Quick Answer
The answer is AWS Database Migration Service (DMS). This is the correct choice because DMS is specifically designed to handle ongoing replication from a source PostgreSQL database to a target Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL, using change data capture (CDC) to continuously apply transactions with minimal downtime. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of migration strategies that require near-zero downtime, often appearing in questions that contrast DMS with other services like AWS Schema Conversion Tool (which handles schema translation, not data replication) or AWS Glue (a general ETL tool). A common trap is confusing DMS with AWS Backup, but remember that Backup is for snapshots, not live replication. Memory tip: DMS = Database Migration Service, and the "S" stands for "Sync" — think of it as the service that keeps your databases in sync during a live cutover.
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.
A company needs to migrate an on-premises PostgreSQL database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL with minimal downtime. Which AWS service should be used for the ongoing replication?
AWS Glue.
Why wrong: Glue is for ETL, not database replication.
AWS Backup.
Why wrong: Backup is for snapshots, not replication.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS).
DMS provides CDC for ongoing replication.
AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT).
Why wrong: Only converts schema.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS).
Option A is correct because AWS DMS supports ongoing replication from PostgreSQL to Aurora. Option B is wrong because it's for schema conversion. Option C is wrong because it's a general ETL tool. Option D is wrong because it's a backup service.
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.
AWS Glue.
Why it's wrong here
Glue is for ETL, not database replication.
AWS Backup.
Why it's wrong here
Backup is for snapshots, not replication.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS).
Why this is correct
DMS provides CDC for ongoing replication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT).
Why it's wrong here
Only converts schema.
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 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
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.
Deployment and Migration — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Deployment and Migration practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All DBS-C01 questions
1,730 questions across all exam domains
AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
DBS-C01 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to Workload-Specific Database Design.
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to Deployment and Migration.
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to Management and Operations.
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to Monitoring and Troubleshooting.
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to Database Security.
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to DBS-C01 fundamentals.
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to DBS-C01 scenario.
Practise DBS-C01 questions linked to DBS-C01 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: AWS Database Migration Service (DMS). — Option A is correct because AWS DMS supports ongoing replication from PostgreSQL to Aurora. Option B is wrong because it's for schema conversion. Option C is wrong because it's a general ETL tool. Option D is wrong because it's a backup service.
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.
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 →
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.
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.