- A
Whether the target database is in a different AWS region
Why wrong: Both native tools and DMS can handle cross-region migrations.
- B
Downtime tolerance during migration
Native tools typically require full downtime; DMS can minimize downtime with ongoing replication.
- C
Requirement for ongoing replication to keep the target in sync
DMS supports ongoing replication; native tools do not.
- D
Need to perform complex data transformations during migration
Why wrong: DMS supports transformations; native tools typically do not.
- E
Total size of the database and network bandwidth
Large databases may benefit from native tools' full load speed, but DMS can also handle large volumes.
Question 1,559 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.
Which THREE factors should be considered when choosing between a native database migration tool (e.g., pg_dump) and AWS DMS for migrating a database to Amazon RDS? (Choose three.)
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
✓
Downtime tolerance during migration
Option B is correct because downtime tolerance directly influences the choice between a one-time logical dump (pg_dump) and AWS DMS, which supports minimal-downtime migrations via ongoing replication. pg_dump requires the source database to be read-consistent during the dump, often necessitating a read-only or quiesced state, whereas DMS can perform a full load followed by continuous change data capture (CDC) to keep the target nearly in sync with minimal application downtime.
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.
- ✗
Whether the target database is in a different AWS region
Why it's wrong here
Both native tools and DMS can handle cross-region migrations.
- ✓
Downtime tolerance during migration
Why this is correct
Native tools typically require full downtime; DMS can minimize downtime with ongoing replication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Requirement for ongoing replication to keep the target in sync
Why this is correct
DMS supports ongoing replication; native tools do not.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Need to perform complex data transformations during migration
Why it's wrong here
DMS supports transformations; native tools typically do not.
- ✓
Total size of the database and network bandwidth
Why this is correct
Large databases may benefit from native tools' full load speed, but DMS can also handle large volumes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume AWS DMS can perform complex data transformations like an ETL tool, when in fact DMS only supports simple column mappings and transformations, not multi-table joins or business logic rewrites.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
pg_dump uses a single-threaded logical export that captures a snapshot of the database at a point in time, which can be slow for multi-terabyte databases and requires the source to be in a consistent state. AWS DMS uses a multi-threaded full-load engine and leverages native database CDC mechanisms (e.g., PostgreSQL logical replication slots, Oracle LogMiner) to capture ongoing changes, enabling sub-minute RPO. A real-world scenario: migrating a 5 TB PostgreSQL database with a 30-minute downtime window would favor DMS with CDC, as pg_dump alone could take hours to complete the dump and restore.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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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: Downtime tolerance during migration — Option B is correct because downtime tolerance directly influences the choice between a one-time logical dump (pg_dump) and AWS DMS, which supports minimal-downtime migrations via ongoing replication. pg_dump requires the source database to be read-consistent during the dump, often necessitating a read-only or quiesced state, whereas DMS can perform a full load followed by continuous change data capture (CDC) to keep the target nearly in sync with minimal application downtime.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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