The answer is to reduce the provisioned read capacity to match actual usage and implement DynamoDB Auto Scaling for the write capacity. This combination directly addresses the cost-performance imbalance: lowering unused read throughput eliminates wasted spend, while Auto Scaling for writes ensures the table dynamically adjusts write capacity to handle peak demand without manual over-provisioning or throttling. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of provisioned capacity optimization versus on-demand pricing—a common trap is assuming on-demand is always cheaper, but for predictable workloads, Auto Scaling paired with right-sized reads is more cost-effective. Remember, you optimize costs by cutting what you don’t use (reads) and automating what you do (writes). A quick memory tip: “Trim the reads, scale the writes” to avoid the on-demand cost spike trap.
DBS-C01 Management and Operations Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of management and operations. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 using Amazon DynamoDB with provisioned capacity. The table's read capacity is consistently underutilized, but the write capacity is frequently maxed out. The team wants to optimize costs while maintaining performance. Which TWO actions should be taken?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use DynamoDB Auto Scaling for write capacity.
Options B and C are correct because using DynamoDB Auto Scaling for writes will adjust capacity based on demand, and reducing provisioned reads to actual usage will save costs. Option A is wrong because switching to on-demand may increase costs if the workload is predictable. Option D is wrong because reducing writes would cause throttling. Option E is wrong because using DAX does not reduce write costs.
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.
✗
Switch the table to on-demand capacity mode.
Why it's wrong here
On-demand may be more expensive for predictable workloads; auto scaling is more cost-effective.
✗
Enable DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) to offload reads.
Why it's wrong here
DAX does not reduce write costs; it only caches reads.
✓
Use DynamoDB Auto Scaling for write capacity.
Why this is correct
Auto Scaling adjusts write capacity to match demand, reducing throttling and cost.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Increase the provisioned write capacity to handle spikes.
Why it's wrong here
Increasing write capacity would increase costs, and spikes can be handled by auto scaling.
✓
Reduce the provisioned read capacity to match actual usage.
Why this is correct
Since reads are underutilized, lowering read capacity saves costs without impacting performance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which DBS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Management and Operations — This question tests Management and Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use DynamoDB Auto Scaling for write capacity. — Options B and C are correct because using DynamoDB Auto Scaling for writes will adjust capacity based on demand, and reducing provisioned reads to actual usage will save costs. Option A is wrong because switching to on-demand may increase costs if the workload is predictable. Option D is wrong because reducing writes would cause throttling. Option E is wrong because using DAX does not reduce write costs.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which DBS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.