- A
Create an Aurora MySQL read replica from the external MySQL instance using binlog replication
This allows near-zero downtime replication.
- B
Take a physical backup of the source database and restore to Aurora
Why wrong: This requires downtime during backup and restore.
- C
Create an Aurora clone from the source database
Why wrong: Aurora clone is for cloning existing Aurora clusters, not for migration from MySQL.
- D
Use AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) with ongoing replication
DMS supports minimal downtime migration with CDC.
- E
Enable binlog replication on the source MySQL instance
Why wrong: This is a prerequisite but not a complete migration method.
Question 237 of 1,730
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 MySQL database to Amazon Aurora MySQL. The migration must be completed with minimal downtime. Which TWO methods can achieve this? (Choose two.)
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
✓
Create an Aurora MySQL read replica from the external MySQL instance using binlog replication
Option A is correct because you can set up an external MySQL instance as a replication source for an Amazon Aurora MySQL read replica using binary log (binlog) replication. This allows the Aurora cluster to stay synchronized with the source database with minimal downtime, as you only need to stop writes on the source and promote the Aurora replica when ready. Option D is correct because AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) supports ongoing replication using change data capture (CDC) to keep the target Aurora database continuously synchronized with the source MySQL database, enabling a migration with minimal downtime. Options B, C, and E are incorrect: taking a physical backup and restoring (B) or creating an Aurora clone from the source (C) would require downtime; enabling binlog replication alone (E) is not sufficient—it must be used with a replication setup or a service like DMS.
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.
- ✓
Create an Aurora MySQL read replica from the external MySQL instance using binlog replication
Why this is correct
This allows near-zero downtime replication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Take a physical backup of the source database and restore to Aurora
Why it's wrong here
This requires downtime during backup and restore.
- ✗
Create an Aurora clone from the source database
Why it's wrong here
Aurora clone is for cloning existing Aurora clusters, not for migration from MySQL.
- ✓
Use AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) with ongoing replication
Why this is correct
DMS supports minimal downtime migration with CDC.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable binlog replication on the source MySQL instance
Why it's wrong here
This is a prerequisite but not a complete migration method.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think enabling binlog replication alone (Option E) is sufficient for migration, but it is only a prerequisite; the actual migration requires a replication channel or a service like DMS to consume the binlog stream.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Binlog replication uses the MySQL binary log to capture changes on the source, and Aurora MySQL can act as a replica by connecting to the source's binlog stream. AWS DMS with ongoing replication uses change data capture (CDC) to continuously replicate transactions from the source to the target, allowing a near-zero downtime cutover. Both methods require careful monitoring of replication lag and proper handling of schema changes to avoid conflicts.
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.
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
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create an Aurora MySQL read replica from the external MySQL instance using binlog replication — Option A is correct because you can set up an external MySQL instance as a replication source for an Amazon Aurora MySQL read replica using binary log (binlog) replication. This allows the Aurora cluster to stay synchronized with the source database with minimal downtime, as you only need to stop writes on the source and promote the Aurora replica when ready. Option D is correct because AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) supports ongoing replication using change data capture (CDC) to keep the target Aurora database continuously synchronized with the source MySQL database, enabling a migration with minimal downtime. Options B, C, and E are incorrect: taking a physical backup and restoring (B) or creating an Aurora clone from the source (C) would require downtime; enabling binlog replication alone (E) is not sufficient—it must be used with a replication setup or a service like DMS.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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