Quick Answer
The answer is to enable binary logging with binlog_format = ROW on the on-premises MySQL server. This configuration is required because native MySQL replication relies on the source server’s binary log to record every data change, and Amazon RDS for MySQL specifically mandates row-based logging to support cross-version replication and ensure consistency when replicating from an external master. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the prerequisites for setting up a replication channel to RDS, often appearing in scenario-based questions about minimizing downtime during migrations. A common trap is assuming statement-based or mixed format will work, but RDS only accepts ROW format for external replication. Memory tip: think “ROW your boat to RDS” — row-based logs are the only way to smoothly replicate into the AWS ecosystem.
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of deployment and migration. 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 company is migrating a MySQL database from on-premises to Amazon RDS for MySQL. They want to use native MySQL replication to minimize downtime. Which configuration is required in the on-premises MySQL server?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Enable the slow query log
Why wrong: Slow query log is for performance analysis, not replication.
Enable binary logging with binlog_format = ROW
Binary logging is required for MySQL replication.
Enable the audit log
Why wrong: Audit log is for compliance, not replication.
Enable the error log
Why wrong: Error log is for troubleshooting, not replication.
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 binary logging with binlog_format = ROW
Native MySQL replication requires binary logging on the source server to capture all changes. Setting binlog_format = ROW ensures that row-level changes are logged, which is the recommended format for cross-version replication and is required by Amazon RDS for MySQL to support replication from an external source. Without binary logging enabled, the on-premises MySQL server cannot act as a replication master.
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 the slow query log
Why it's wrong here
Slow query log is for performance analysis, not replication.
Enable binary logging with binlog_format = ROW
Why this is correct
Binary logging is required for MySQL replication.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Enable the audit log
Why it's wrong here
Audit log is for compliance, not replication.
Enable the error log
Why it's wrong here
Error log is for troubleshooting, not replication.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse logging features (slow query log, audit log, error log) with the binary log, which is the only log that provides the change data stream required for native MySQL replication.
Detailed technical explanation
Binary logging with binlog_format = ROW is mandatory for MySQL replication because it records each row change in a format that is independent of SQL statement execution, ensuring consistency even when using different MySQL versions or storage engines. During migration, the on-premises server must also have a replication user with REPLICATION SLAVE and REPLICATION CLIENT privileges, and the binary log files must be retained until the RDS instance has fully caught up. A common real-world scenario is using mysqldump with --master-data to capture the binary log position at the start of the migration.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Enable binary logging with binlog_format = ROW — Native MySQL replication requires binary logging on the source server to capture all changes. Setting binlog_format = ROW ensures that row-level changes are logged, which is the recommended format for cross-version replication and is required by Amazon RDS for MySQL to support replication from an external source. Without binary logging enabled, the on-premises MySQL server cannot act as a replication master.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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