Quick Answer
The correct answer is to implement DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) for caching. DAX acts as an in-memory cache that sits between your application and DynamoDB, dramatically reducing read latency by serving frequently accessed items from memory instead of hitting the underlying table, which directly lowers ReadThrottleEvents. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of read-specific throttling solutions versus common distractors like increasing write capacity or enabling Streams, which do not address read bottlenecks. A frequent trap is assuming auto scaling alone handles all throttling, but DAX is the targeted fix for bursty read patterns that exceed provisioned read capacity units. Memory tip: think “DAX for reads, not writes” — the acronym itself can remind you that DAX Accelerates reads by caching.
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 using Amazon DynamoDB with auto scaling. The application is experiencing increased read latency. The monitoring shows that the ReadThrottleEvents metric is high. Which action should the company take to reduce read throttling?
Implement DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) for caching.
DAX caches reads, reducing pressure on the table.
Switch the table to on-demand capacity mode.
Why wrong: On-demand may not reduce throttling if workload is bursty; also cost may increase.
Enable DynamoDB Streams on the table.
Why wrong: Streams are for change data capture, not throttling.
Increase the write capacity units.
Why wrong: Write capacity does not affect read throttling.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Implement DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) for caching.
Option C is correct because DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) reduces read latency and throttling by caching. Option A is wrong because increasing write capacity doesn't help reads. Option B is wrong because enabling Streams may add overhead. Option D is wrong because switching to on-demand may increase cost but not necessarily fix throttling if workload is bursty.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Implement DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) for caching.
Why this is correct
DAX caches reads, reducing pressure on the table.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Switch the table to on-demand capacity mode.
Why it's wrong here
On-demand may not reduce throttling if workload is bursty; also cost may increase.
Enable DynamoDB Streams on the table.
Why it's wrong here
Streams are for change data capture, not throttling.
Increase the write capacity units.
Why it's wrong here
Write capacity does not affect read throttling.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
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.
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FAQ
Monitoring and Troubleshooting — This question tests Monitoring and Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Implement DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) for caching. — Option C is correct because DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) reduces read latency and throttling by caching. Option A is wrong because increasing write capacity doesn't help reads. Option B is wrong because enabling Streams may add overhead. Option D is wrong because switching to on-demand may increase cost but not necessarily fix throttling if workload is bursty.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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