The answer is to create a read replica with the new major version, promote it to primary, and update the application connection string. This strategy minimizes downtime because the read replica is built and synchronized with the primary database in the background, allowing the existing primary to serve traffic until the replica is fully caught up and promoted, at which point the cutover is nearly instantaneous. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to perform a major version upgrade of PostgreSQL RDS with minimal downtime using read replica, specifically distinguishing between methods that cause downtime (like direct in-place upgrades or snapshot restores) and those that do not. A common trap is assuming a snapshot restore is fast enough, but it loses all transactions after the snapshot was taken. Memory tip: think “Replica, Promote, Redirect” — the three-step dance for a zero-downtime major version leap.
DBS-C01 Management and Operations Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of management and operations. 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 runs a production Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL database. The database specialist needs to perform a major version upgrade with minimal downtime. Which strategy should the specialist use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a read replica with the new major version, promote it to primary, and update the application connection string.
Option C is correct because creating a read replica with the new version, promoting it, and then redirecting traffic minimizes downtime. Option A is wrong because it causes downtime. Option B is wrong because modifying the DB instance directly causes downtime during the upgrade. Option D is wrong because snapshot restore takes time and causes data loss for changes after the snapshot.
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 with the new major version, promote it to primary, and update the application connection string.
Why this is correct
This minimizes downtime by using a replica.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Take a snapshot of the database, launch a new instance from the snapshot, and upgrade it.
Why it's wrong here
Snapshot restore takes time and does not include real-time changes.
✗
Modify the DB instance to the new version directly using the AWS Management Console.
Why it's wrong here
Direct modification results in downtime.
✗
Schedule a maintenance window during off-peak hours and apply the upgrade.
Why it's wrong here
This causes downtime during the upgrade.
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.
Management and Operations — This question tests Management and Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a read replica with the new major version, promote it to primary, and update the application connection string. — Option C is correct because creating a read replica with the new version, promoting it, and then redirecting traffic minimizes downtime. Option A is wrong because it causes downtime. Option B is wrong because modifying the DB instance directly causes downtime during the upgrade. Option D is wrong because snapshot restore takes time and causes data loss for changes after the snapshot.
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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