- A
AWS Secrets Manager
AWS Secrets Manager can store and automatically rotate RDS credentials.
- B
AWS Key Management Service (KMS)
Why wrong: AWS KMS manages encryption keys, not secrets, so it cannot centrally manage database credentials.
- C
IAM database authentication
Why wrong: IAM database authentication allows using IAM users/roles to authenticate to RDS without storing credentials, but it does not centrally manage credentials or automate rotation.
- D
AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store
AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store can store RDS credentials as SecureString parameters, but it does not have built-in rotation (though you can use Lambda for rotation).
- E
AWS CloudHSM
Why wrong: AWS CloudHSM provides hardware security modules for key storage, not for managing database credentials.
DBS-C01 AWS Secrets Manager Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of database security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. A key principle to apply: aWS Secrets Manager. 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.
Which TWO AWS services can be used to centrally manage database credentials and automate rotation for Amazon RDS? (Choose two.)
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 Secrets Manager
Options A and D are correct. AWS Secrets Manager provides native automated rotation for RDS credentials, while AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store (SecureString) can centrally store encrypted credentials and support automated rotation when combined with a custom AWS Lambda function. Both services allow centralized management of database credentials, and with additional configuration, both can automate rotation. Option B (AWS KMS) is incorrect because KMS manages encryption keys, not secrets. Option C (IAM database authentication) is incorrect because it eliminates the need for stored credentials but does not centrally manage or rotate them. Option E (AWS CloudHSM) is incorrect because it provides hardware security modules for key storage, not secret management.
Key principle: AWS Secrets Manager
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 Secrets Manager
Why this is correct
AWS Secrets Manager can store and automatically rotate RDS credentials.
Related concept
AWS Secrets Manager
- ✗
AWS Key Management Service (KMS)
Why it's wrong here
AWS KMS manages encryption keys, not secrets, so it cannot centrally manage database credentials.
- ✗
IAM database authentication
Why it's wrong here
IAM database authentication allows using IAM users/roles to authenticate to RDS without storing credentials, but it does not centrally manage credentials or automate rotation.
- ✓
AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store
Why this is correct
AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store can store RDS credentials as SecureString parameters, but it does not have built-in rotation (though you can use Lambda for rotation).
Related concept
AWS Secrets Manager
- ✗
AWS CloudHSM
Why it's wrong here
AWS CloudHSM provides hardware security modules for key storage, not for managing database credentials.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common trap is assuming only AWS Secrets Manager can support automated rotation. However, AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store can also achieve rotation through custom automation (e.g., Lambda), making it a valid answer for this question.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- AWS Secrets Manager
- AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store
- IAM database authentication
- Automated rotation
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
AWS Secrets Manager
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review aWS Secrets Manager, then practise related DBS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Database Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — AWS Secrets Manager.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: AWS Secrets Manager — Options A and D are correct. AWS Secrets Manager provides native automated rotation for RDS credentials, while AWS Systems Manager Parameter Store (SecureString) can centrally store encrypted credentials and support automated rotation when combined with a custom AWS Lambda function. Both services allow centralized management of database credentials, and with additional configuration, both can automate rotation. Option B (AWS KMS) is incorrect because KMS manages encryption keys, not secrets. Option C (IAM database authentication) is incorrect because it eliminates the need for stored credentials but does not centrally manage or rotate them. Option E (AWS CloudHSM) is incorrect because it provides hardware security modules for key storage, not secret management.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review aWS Secrets Manager, then practise related DBS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
AWS Secrets Manager
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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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