Option B is wrong because importing a physical backup from an on-premises database to RDS is not straightforward; RDS does not support backup file import directly. Option C is wrong because AWS DMS requires initial load and may not complete within 2 hours for 500 GB. Option D is wrong because creating a read replica requires the source to be an RDS instance, not on-premises.
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 read replica of the on-premises database and promote it to RDS.
Why it's wrong here
Read replicas cannot be created from on-premises databases.
✓
Use mysqldump to export the database and then import it into RDS.
Why this is correct
mysqldump with --single-transaction provides a consistent export without locking.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use AWS DMS with a full load task.
Why it's wrong here
DMS full load may not finish within 2 hours for 500 GB depending on bandwidth.
✗
Take a physical backup of the data directory and copy it to RDS.
Why it's wrong here
RDS does not support direct import of physical backups from on-premises.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
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: Use mysqldump to export the database and then import it into RDS. — Option A is correct because using mysqldump with the --single-transaction flag exports a consistent snapshot without locking tables, and the data can be imported into RDS within the window if network bandwidth is sufficient. Option B is wrong because importing a physical backup from an on-premises database to RDS is not straightforward; RDS does not support backup file import directly. Option C is wrong because AWS DMS requires initial load and may not complete within 2 hours for 500 GB. Option D is wrong because creating a read replica requires the source to be an RDS instance, not on-premises.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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