Quick Answer
The answer is to enable binary logging (binlog) on the source MySQL database. AWS DMS reads the binlog to capture ongoing data changes—such as INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE operations—in real time, which is essential for change data capture (CDC) during a migration with minimal downtime. Without binlog enabled, DMS can only perform a one-time full load, failing to support ongoing replication. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this concept tests your understanding of DMS prerequisites for continuous migration scenarios; a common trap is assuming that enabling query logging or general logs suffices, but only the binary log records the sequential row changes DMS needs. Remember the mnemonic: “DMS needs the BIN” for ongoing sync—binlog is non-negotiable for CDC.
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 wants to migrate an on-premises MySQL database to Amazon RDS for MySQL with minimal downtime. They plan to use AWS DMS. Which source database configuration is required to enable ongoing replication (CDC)?
Enable binary logging (binlog) on the source database
Binlog captures changes for CDC.
Set auto_increment_increment to 1
Why wrong: This is for replication conflict avoidance, not required for CDC.
Enable the slow query log
Why wrong: Slow query log is for troubleshooting, not CDC.
Enable the query cache
Why wrong: Query cache is for performance, not CDC.
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 (binlog) on the source database
AWS DMS requires binary logging (binlog) enabled on the source MySQL database to capture ongoing changes for continuous replication (CDC). The binlog records all data modifications (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) in a sequential log, which DMS reads to apply those changes to the target RDS instance with minimal downtime. Without binlog enabled, DMS can only perform a full load migration and cannot support ongoing replication.
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 binary logging (binlog) on the source database
Why this is correct
Binlog captures changes for CDC.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Set auto_increment_increment to 1
Why it's wrong here
This is for replication conflict avoidance, not required for CDC.
Enable the slow query log
Why it's wrong here
Slow query log is for troubleshooting, not CDC.
Enable the query cache
Why it's wrong here
Query cache is for performance, not CDC.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse MySQL's binary log with other logs (slow query log, query cache) or assume that auto-increment settings are required for replication, when in fact only binlog enables the change stream DMS needs for CDC.
Detailed technical explanation
MySQL binlog can operate in ROW, STATEMENT, or MIXED format; for DMS CDC, ROW-based replication is recommended because it captures exact row changes, ensuring consistency even with non-deterministic statements. DMS reads the binlog position (file name and offset) to resume replication after a restart, and the binlog retention period must be long enough to prevent DMS from losing changes during network interruptions or task restarts. In a real-world migration, you must also ensure the binlog_format is set to ROW and binlog_row_image is set to FULL to capture all column values.
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 (binlog) on the source database — AWS DMS requires binary logging (binlog) enabled on the source MySQL database to capture ongoing changes for continuous replication (CDC). The binlog records all data modifications (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) in a sequential log, which DMS reads to apply those changes to the target RDS instance with minimal downtime. Without binlog enabled, DMS can only perform a full load migration and cannot support ongoing replication.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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