- A
AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) with ongoing replication from Oracle to Aurora PostgreSQL
AWS DMS can perform a one-time migration and then use ongoing replication to keep the target in sync with the source, minimizing downtime.
- B
AWS Data Pipeline to export data from Oracle and import into Aurora PostgreSQL
Why wrong: Data Pipeline is not designed for database migrations and does not support ongoing replication.
- C
AWS Schema Conversion Tool (AWS SCT) to convert the schema and then use native PostgreSQL tools to migrate data
Why wrong: AWS SCT converts schema but does not handle ongoing replication; native tools may require significant downtime.
- D
AWS Glue to extract data from Oracle and load into Aurora PostgreSQL
Why wrong: AWS Glue is an ETL service, not optimized for database migrations with minimal downtime.
Quick Answer
The answer is AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) with ongoing replication from Oracle to Aurora PostgreSQL. This is correct because DMS’s change data capture (CDC) capability continuously replicates live transactions from the source Oracle database to the target Aurora PostgreSQL after the initial full load, allowing the nightly batch job to keep running with minimal interruption and ensuring transactional consistency for data integrity. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of near-zero-downtime migration strategies, often contrasting DMS with CDC against offline tools like native dump-and-load or AWS SCT alone, which require application downtime. A common trap is choosing AWS SCT only, but SCT handles schema conversion, not ongoing data replication. Remember the memory tip: “DMS with CDC keeps the data flowing while the batch keeps going.”
DBS-C01 Workload-Specific Database Design Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of workload-specific database design. 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 financial services company is migrating its Oracle database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. The database runs a critical batch processing job every night that updates millions of rows. The company needs the migration to minimize downtime and ensure data integrity. Which AWS service should the database specialist use to perform the migration?
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
AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) with ongoing replication from Oracle to Aurora PostgreSQL
AWS DMS with ongoing replication (change data capture, CDC) is the correct choice because it enables a near-zero-downtime migration by continuously replicating changes from the source Oracle database to the target Aurora PostgreSQL while the source remains fully operational. After the initial full load, DMS applies ongoing transactions, allowing you to cut over with minimal interruption. This directly addresses the requirement to minimize downtime for the nightly batch job and ensures data integrity through transactional consistency.
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.
- ✓
AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) with ongoing replication from Oracle to Aurora PostgreSQL
Why this is correct
AWS DMS can perform a one-time migration and then use ongoing replication to keep the target in sync with the source, minimizing downtime.
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.
- ✗
AWS Data Pipeline to export data from Oracle and import into Aurora PostgreSQL
Why it's wrong here
Data Pipeline is not designed for database migrations and does not support ongoing replication.
- ✗
AWS Schema Conversion Tool (AWS SCT) to convert the schema and then use native PostgreSQL tools to migrate data
Why it's wrong here
AWS SCT converts schema but does not handle ongoing replication; native tools may require significant downtime.
- ✗
AWS Glue to extract data from Oracle and load into Aurora PostgreSQL
Why it's wrong here
AWS Glue is an ETL service, not optimized for database migrations with minimal downtime.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse AWS DMS with ETL tools like Glue or Data Pipeline, assuming any data movement service can handle live migrations, but only DMS provides the transactional consistency and CDC required for near-zero-downtime database migrations.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
AWS DMS uses Oracle LogMiner or binary reader APIs to capture changes from Oracle redo logs, enabling low-latency CDC without impacting source performance. For large batch jobs that update millions of rows, DMS can be configured with task settings like 'ParallelApplyBufferSize' and 'BatchApplyEnabled' to optimize apply throughput on Aurora PostgreSQL. A real-world scenario: during the initial full load, DMS creates a consistent snapshot using Oracle's Flashback Query or a consistent read point, then seamlessly transitions to CDC, ensuring no data loss even if the batch job runs mid-migration.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Workload-Specific Database Design — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Workload-Specific Database Design practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All DBS-C01 questions
1,730 questions across all exam domains
- →
AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
DBS-C01 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related DBS-C01 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Workload-Specific Database Design practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to Workload-Specific Database Design.
Deployment and Migration practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to Deployment and Migration.
Management and Operations practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to Management and Operations.
Monitoring and Troubleshooting practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to Monitoring and Troubleshooting.
Database Security practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to Database Security.
DBS-C01 fundamentals practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to DBS-C01 fundamentals.
DBS-C01 scenario practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to DBS-C01 scenario.
DBS-C01 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to DBS-C01 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free DBS-C01 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Workload-Specific Database Design — This question tests Workload-Specific Database Design — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) with ongoing replication from Oracle to Aurora PostgreSQL — AWS DMS with ongoing replication (change data capture, CDC) is the correct choice because it enables a near-zero-downtime migration by continuously replicating changes from the source Oracle database to the target Aurora PostgreSQL while the source remains fully operational. After the initial full load, DMS applies ongoing transactions, allowing you to cut over with minimal interruption. This directly addresses the requirement to minimize downtime for the nightly batch job and ensures data integrity through transactional consistency.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
4 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 is migrating a 3 TB Oracle database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. The database has a heavy OLTP workload with many small transactions. The migration must have minimal downtime. Which TWO strategies should the company use? (Choose two.)
hard- A.Convert the database to Amazon Aurora MySQL instead.
- B.Create an Aurora read replica from the Oracle database.
- ✓ C.Use AWS DMS with ongoing replication to capture and apply changes.
- D.Use AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) to convert the schema.
- ✓ E.Set the target database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL.
Why C: Options A and D are correct. AWS DMS with ongoing replication allows minimal downtime by replicating changes from Oracle to Aurora. Using Aurora PostgreSQL provides better compatibility with Oracle via the Babelfish feature? Actually, Babelfish is for SQL Server, not Oracle. But Aurora PostgreSQL supports many Oracle features. Option B is wrong because SCT helps assess but doesn't handle ongoing replication. Option C is wrong because converting to Aurora MySQL would require additional compatibility changes. Option E is wrong because a read replica cannot be created from Oracle.
Variation 2. A company is migrating a large Oracle database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. They need to minimize downtime and validate data consistency after migration. Which THREE steps should they include in their migration plan? (Choose THREE.)
hard- A.Create multiple Aurora Replicas for read scaling during migration.
- B.Perform a homogeneous migration directly from Oracle to Aurora.
- ✓ C.Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) with ongoing replication to keep the target in sync.
- ✓ D.Use AWS DMS data validation to compare source and target data.
- ✓ E.Use AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) to convert the Oracle schema to PostgreSQL.
Why C: Option A (AWS DMS with ongoing replication) minimizes downtime. Option B (Schema Conversion Tool) helps convert Oracle schema to PostgreSQL. Option D (data validation) ensures consistency. Option C (homogeneous migration) is not needed; DMS works. Option E (Aurora Replicas) is for read scaling, not migration.
Variation 3. A company is migrating an on-premises Oracle OLTP database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. The database has a complex schema with stored procedures, triggers, and sequences. During the migration, the team notices that the conversion tool reports several incompatibilities. Which strategy should the team use to handle the database schema changes with minimal downtime?
medium- A.Deploy Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL with Babelfish to run Oracle PL/SQL code natively.
- ✓ B.Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) with the AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) to convert the schema and migrate data, then handle remaining incompatibilities during a cutover window.
- C.Use pg_dump and pg_restore to migrate the schema, and then test and fix any errors.
- D.Manually rewrite all stored procedures and triggers to PostgreSQL syntax before migration.
Why B: Option B is correct because AWS DMS can handle ongoing replication after initial load, and the AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) can convert schema. Option A is wrong because converting manually is error-prone and time-consuming. Option C is wrong because Babelfish is for SQL Server, not Oracle. Option D is wrong because writing a custom script is not recommended given available tools.
Variation 4. A company is migrating an on-premises Oracle database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. The database is used for a financial application that requires complex joins and transactions. Which migration strategy is MOST appropriate?
medium- A.Use AWS DMS with native Oracle to PostgreSQL endpoint
- B.Use Oracle GoldenGate to replicate data to Aurora PostgreSQL
- ✓ C.Use AWS SCT to convert the schema and AWS DMS to migrate data
- D.Use pg_dump to export the Oracle database and restore to Aurora PostgreSQL
Why C: Option C is correct because AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) is required to convert the Oracle schema (including complex joins and transaction logic) to a PostgreSQL-compatible format, and AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) performs the ongoing data migration with minimal downtime. This combination handles both schema transformation and data replication for heterogeneous migrations, which is essential for a financial application with complex joins and transactions.
Keep practising
More DBS-C01 practice questions
- Match each AWS service to its primary purpose.
- A company needs to migrate a 100 GB MongoDB database to Amazon DocumentDB (with MongoDB compatibility). The migration mu…
- A company is designing a database for an IoT application that ingests sensor data from thousands of devices. Each device…
- Arrange the steps to troubleshoot a connection timeout issue from an EC2 instance to an Amazon RDS for SQL Server DB ins…
- Arrange the steps to configure a read replica for an Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL DB instance in a different AWS Region in…
- Arrange the steps to perform a point-in-time recovery (PITR) for an Amazon RDS for MySQL DB instance in the correct orde…
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.