Quick Answer
Amazon DocumentDB with MongoDB compatibility is the correct choice because it is a fully managed, MongoDB-compatible database service that delivers automated patching and backups out of the box. This service supports the MongoDB wire protocol and drivers, enabling existing MongoDB applications to migrate with minimal code changes while offloading administrative overhead like patching, backup, and replication to AWS. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of managed database services versus self-managed options; a common trap is to select Amazon EC2 running MongoDB manually, which lacks automated patching and backups. The key distinction is that DocumentDB is purpose-built for MongoDB compatibility as a managed service, whereas EC2 requires you to handle all operational tasks yourself. Memory tip: think “DocumentDB = Document-oriented + DB as a Service” — if the question says “fully managed” and “MongoDB compatible,” your answer is DocumentDB.
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of workload-specific database design. 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 wants to run a MongoDB-compatible database on AWS with automated patching and backups. Which service should they choose?
Amazon DocumentDB (with MongoDB compatibility)
Fully managed MongoDB-compatible database.
Self-managed MongoDB on Amazon EC2
Why wrong: Not fully managed; requires manual patching and backups.
Amazon DynamoDB
Why wrong: NoSQL but not MongoDB-compatible.
Amazon RDS for MySQL
Why wrong: Relational, not MongoDB-compatible.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Amazon DocumentDB (with MongoDB compatibility)
Amazon DocumentDB with MongoDB compatibility is the correct choice because it is a fully managed, MongoDB-compatible database service that provides automated patching and backups. It supports the MongoDB wire protocol and drivers, allowing existing MongoDB applications to migrate with minimal changes while offloading administrative tasks like patching, backup, and replication to AWS.
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.
Amazon DocumentDB (with MongoDB compatibility)
Why this is correct
Fully managed MongoDB-compatible database.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Self-managed MongoDB on Amazon EC2
Why it's wrong here
Not fully managed; requires manual patching and backups.
Amazon DynamoDB
Why it's wrong here
NoSQL but not MongoDB-compatible.
Amazon RDS for MySQL
Why it's wrong here
Relational, not MongoDB-compatible.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse Amazon DocumentDB's MongoDB compatibility with full feature parity, but DocumentDB does not support all MongoDB features (e.g., some aggregation pipeline stages or change streams), so the exam expects you to recognize it as the only managed MongoDB-compatible option with automated patching and backups.
Detailed technical explanation
Amazon DocumentDB implements the MongoDB wire protocol (version 3.6 and 4.0) and uses a distributed, fault-tolerant storage architecture with six copies of data across three Availability Zones. Automated backups are enabled by default with a 35-day retention period, and patching is applied during configurable maintenance windows, ensuring compliance without manual intervention. In real-world scenarios, this allows teams to lift-and-shift MongoDB workloads without rewriting application code, while gaining AWS-managed infrastructure benefits.
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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Workload-Specific Database Design — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Workload-Specific Database Design — This question tests Workload-Specific Database Design — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Amazon DocumentDB (with MongoDB compatibility) — Amazon DocumentDB with MongoDB compatibility is the correct choice because it is a fully managed, MongoDB-compatible database service that provides automated patching and backups. It supports the MongoDB wire protocol and drivers, allowing existing MongoDB applications to migrate with minimal changes while offloading administrative tasks like patching, backup, and replication to AWS.
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 24, 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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