- A
Use AWS DMS with change data capture and optimize the network by enabling compression
Why wrong: Using DMS with CDC and network optimization may improve speed but still likely exceeds 48 hours due to the 2 TB size and network overhead.
- B
Use AWS S3 to upload the database dump and then load into Aurora
Why wrong: Uploading via S3 over a 1 Gbps link would still take approximately 4.4 hours for 2 TB under ideal conditions, but DMS overhead adds time; also does not address ongoing changes.
- C
Use AWS Snowball Edge to transfer the database dump and then use DMS for change data capture
Correct. Snowball Edge provides fast bulk transfer, and DMS CDC captures changes during and after the transfer, minimizing data loss and meeting the deadline.
- D
Use AWS DMS to perform a full load and then stop replication, accepting some data loss
Why wrong: Full DMS load over network will take ~72 hours, exceeding the deadline, and stopping replication causes data loss, which is not acceptable.
Using AWS Snowball Edge with DMS CDC
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. A key principle to apply: aWS Snowball Edge. 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 a 2 TB Oracle database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. The on-premises database is 2 TB and the network link is 1 Gbps. The migration must complete within 48 hours with minimal data loss. The DBA has extracted the schema using AWS SCT and created an Aurora cluster. The DBA now needs to transfer the data. The DBA tried using AWS DMS over the network but estimates it will take 72 hours due to network overhead. The DBA also considered using an AWS Snowball Edge device but is concerned about the time to order and ship the device. Which approach should the DBA take to meet the deadline?
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 Snowball Edge to transfer the database dump and then use DMS for change data capture
Option C is correct because it combines the speed of Snowball Edge for the initial bulk data transfer (2 TB) with AWS DMS for ongoing change data capture (CDC) to minimize data loss. Although ordering and shipping a Snowball device takes time, once received, the data transfer is much faster than over a 1 Gbps network, which would take over 48 hours. DMS alone (option A) is estimated to take 72 hours, exceeding the deadline. Option B (S3 upload) still relies on network speed and would be too slow. Option D (full load only) abandons CDC and does not meet the minimal data loss requirement.
Key principle: AWS Snowball Edge
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use AWS DMS with change data capture and optimize the network by enabling compression
Why it's wrong here
Using DMS with CDC and network optimization may improve speed but still likely exceeds 48 hours due to the 2 TB size and network overhead.
- ✗
Use AWS S3 to upload the database dump and then load into Aurora
Why it's wrong here
Uploading via S3 over a 1 Gbps link would still take approximately 4.4 hours for 2 TB under ideal conditions, but DMS overhead adds time; also does not address ongoing changes.
- ✓
Use AWS Snowball Edge to transfer the database dump and then use DMS for change data capture
Why this is correct
Correct. Snowball Edge provides fast bulk transfer, and DMS CDC captures changes during and after the transfer, minimizing data loss and meeting the deadline.
Related concept
AWS Snowball Edge
- ✗
Use AWS DMS to perform a full load and then stop replication, accepting some data loss
Why it's wrong here
Full DMS load over network will take ~72 hours, exceeding the deadline, and stopping replication causes data loss, which is not acceptable.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- AWS Snowball Edge
- AWS DMS Change Data Capture (CDC)
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
AWS Snowball Edge
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review aWS Snowball Edge, then practise related DBS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Deployment and Migration — study guide chapter
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Deployment and Migration practice questions
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AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 study guide
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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 — AWS Snowball Edge.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS Snowball Edge to transfer the database dump and then use DMS for change data capture — Option C is correct because it combines the speed of Snowball Edge for the initial bulk data transfer (2 TB) with AWS DMS for ongoing change data capture (CDC) to minimize data loss. Although ordering and shipping a Snowball device takes time, once received, the data transfer is much faster than over a 1 Gbps network, which would take over 48 hours. DMS alone (option A) is estimated to take 72 hours, exceeding the deadline. Option B (S3 upload) still relies on network speed and would be too slow. Option D (full load only) abandons CDC and does not meet the minimal data loss requirement.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review aWS Snowball Edge, then practise related DBS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
AWS Snowball Edge
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on DBS-C01
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 a 5 TB Oracle database to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. They have a 4-hour maintenance window weekly. Which THREE steps should be taken to minimize downtime? (Choose 3)
hard- A.Create an Aurora read replica for testing.
- ✓ B.Use AWS Snowball to transfer the initial data load.
- C.Use AWS Direct Connect for network connectivity.
- ✓ D.Use AWS DMS with change data capture (CDC).
- ✓ E.Use AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) to convert schema.
Why B: Option B is correct because AWS Snowball provides a physical data transfer mechanism that avoids saturating the network for the initial 5 TB load, which could otherwise take days over typical internet connections. This allows the bulk data to be loaded into Amazon S3 and then into Aurora PostgreSQL before the cutover, while AWS DMS with CDC (Option D) captures ongoing changes to keep the target synchronized with the source during the migration window. Option E is correct because the AWS Schema Conversion Tool (SCT) is essential for converting the Oracle schema (including data types, stored procedures, and indexes) to Aurora PostgreSQL-compatible format before data migration begins, ensuring compatibility and reducing downtime during the final sync.
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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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