Quick Answer
The answer is to use AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) for schema and code conversion, then AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) for the data migration. This combination is correct because AWS SCT handles the complex stored procedures and Oracle-specific schema constructs, converting them into Aurora PostgreSQL-compatible code, while AWS DMS performs the bulk data transfer of the 1 TB database efficiently within the 4-hour downtime window. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the division of labor between SCT and DMS: SCT addresses the schema and code conversion challenges, and DMS handles the continuous or one-time data load. A common trap is assuming DMS alone can convert schema or that a native PostgreSQL dump is faster, but SCT is essential for complex procedural logic. Remember the memory tip: SCT for the structure and code, DMS for the data and load.
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 is migrating an on-premises Oracle database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. The database is 1 TB and has complex stored procedures. The migration must be completed within a 4-hour downtime window. Which migration approach is most efficient?
Use AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) to convert schema only.
Why wrong: Does not migrate data.
Use AWS SCT to convert schema and code, then AWS DMS for data migration.
SCT converts schema/code, DMS migrates data.
Use Oracle Data Pump to export and pg_restore to import.
Why wrong: Does not convert stored procedures.
Use AWS DMS with ongoing replication.
Why wrong: DMS does not convert stored procedures.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use AWS SCT to convert schema and code, then AWS DMS for data migration.
Option B is correct because AWS SCT converts the Oracle schema and complex stored procedures to Aurora PostgreSQL-compatible code, while AWS DMS performs the full data migration within the 4-hour window. This combination handles both schema/code conversion and bulk data transfer efficiently, meeting the time constraint.
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.
Use AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) to convert schema only.
Why it's wrong here
Does not migrate data.
Use AWS SCT to convert schema and code, then AWS DMS for data migration.
Why this is correct
SCT converts schema/code, DMS migrates data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Use Oracle Data Pump to export and pg_restore to import.
Why it's wrong here
Does not convert stored procedures.
Use AWS DMS with ongoing replication.
Why it's wrong here
DMS does not convert stored procedures.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may think DMS alone can handle the entire migration, overlooking that schema and stored procedure conversion is a prerequisite that SCT must address first.
Detailed technical explanation
AWS SCT uses a built-in assessment report to identify and convert Oracle PL/SQL stored procedures to PostgreSQL PL/pgSQL, handling constructs like cursors and exception blocks. AWS DMS uses change data capture (CDC) for ongoing replication, but for a one-time migration, it performs a full load using parallel threads to maximize throughput, often achieving speeds of several TB per hour depending on network and instance size.
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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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: Use AWS SCT to convert schema and code, then AWS DMS for data migration. — Option B is correct because AWS SCT converts the Oracle schema and complex stored procedures to Aurora PostgreSQL-compatible code, while AWS DMS performs the full data migration within the 4-hour window. This combination handles both schema/code conversion and bulk data transfer efficiently, meeting the time constraint.
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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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company is migrating an on-premises Oracle database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. The database contains a large table that is partitioned by date. The company wants to minimize downtime during migration and ensure compatibility. Which TWO actions should the company take?
mediumWhy A: AWS DMS with ongoing replication (change data capture) allows continuous synchronization from the source Oracle database to the target Aurora PostgreSQL, minimizing downtime by keeping the target nearly up-to-date until the final cutover. This approach supports large partitioned tables and reduces the migration window compared to a full load only.
Variation 2. A company is migrating an on-premises Oracle database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. The database is 2 TB and has a daily change rate of 10%. They have a 1 Gbps network connection to AWS. They want to minimize downtime during the migration. Which migration approach should they use?
mediumWhy B: AWS DMS can perform continuous replication from Oracle to Aurora PostgreSQL with minimal downtime. Option A is wrong because pg_dump/restore would require a long downtime for the initial load and catch-up. Option B is wrong because an Aurora read replica cannot be created from an external Oracle database. Option D is wrong because the Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) is for schema conversion, not data migration.
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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