Quick Answer
The answer is CPUUtilization. This metric is the first to check after an RDS migration because it directly indicates whether the instance is resource-constrained, often revealing that the on-premises workload is now competing for CPU cycles in a smaller or differently configured RDS instance. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your ability to prioritize performance troubleshooting steps, with a common trap being to jump to FreeableMemory or DatabaseConnections first. Remember that while memory pressure and connection limits matter, CPU saturation is typically the initial bottleneck after a migration, especially when queries suddenly slow down. A useful memory tip: think “CPU first, memory second” — if the CPU is pegged, no other resource tuning will help until you scale up or optimize queries.
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of monitoring and troubleshooting. 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 company is migrating an on-premises Oracle database to Amazon RDS for Oracle. After migration, the application team reports that queries are slower than before. Which metric in CloudWatch should the DBA review first to check if the instance is resource-constrained?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
SwapUsage
Why wrong: Swap usage indicates memory pressure, but CPU is more likely to be the first issue.
CPUUtilization
High CPU could indicate resource contention affecting query performance.
FreeableMemory
Why wrong: Memory pressure is possible, but CPU is often the first bottleneck to check.
DatabaseConnections
Why wrong: Connection count does not directly measure resource usage.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
CPUUtilization
Option A is correct because CPUUtilization is a primary indicator of resource saturation. Option B is wrong because DatabaseConnections shows concurrent connections, not resource usage. Option C is wrong because FreeableMemory is important but CPU is more likely the first bottleneck. Option D is wrong because SwapUsage is relevant but not the first metric to check.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
SwapUsage
Why it's wrong here
Swap usage indicates memory pressure, but CPU is more likely to be the first issue.
CPUUtilization
Why this is correct
High CPU could indicate resource contention affecting query performance.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
FreeableMemory
Why it's wrong here
Memory pressure is possible, but CPU is often the first bottleneck to check.
DatabaseConnections
Why it's wrong here
Connection count does not directly measure resource usage.
Common exam traps
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
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. ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement. 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
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Monitoring and Troubleshooting — This question tests Monitoring and Troubleshooting — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
The correct answer is: CPUUtilization — Option A is correct because CPUUtilization is a primary indicator of resource saturation. Option B is wrong because DatabaseConnections shows concurrent connections, not resource usage. Option C is wrong because FreeableMemory is important but CPU is more likely the first bottleneck. Option D is wrong because SwapUsage is relevant but not the first metric to check.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This DBS-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 DBS-C01 exam.
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