- A
Take an EBS snapshot of the MongoDB volume and restore it to DocumentDB.
Why wrong: EBS snapshots are for Amazon EC2 volumes and cannot be directly restored to DocumentDB. This approach is not applicable.
- B
Set up MongoDB replication from the source to DocumentDB, then promote DocumentDB.
Why wrong: DocumentDB does not support native MongoDB replication. While the option suggests replication, it is not feasible; DMS is required for ongoing sync.
- C
Export the database using mongodump and import using mongorestore into DocumentDB.
Why wrong: Export/import with mongodump and mongorestore can be used but results in significant downtime during the export and import process, especially for a 200 GB database.
- D
Use AWS DMS to migrate data from MongoDB to DocumentDB.
AWS DMS with ongoing replication (CDC) allows initial load and continuous sync, minimizing downtime. This is the recommended approach for large databases requiring minimal interruption.
Migrate MongoDB to Amazon DocumentDB Using Native Replication
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of deployment and migration. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: aWS DMS (Database Migration Service). 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 MongoDB database to Amazon DocumentDB. They have a 200 GB database and need to minimize downtime. Which migration approach is most appropriate?
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 DMS to migrate data from MongoDB to DocumentDB.
AWS DMS with ongoing replication (change data capture) is the most appropriate migration approach for minimizing downtime when migrating a 200 GB MongoDB database to Amazon DocumentDB. DMS can perform an initial load and then continuously replicate ongoing changes from the source MongoDB to the target DocumentDB until cutover, resulting in near-zero downtime. Option B is incorrect because native MongoDB replication is not supported by DocumentDB; DocumentDB cannot join a MongoDB replica set.
Key principle: AWS DMS (Database Migration Service)
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Take an EBS snapshot of the MongoDB volume and restore it to DocumentDB.
Why it's wrong here
EBS snapshots are for Amazon EC2 volumes and cannot be directly restored to DocumentDB. This approach is not applicable.
- ✗
Set up MongoDB replication from the source to DocumentDB, then promote DocumentDB.
Why it's wrong here
DocumentDB does not support native MongoDB replication. While the option suggests replication, it is not feasible; DMS is required for ongoing sync.
- ✗
Export the database using mongodump and import using mongorestore into DocumentDB.
Why it's wrong here
Export/import with mongodump and mongorestore can be used but results in significant downtime during the export and import process, especially for a 200 GB database.
- ✓
Use AWS DMS to migrate data from MongoDB to DocumentDB.
Why this is correct
AWS DMS with ongoing replication (CDC) allows initial load and continuous sync, minimizing downtime. This is the recommended approach for large databases requiring minimal interruption.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
AWS DMS (Database Migration Service)
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates may think that native MongoDB replication to DocumentDB is possible, but DocumentDB uses a different replication mechanism and cannot act as a MongoDB replica. The correct tool for minimal downtime migration is AWS DMS with ongoing replication.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
MongoDB replication to DocumentDB works by configuring the DocumentDB cluster as a replica set member of the source MongoDB replica set, using the MongoDB wire protocol and oplog synchronization. The DocumentDB cluster replays oplog entries in near real-time, and once the replication lag is negligible, the cutover involves stopping writes to the source, waiting for final oplog sync, and promoting DocumentDB to primary. This approach is documented in the AWS whitepaper on migrating MongoDB to DocumentDB and is the recommended strategy for minimizing downtime.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- AWS DMS (Database Migration Service)
- Ongoing Replication (CDC)
- Change Data Capture (CDC)
- DocumentDB Compatibility
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
AWS DMS (Database Migration Service)
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. AWS DMS (Database Migration Service) 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 aWS DMS (Database Migration Service), then practise related DBS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — AWS DMS (Database Migration Service).
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS DMS to migrate data from MongoDB to DocumentDB. — AWS DMS with ongoing replication (change data capture) is the most appropriate migration approach for minimizing downtime when migrating a 200 GB MongoDB database to Amazon DocumentDB. DMS can perform an initial load and then continuously replicate ongoing changes from the source MongoDB to the target DocumentDB until cutover, resulting in near-zero downtime. Option B is incorrect because native MongoDB replication is not supported by DocumentDB; DocumentDB cannot join a MongoDB replica set.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review aWS DMS (Database Migration Service), 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?
AWS DMS (Database Migration Service)
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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