- A
Use AWS DMS with a full load task, then cut over the application to RDS.
Why wrong: Full load only does not capture changes made during the migration, leading to data loss.
- B
Set up MySQL replication from the on-premises database to RDS, then promote the RDS instance when ready.
Replication captures ongoing changes, minimizing downtime and ensuring data consistency.
- C
Create an RDS read replica of the on-premises database, then promote it to a standalone instance.
Why wrong: RDS read replicas cannot be created from an external MySQL instance; they only work within RDS.
- D
Use mysqldump to export the database and mysql command to import into RDS during a maintenance window.
Why wrong: This requires the source database to be offline during export, causing downtime.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to set up MySQL replication from the on-premises database to Amazon RDS, then promote the RDS instance when ready. This approach is ideal for a MySQL migration with heavy writes and zero data loss because native replication continuously streams binary log changes from the source to the target, capturing every transaction as it happens. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to achieve near-zero downtime migration without requiring the source to be read-only, which is a common trap—many candidates mistakenly choose a dump and reload, forgetting that heavy write traffic would cause data loss during the lock. Another frequent pitfall is assuming AWS DMS with full load alone can handle ongoing changes, but it misses writes after the initial load unless you also configure ongoing replication. Remember the memory tip: “Replicate, don’t dump; keep the writes pumping.”
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 wants to migrate an on-premises MySQL database to Amazon RDS for MySQL. The database is 500 GB and experiences heavy write traffic. They need to minimize downtime and ensure no data loss. Which approach should they take?
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 choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Set up MySQL replication from the on-premises database to RDS, then promote the RDS instance when ready.
Option D is correct because setting up MySQL replication from on-premises to RDS allows near-zero downtime migration. Option A is wrong because a dump and reload requires the source to be read-only. Option B is wrong because AWS DMS with full load only does not capture ongoing changes. Option C is wrong because creating a read replica from on-premises is not supported; RDS read replicas are only for RDS instances.
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.
- ✗
Use AWS DMS with a full load task, then cut over the application to RDS.
Why it's wrong here
Full load only does not capture changes made during the migration, leading to data loss.
- ✓
Set up MySQL replication from the on-premises database to RDS, then promote the RDS instance when ready.
Why this is correct
Replication captures ongoing changes, minimizing downtime and ensuring data consistency.
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.
- ✗
Create an RDS read replica of the on-premises database, then promote it to a standalone instance.
Why it's wrong here
RDS read replicas cannot be created from an external MySQL instance; they only work within RDS.
- ✗
Use mysqldump to export the database and mysql command to import into RDS during a maintenance window.
Why it's wrong here
This requires the source database to be offline during export, causing downtime.
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.
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Deployment and Migration — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
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: Set up MySQL replication from the on-premises database to RDS, then promote the RDS instance when ready. — Option D is correct because setting up MySQL replication from on-premises to RDS allows near-zero downtime migration. Option A is wrong because a dump and reload requires the source to be read-only. Option B is wrong because AWS DMS with full load only does not capture ongoing changes. Option C is wrong because creating a read replica from on-premises is not supported; RDS read replicas are only for RDS instances.
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.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on DBS-C01
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company wants to migrate an on-premises MySQL database to Amazon RDS for MySQL with minimal downtime. The database is 500 GB and has moderate write activity. Which approach is MOST suitable?
medium- ✓ A.Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) with a full load and ongoing replication.
- B.Use mysqldump to export the database, then import into RDS.
- C.Use AWS Server Migration Service (SMS) to migrate the database server.
- D.Create a read replica of the on-premises database and promote it to RDS.
Why A: Option C is correct because AWS DMS with ongoing replication allows continuous data synchronization from on-premises to RDS, enabling a cutover with minimal downtime. Option A is wrong because taking a snapshot of the on-premises database and restoring to RDS would require downtime during backup and restore, and does not capture ongoing changes. Option B is wrong because AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) supports homogeneous migrations like MySQL to MySQL, not just heterogeneous. Option D is wrong because exporting to a dump file and importing requires downtime and does not handle ongoing writes.
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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