The correct approach is to query the STV_SLICES table to compare disk usage across slices. This works because Amazon Redshift distributes data across slices, which are compute units on each node, and STV_SLICES provides a row per slice showing its disk capacity and used space. By comparing the used space across slices, you can detect data distribution skew—when some slices hold significantly more data than others, causing imbalanced workloads and slow queries. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish system tables for performance troubleshooting; a common trap is confusing STV_SLICES with STL_QUERY (which logs query text) or STV_WLM_SERVICE_STATE (which tracks queue state). CloudWatch metrics like CPUUtilization won’t reveal skew either. Memory tip: think “Slices = Storage” to remember STV_SLICES is for distribution, not query logs or WLM queues.
DBS-C01 Monitoring and Troubleshooting Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of monitoring and troubleshooting. 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's Amazon Redshift cluster is experiencing slow query performance. The cluster has three nodes. The administrator wants to identify if the issue is due to data distribution skew. Which approach should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Query the STV_SLICES table to compare disk usage across slices.
Option A is correct because checking the STV_SLICES table shows disk usage per slice, revealing data distribution skew. Option B is wrong because the STL_QUERY table logs query text, not distribution. Option C is wrong because the STV_WLM_SERVICE_STATE table shows queue state, not distribution. Option D is wrong because CloudWatch metrics like CPUUtilization do not indicate distribution skew.
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.
✗
Examine the STL_QUERY table to analyze query execution times.
Why it's wrong here
STL_QUERY logs query text and times, not distribution.
✗
Check the STV_WLM_SERVICE_STATE table to see current queue state.
Why it's wrong here
STV_WLM_SERVICE_STATE shows queue state, not distribution.
✓
Query the STV_SLICES table to compare disk usage across slices.
Why this is correct
STV_SLICES shows disk usage per slice, indicating skew.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Review CloudWatch metrics for CPUUtilization per node.
Why it's wrong here
CPUUtilization does not directly indicate distribution skew.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
STV_WLM_SERVICE_STATE shows queue state, not distribution.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
Monitoring and Troubleshooting — This question tests Monitoring and Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Query the STV_SLICES table to compare disk usage across slices. — Option A is correct because checking the STV_SLICES table shows disk usage per slice, revealing data distribution skew. Option B is wrong because the STL_QUERY table logs query text, not distribution. Option C is wrong because the STV_WLM_SERVICE_STATE table shows queue state, not distribution. Option D is wrong because CloudWatch metrics like CPUUtilization do not indicate distribution skew.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.