Quick Answer
The answer is AWS Database Migration Service (DMS). For a small 10 GB MySQL database with a 1 Gbps connection, DMS provides the fastest migration method because it performs a live, continuous replication with minimal downtime and handles schema conversion automatically, requiring no manual scripting or data dump steps. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your ability to match the right tool to the scenario’s constraints—specifically, the need for speed and low manual effort. A common trap is choosing mysqldump, which forces downtime and manual intervention, or Snowball, which is overkill for 10 GB. Remember: DMS is the only fully managed, zero-downtime option for small database migrations to RDS. Memory tip: “DMS = Direct Migration Speed” for small, fast moves.
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of deployment and migration. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 10 GB MySQL database to Amazon RDS for MySQL. They have a 1 Gbps connection to AWS. The migration must be completed in the least amount of time with minimal manual effort. Which tool should be used?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT).
Why wrong: SCT converts schema, not data.
AWS Snowball Edge.
Why wrong: Overkill for 10 GB; network transfer is faster and simpler.
mysqldump and mysql command-line tools.
Why wrong: While functional, this requires manual steps and the database must be offline during export.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS).
DMS automates the migration process and can complete quickly over high bandwidth.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS).
Option A is correct because AWS DMS is a fully managed service that can migrate data efficiently with minimal manual effort. Option B is wrong because mysqldump requires manual steps and downtime. Option C is wrong because SCT is for schema conversion, not data migration. Option D is wrong because Snowball is overkill for 10 GB.
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.
AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT).
Why it's wrong here
SCT converts schema, not data.
AWS Snowball Edge.
Why it's wrong here
Overkill for 10 GB; network transfer is faster and simpler.
mysqldump and mysql command-line tools.
Why it's wrong here
While functional, this requires manual steps and the database must be offline during export.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS).
Why this is correct
DMS automates the migration process and can complete quickly over high bandwidth.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 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
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.
Deployment and Migration — study guide chapter
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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: AWS Database Migration Service (DMS). — Option A is correct because AWS DMS is a fully managed service that can migrate data efficiently with minimal manual effort. Option B is wrong because mysqldump requires manual steps and downtime. Option C is wrong because SCT is for schema conversion, not data migration. Option D is wrong because Snowball is overkill for 10 GB.
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.
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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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