Quick Answer
The correct answer is to enable the slow query log and analyze the output, as this is the most direct method for identifying query-level bottlenecks in Amazon RDS for MySQL. By capturing every SQL statement that exceeds a defined execution time threshold, the slow query log provides granular insight into exactly which queries are underperforming, including the specific join operations across large tables that are causing delays. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between monitoring tools: Enhanced Monitoring reveals OS-level metrics like CPU and memory, Performance Insights highlights wait events and SQL patterns, and CloudWatch tracks aggregate performance, but only the slow query log targets the exact slow-running queries for troubleshooting. A common trap is to confuse Performance Insights with the slow query log, but remember that Performance Insights shows what is happening now, while the slow query log records what happened and why. Memory tip: “Slow log, slow query—if you want to catch the culprit, check the log.”
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.
A developer is troubleshooting a slow query on Amazon RDS for MySQL. The query joins three large tables and runs frequently. What is the most effective way to identify the bottleneck?
Check the RDS Events for any maintenance notifications
Why wrong: Events do not provide query-level detail.
Review Amazon CloudWatch CPU and memory metrics
Why wrong: These metrics are too high-level.
Enable the slow query log and analyze the output
Slow query log records queries that take longer than a set time.
Use AWS Database Migration Service to migrate to a larger instance
Why wrong: This is a permanent change, not a diagnostic step.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enable the slow query log and analyze the output
Option B is correct because enabling slow query log captures queries that exceed a threshold, allowing analysis. Option A is wrong because Enhanced Monitoring shows OS metrics, not query details. Option C is wrong because Performance Insights shows wait events and SQL, but slow query log specifically targets slow queries. Option D is wrong because CloudWatch metrics show overall performance, not per-query.
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.
Check the RDS Events for any maintenance notifications
Why it's wrong here
Events do not provide query-level detail.
Review Amazon CloudWatch CPU and memory metrics
Why it's wrong here
These metrics are too high-level.
Enable the slow query log and analyze the output
Why this is correct
Slow query log records queries that take longer than a set time.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Use AWS Database Migration Service to migrate to a larger instance
Why it's wrong here
This is a permanent change, not a diagnostic step.
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.
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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: Enable the slow query log and analyze the output — Option B is correct because enabling slow query log captures queries that exceed a threshold, allowing analysis. Option A is wrong because Enhanced Monitoring shows OS metrics, not query details. Option C is wrong because Performance Insights shows wait events and SQL, but slow query log specifically targets slow queries. Option D is wrong because CloudWatch metrics show overall performance, not per-query.
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.
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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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