- A
Create an Aurora Replica of the on-premises database using cross-Region replication.
Why wrong: Aurora Replicas can only be created from an existing Aurora instance, not from on-premises databases.
- B
Use pg_dump and pg_restore to export and import the database during a maintenance window.
Why wrong: This method requires downtime and cannot achieve near-zero downtime.
- C
Use AWS DMS with ongoing replication to an Aurora DB cluster. Configure the source endpoint with the appropriate connection settings.
DMS supports ongoing replication, and the source endpoint can be configured to connect to the on-premises database.
- D
Use AWS SCT to convert the schema and then perform a full data load using AWS DMS.
Why wrong: While SCT can convert schema, it does not provide the ongoing replication needed for near-zero downtime; DMS alone can handle both schema and data migration.
Quick Answer
The answer is to use AWS DMS with ongoing replication to an Aurora DB cluster, configuring the source endpoint with the appropriate connection settings. This combination achieves near-zero downtime PostgreSQL to Aurora migration using DMS CDC by first performing a full load of the 3 TB database, then continuously applying change data capture from the on-premises source to keep the Aurora target synchronized until cutover. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of heterogeneous migrations and the critical role of ongoing replication for minimizing downtime, while the custom pg_hba.conf restriction is a red herring—DMS simply needs the correct source endpoint credentials and network access. A common trap is selecting an Aurora standby cluster, which cannot be created from on-premises, or assuming a full dump-and-restore is acceptable. Remember the memory tip: “CDC is the key to near-zero downtime; DMS handles the heavy lifting, Aurora is just the destination.”
DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of deployment and migration. 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.
A company is planning to migrate a 3 TB PostgreSQL database from an on-premises data center to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. The migration must have near-zero downtime. The on-premises database is using a custom pg_hba.conf that restricts access to specific IP ranges. Which combination of steps will meet the requirements?
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
Use AWS DMS with ongoing replication to an Aurora DB cluster. Configure the source endpoint with the appropriate connection settings.
Using AWS DMS with ongoing replication from an on-premises source to Aurora is the standard approach for near-zero downtime migrations. The other options either require downtime or are not feasible (e.g., Aurora standby cluster cannot be created from on-premises).
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 Replica of the on-premises database using cross-Region replication.
Why it's wrong here
Aurora Replicas can only be created from an existing Aurora instance, not from on-premises databases.
- ✗
Use pg_dump and pg_restore to export and import the database during a maintenance window.
Why it's wrong here
This method requires downtime and cannot achieve near-zero downtime.
- ✓
Use AWS DMS with ongoing replication to an Aurora DB cluster. Configure the source endpoint with the appropriate connection settings.
Why this is correct
DMS supports ongoing replication, and the source endpoint can be configured to connect to the on-premises database.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Use AWS SCT to convert the schema and then perform a full data load using AWS DMS.
Why it's wrong here
While SCT can convert schema, it does not provide the ongoing replication needed for near-zero downtime; DMS alone can handle both schema and data migration.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DBS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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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 — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS DMS with ongoing replication to an Aurora DB cluster. Configure the source endpoint with the appropriate connection settings. — Using AWS DMS with ongoing replication from an on-premises source to Aurora is the standard approach for near-zero downtime migrations. The other options either require downtime or are not feasible (e.g., Aurora standby cluster cannot be created from on-premises).
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DBS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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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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