- A
Create a global secondary index on every attribute to support any query pattern.
Why wrong: Unnecessary indexes increase write costs and storage.
- B
Split hot partitions manually to distribute write traffic.
Why wrong: DynamoDB automatically splits partitions; manual splitting is not supported.
- C
Use a composite key design with a sort key to enable efficient querying.
Composite keys allow efficient range queries and data organization.
- D
Use DynamoDB Auto Scaling to adjust read/write capacity based on traffic.
Auto Scaling helps manage provisioned throughput efficiently.
- E
Enable DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) to improve read performance for frequently accessed items.
DAX provides in-memory caching for faster reads.
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.
Which THREE of the following are best practices for managing Amazon DynamoDB tables with provisioned throughput?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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 a composite key design with a sort key to enable efficient querying.
Options C, D, and E are correct. Option A is incorrect because creating a global secondary index on every attribute incurs additional costs and storage, and not every query pattern requires an index; GSIs should be designed based on actual access patterns. Option B is incorrect because DynamoDB automatically manages partitions; manual partition splitting is not supported. Option C is correct because a composite key design (partition key and sort key) enables efficient querying using the sort key for filtering and sorting. Option D is correct because DynamoDB Auto Scaling automatically adjusts read/write capacity based on actual traffic, helping to maintain performance without manual intervention. Option E is correct because DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) provides in-memory caching for frequently accessed items, reducing read latency and improving performance.
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.
- ✗
Create a global secondary index on every attribute to support any query pattern.
Why it's wrong here
Unnecessary indexes increase write costs and storage.
- ✗
Split hot partitions manually to distribute write traffic.
Why it's wrong here
DynamoDB automatically splits partitions; manual splitting is not supported.
- ✓
Use a composite key design with a sort key to enable efficient querying.
Why this is correct
Composite keys allow efficient range queries and data organization.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Use DynamoDB Auto Scaling to adjust read/write capacity based on traffic.
Why this is correct
Auto Scaling helps manage provisioned throughput efficiently.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Enable DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) to improve read performance for frequently accessed items.
Why this is correct
DAX provides in-memory caching for faster reads.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
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 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.
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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 a composite key design with a sort key to enable efficient querying. — Options C, D, and E are correct. Option A is incorrect because creating a global secondary index on every attribute incurs additional costs and storage, and not every query pattern requires an index; GSIs should be designed based on actual access patterns. Option B is incorrect because DynamoDB automatically manages partitions; manual partition splitting is not supported. Option C is correct because a composite key design (partition key and sort key) enables efficient querying using the sort key for filtering and sorting. Option D is correct because DynamoDB Auto Scaling automatically adjusts read/write capacity based on actual traffic, helping to maintain performance without manual intervention. Option E is correct because DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) provides in-memory caching for frequently accessed items, reducing read latency and improving performance.
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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
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