- A
Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) to migrate the database to a new instance with the new version.
Correct. AWS DMS can migrate to a new RDS instance with a new major version while minimizing downtime through continuous replication and a cutover.
- B
Create a Read Replica of the DB instance with the new version, promote it to a standalone instance, and then redirect application traffic.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Amazon RDS for SQL Server does not support creating a Read Replica with a different major version. This approach is not viable.
- C
Take a snapshot of the DB instance and restore it with the new version.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Taking a snapshot and restoring it with the new version causes downtime during the restore process.
- D
Modify the DB instance directly and apply the new version during the maintenance window.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Modifying the DB instance directly for a major version upgrade causes downtime during the upgrade process.
DBS-C01 Major version upgrade Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of management and operations. 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. A key principle to apply: major version upgrade. 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 running an Amazon RDS for SQL Server DB instance. The database administrator needs to perform a major version upgrade. What is the recommended approach to minimize downtime?
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 choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) to migrate the database to a new instance with the new version.
For Amazon RDS for SQL Server, creating a Read Replica with a different major version is not supported. Therefore, the recommended approach to minimize downtime is to use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) to migrate the database to a new instance with the new version. DMS allows for minimal downtime by continuously replicating data and then switching over. Options C and D cause significant downtime during the snapshot/restore or direct upgrade process.
Key principle: Major version upgrade
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) to migrate the database to a new instance with the new version.
Why this is correct
Correct. AWS DMS can migrate to a new RDS instance with a new major version while minimizing downtime through continuous replication and a cutover.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Major version upgrade
- ✗
Create a Read Replica of the DB instance with the new version, promote it to a standalone instance, and then redirect application traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Amazon RDS for SQL Server does not support creating a Read Replica with a different major version. This approach is not viable.
- ✗
Take a snapshot of the DB instance and restore it with the new version.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Taking a snapshot and restoring it with the new version causes downtime during the restore process.
- ✗
Modify the DB instance directly and apply the new version during the maintenance window.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Modifying the DB instance directly for a major version upgrade causes downtime during the upgrade process.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates may assume that Read Replicas can be used for major version upgrades on all RDS engines, but SQL Server does not support cross-version Read Replicas.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Major version upgrade
- AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
- Read Replica
TExam Day Tips
- 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
Major version upgrade
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. Major version upgrade 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.
Review major version upgrade, then practise related DBS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Management and Operations — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Management and Operations — This question tests Management and Operations — Major version upgrade.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) to migrate the database to a new instance with the new version. — For Amazon RDS for SQL Server, creating a Read Replica with a different major version is not supported. Therefore, the recommended approach to minimize downtime is to use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) to migrate the database to a new instance with the new version. DMS allows for minimal downtime by continuously replicating data and then switching over. Options C and D cause significant downtime during the snapshot/restore or direct upgrade process.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review major version upgrade, then practise related DBS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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?
Major version upgrade
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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