The answer is to configure an Auto Scaling policy for Aurora Replicas and modify the application to use the reader endpoint. This is the most cost-effective solution because it offloads the analytical query to read replicas, directly reducing CPU load on the Aurora primary instance while leveraging Aurora’s built-in distributed architecture for read scaling. Since the application tolerates eventual consistency, using the reader endpoint ensures that read traffic is routed to replicas without impacting primary write performance. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Aurora’s read replica scaling and the distinction between reader and cluster endpoints—a common trap is choosing to upgrade the primary instance size, which is more expensive and unnecessary when read replicas can handle the load. Remember the memory tip: “Reader endpoint for reads, cluster endpoint for writes—offload to replicas to save costs.”
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 database administrator notices that an Amazon Aurora MySQL DB cluster's primary instance is experiencing high CPU utilization due to a long-running analytical query. The application can tolerate eventual consistency. What is the MOST cost-effective solution to reduce CPU load on the primary instance?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure an Auto Scaling policy for Aurora Replicas and modify the application to use the reader endpoint.
Offloading read queries to Aurora Replicas is cost-effective and reduces primary load without additional infrastructure.
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.
✓
Configure an Auto Scaling policy for Aurora Replicas and modify the application to use the reader endpoint.
Why this is correct
Aurora Replicas share the same storage and can offload SELECT queries.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Create a read replica in a different region and route read traffic there.
Why it's wrong here
Cross-region replicas add latency and cost; not needed for eventual consistency.
✗
Increase the instance size of the primary instance.
Why it's wrong here
Scaling up is expensive and doesn't offload queries; it just gives more capacity.
✗
Enable Aurora Parallel Query on the cluster.
Why it's wrong here
Parallel Query offloads scan operations to Aurora storage, but is not as cost-effective as using replicas.
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 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
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: Configure an Auto Scaling policy for Aurora Replicas and modify the application to use the reader endpoint. — Offloading read queries to Aurora Replicas is cost-effective and reduces primary load without additional infrastructure.
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: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
Question Discussion
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