Quick Answer
The answer is enabling DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) as the most cost-effective solution for read throttling. DAX acts as an in-memory cache that absorbs read-heavy, read-once, read-many workloads, dramatically reducing the number of expensive read capacity units consumed from the underlying DynamoDB table. By serving repeated reads from its cache, DAX offloads demand from the table’s provisioned capacity, eliminating throttling without requiring any increase in read capacity units. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between scaling strategies and caching—a common trap is choosing auto-scaling or On-Demand capacity, which both increase cost for predictable workloads, whereas DAX lowers cost by reducing the read load itself. Remember the mnemonic: “Cache the reads, not the fees”—DAX caches reads to keep costs low.
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of monitoring and troubleshooting. 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 DevOps engineer notices that an Amazon DynamoDB table's read capacity is frequently throttled during peak hours. The table has read-once, read-many workload. Which action is MOST cost-effective to reduce throttling?
Enable auto-scaling for read capacity
Why wrong: Auto-scaling helps but still consumes capacity; DAX is more cost-effective.
Enable DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX)
DAX caches reads, reducing read load on the table.
Switch to On-Demand capacity mode
Why wrong: On-Demand may be more expensive for steady workloads.
Increase the provisioned read capacity units
Why wrong: This increases cost without addressing root cause.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enable DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX)
Option B is correct because DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) caches reads, reducing read capacity consumption. Option A is wrong because increasing read capacity costs more. Option C is wrong because auto-scaling still incurs cost. Option D is wrong because changing to On-Demand may be more expensive for predictable workloads.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Enable auto-scaling for read capacity
Why it's wrong here
Auto-scaling helps but still consumes capacity; DAX is more cost-effective.
Enable DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX)
Why this is correct
DAX caches reads, reducing read load on the table.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Switch to On-Demand capacity mode
Why it's wrong here
On-Demand may be more expensive for steady workloads.
Increase the provisioned read capacity units
Why it's wrong here
This increases cost without addressing root cause.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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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FAQ
Monitoring and Troubleshooting — This question tests Monitoring and Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Enable DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) — Option B is correct because DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) caches reads, reducing read capacity consumption. Option A is wrong because increasing read capacity costs more. Option C is wrong because auto-scaling still incurs cost. Option D is wrong because changing to On-Demand may be more expensive for predictable workloads.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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