- A
Implement application-level retries with exponential backoff and a queue.
Why wrong: Retries handle throttling but do not prevent it; queuing may introduce latency.
- B
Switch the table to on-demand capacity mode.
Why wrong: On-demand mode can handle spikes but is more expensive for predictable traffic.
- C
Increase the provisioned write capacity to the expected peak.
Why wrong: Manual adjustment is not automatic and may waste resources during low traffic.
- D
Enable DynamoDB auto scaling with a target utilization of 70%.
Auto scaling automatically adjusts capacity to handle traffic spikes.
Question 548 of 1,730
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.
A company is using Amazon DynamoDB for a gaming application. During a new game launch, write traffic spikes and some users receive 'ProvisionedThroughputExceededException' errors. The company wants to handle these spikes automatically and cost-effectively. What should be done?
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
✓
Enable DynamoDB auto scaling with a target utilization of 70%.
Option D is correct because DynamoDB auto scaling with a target utilization of 70% allows the table to automatically adjust provisioned write capacity in response to traffic spikes, handling the increased load without manual intervention. This approach is cost-effective as it scales down during low traffic periods, avoiding over-provisioning. The target utilization of 70% provides a buffer to absorb sudden spikes while maintaining 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.
- ✗
Implement application-level retries with exponential backoff and a queue.
Why it's wrong here
Retries handle throttling but do not prevent it; queuing may introduce latency.
- ✗
Switch the table to on-demand capacity mode.
Why it's wrong here
On-demand mode can handle spikes but is more expensive for predictable traffic.
- ✗
Increase the provisioned write capacity to the expected peak.
Why it's wrong here
Manual adjustment is not automatic and may waste resources during low traffic.
- ✓
Enable DynamoDB auto scaling with a target utilization of 70%.
Why this is correct
Auto scaling automatically adjusts capacity to handle traffic spikes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose on-demand capacity mode (Option B) thinking it is always the best for unpredictable traffic, but the question emphasizes cost-effectiveness, and auto scaling provides a cheaper alternative for workloads with some predictability or sustained baseline traffic.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DynamoDB auto scaling uses the AWS Application Auto Scaling service to adjust provisioned capacity based on CloudWatch metrics like ConsumedWriteCapacityUnits, with a target utilization (e.g., 70%) that triggers scaling policies. Under the hood, auto scaling has a cooldown period to prevent rapid fluctuations, and it can take several minutes to scale up, so it works best when spikes are not instantaneous. In real-world gaming launches, combining auto scaling with a small buffer of reserved capacity can help absorb the initial burst before scaling kicks in.
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 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.
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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: Enable DynamoDB auto scaling with a target utilization of 70%. — Option D is correct because DynamoDB auto scaling with a target utilization of 70% allows the table to automatically adjust provisioned write capacity in response to traffic spikes, handling the increased load without manual intervention. This approach is cost-effective as it scales down during low traffic periods, avoiding over-provisioning. The target utilization of 70% provides a buffer to absorb sudden spikes while maintaining performance.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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