The answer is to validate target consistency with AWS DMS data validation, pause application writes to drain transactions, and catch up CDC replication before cutover. These three steps directly minimize cutover time during DMS migration with CDC by ensuring the target database is already synchronized and lag-free, allowing the cutover window to be under 30 minutes. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to minimize cutover time in a live migration—a common trap is thinking a full backup is needed, but ongoing CDC makes that redundant, or confusing AWS SCT’s schema conversion role with cutover tasks. Remember the memory tip: “Validate, Drain, Catch Up” to lock in the three correct actions for a fast, low-downtime cutover.
DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
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 5 TB Oracle database to Amazon RDS for Oracle. The migration must have minimal downtime and support a cutover window of less than 30 minutes. The company is using AWS DMS with ongoing CDC. Which THREE steps should be taken to minimize cutover time? (Choose three.)
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure AWS DMS to use ongoing replication and set the target to apply changes until the source is caught up.
Options A, C, and D are correct. Validating data before cutover ensures consistency. Pausing application writes and draining transactions reduces CDC lag. Catching up CDC replication ensures the target is current. Option B is wrong because taking a full backup before cutover is not necessary with CDC. Option E is wrong because AWS SCT is for schema conversion, not for cutover.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Configure AWS DMS to use ongoing replication and set the target to apply changes until the source is caught up.
Why this is correct
Ongoing replication with CDC catches up the target.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✓
Pause application writes to the source database and allow CDC to catch up.
Why this is correct
Pausing writes allows CDC to finish applying changes.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✓
Validate that the target database is consistent with the source using AWS DMS data validation.
Why this is correct
Data validation ensures no discrepancies before cutover.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Take a full backup of the source database and restore it to the target before cutover.
Why it's wrong here
Full backup is not needed if CDC is catching up.
✗
Use AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) to convert remaining schema objects before cutover.
Why it's wrong here
SCT is used earlier in the process, not during cutover.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure AWS DMS to use ongoing replication and set the target to apply changes until the source is caught up. — Options A, C, and D are correct. Validating data before cutover ensures consistency. Pausing application writes and draining transactions reduces CDC lag. Catching up CDC replication ensures the target is current. Option B is wrong because taking a full backup before cutover is not necessary with CDC. Option E is wrong because AWS SCT is for schema conversion, not for cutover.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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