- A
Switch from a single-writer cluster to Multi-AZ DB instance to reduce replication lag.
Why wrong: Multi-AZ is for high availability, not for reducing replica lag.
- B
Upgrade the reader instances to a larger instance class to match the writer.
Why wrong: Reader instance size may not be the cause; lag often originates from writer workload.
- C
Use Performance Insights on the reader instances to identify high-load queries causing resource contention.
Performance Insights can pinpoint resource bottlenecks on readers.
- D
Check the binlog retention hours parameter and reduce it if set to a high value.
High binlog retention can increase replication lag; reducing it may help.
- E
Enable slow query logging on the writer instance and analyze long-running transactions.
Long-running transactions on the writer can delay replication to readers.
Quick Answer
The correct answer involves enabling slow query logging on the writer instance, reducing binary log retention, and using Performance Insights on the readers. These three steps directly address the root causes of read replica lag in Amazon Aurora MySQL by identifying long-running transactions that block replication, minimizing the backlog of binary logs that must be applied, and pinpointing resource contention on the reader nodes. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that replica lag is often a writer-side problem, not a reader-side one, and that common traps include assuming Multi-AZ or upgrading reader instances will fix the issue. A key memory tip is "Writer logs, reader metrics, binlog trim" — the writer’s slow queries and binary log retention are the primary levers, while Performance Insights reveals if the reader is starved for CPU or memory.
DBS-C01 Management and Operations Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of management and operations. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 runs an Amazon Aurora MySQL database cluster with a single writer and two readers. The cluster handles critical transactional workloads. Over the past month, the database experienced intermittent read replica lag spikes that caused stale reads in application queries. The database administrator needs to identify the root cause and reduce replica lag. Which THREE steps should the administrator take to diagnose and mitigate the issue?
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
Use Performance Insights on the reader instances to identify high-load queries causing resource contention.
Option A is correct because analyzing slow query logs helps identify long-running queries on the writer that may cause replication delay. Option B is correct because increased binary log retention can lead to lag; reducing it can help. Option C is correct because using Performance Insights on readers reveals resource bottlenecks. Option D is wrong because disabling Multi-AZ does not affect replica lag. Option E is wrong because upgrading readers to the same instance class as the writer may not address the root cause if the issue is on the writer side.
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.
- ✗
Switch from a single-writer cluster to Multi-AZ DB instance to reduce replication lag.
Why it's wrong here
Multi-AZ is for high availability, not for reducing replica lag.
- ✗
Upgrade the reader instances to a larger instance class to match the writer.
Why it's wrong here
Reader instance size may not be the cause; lag often originates from writer workload.
- ✓
Use Performance Insights on the reader instances to identify high-load queries causing resource contention.
Why this is correct
Performance Insights can pinpoint resource bottlenecks on readers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Check the binlog retention hours parameter and reduce it if set to a high value.
Why this is correct
High binlog retention can increase replication lag; reducing it may help.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Enable slow query logging on the writer instance and analyze long-running transactions.
Why this is correct
Long-running transactions on the writer can delay replication to readers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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Management and Operations — study guide chapter
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Management and Operations practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
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: Use Performance Insights on the reader instances to identify high-load queries causing resource contention. — Option A is correct because analyzing slow query logs helps identify long-running queries on the writer that may cause replication delay. Option B is correct because increased binary log retention can lead to lag; reducing it can help. Option C is correct because using Performance Insights on readers reveals resource bottlenecks. Option D is wrong because disabling Multi-AZ does not affect replica lag. Option E is wrong because upgrading readers to the same instance class as the writer may not address the root cause if the issue is on the writer side.
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.
About these practice questions
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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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