Quick Answer
The correct metric to examine first is db.load.avg, because it directly represents the average number of active sessions, which is the most reliable indicator of database workload and query contention. When an RDS for PostgreSQL instance shows high CPU utilization, db.load.avg reveals how many sessions are actively waiting or running, allowing you to pinpoint the specific queries driving the load through Performance Insights’ top SQL feature. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty exam, this metric tests your understanding that CPU spikes are often a symptom of underlying query concurrency, not just raw CPU usage—a common trap is looking for a non-existent db.cpu.avg metric. Remember, db.load.avg is your load lens: it shows active sessions, not just CPU cycles, so you can trace high CPU back to the queries causing the bottleneck. A simple memory tip is “load equals active sessions,” which helps you avoid confusing it with network or session count metrics.
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of monitoring and troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
An administrator is troubleshooting an Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL instance that is experiencing high CPU utilization. The administrator has enabled Performance Insights. Which metric should be examined first to identify the queries consuming the most CPU?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
db.sessions
Why wrong: This is not a Performance Insights metric.
db.cpu.avg
Why wrong: This is not a standard Performance Insights metric.
db.load.avg
This metric shows the average number of active sessions and is key for identifying high-load queries.
db.bytes_sent
Why wrong: This is a metric for network throughput, not CPU.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
db.load.avg
Option B is correct because the 'db.load.avg' metric in Performance Insights shows the average number of active sessions, which helps identify queries causing high load. Option A is incorrect because 'db.cpu.avg' is not a standard Performance Insights metric. Option C is incorrect because 'db.sessions' is not a standard metric. Option D is incorrect because 'db.bytes_sent' relates to network throughput, not CPU.
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.
db.sessions
Why it's wrong here
This is not a Performance Insights metric.
db.cpu.avg
Why it's wrong here
This is not a standard Performance Insights metric.
db.load.avg
Why this is correct
This metric shows the average number of active sessions and is key for identifying high-load queries.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
db.bytes_sent
Why it's wrong here
This is a metric for network throughput, not CPU.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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.
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FAQ
Monitoring and Troubleshooting — This question tests Monitoring and Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: db.load.avg — Option B is correct because the 'db.load.avg' metric in Performance Insights shows the average number of active sessions, which helps identify queries causing high load. Option A is incorrect because 'db.cpu.avg' is not a standard Performance Insights metric. Option C is incorrect because 'db.sessions' is not a standard metric. Option D is incorrect because 'db.bytes_sent' relates to network throughput, not CPU.
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.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 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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