- A
Update the application connection string to point to the Aurora reader endpoint.
Why wrong: Reader endpoint is for read-only workloads.
- B
Use AWS DMS to perform a full load and ongoing replication from SQL Server to Aurora.
DMS handles data migration with minimal downtime.
- C
Create a read replica of the Aurora database in the same region.
Why wrong: Read replica is not needed for migration; it's for read scaling.
- D
Use AWS SCT to convert the SQL Server schema to MySQL-compatible schema.
SCT converts schema and code.
- E
Update the application connection string to point to the Aurora writer endpoint after cutover.
Application must use the new endpoint.
Question 1,644 of 1,730
DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
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 is migrating a 5 TB Microsoft SQL Server database to Amazon Aurora MySQL. The migration must be completed with minimal downtime. Which THREE steps should the company take? (Select THREE.)
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 to perform a full load and ongoing replication from SQL Server to Aurora.
AWS DMS (Database Migration Service) supports ongoing replication (change data capture) from Microsoft SQL Server to Amazon Aurora MySQL, enabling a full load followed by continuous sync of changes. This minimizes downtime by allowing the source database to remain operational until the final cutover, at which point the application switches to the Aurora writer endpoint.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Update the application connection string to point to the Aurora reader endpoint.
Why it's wrong here
Reader endpoint is for read-only workloads.
- ✓
Use AWS DMS to perform a full load and ongoing replication from SQL Server to Aurora.
Why this is correct
DMS handles data migration with minimal downtime.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create a read replica of the Aurora database in the same region.
Why it's wrong here
Read replica is not needed for migration; it's for read scaling.
- ✓
Use AWS SCT to convert the SQL Server schema to MySQL-compatible schema.
Why this is correct
SCT converts schema and code.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Update the application connection string to point to the Aurora writer endpoint after cutover.
Why this is correct
Application must use the new endpoint.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the Aurora reader endpoint (for read replicas) with the writer endpoint (for primary writes), and incorrectly assume a read replica is needed during migration, when in fact the migration requires schema conversion and ongoing replication via DMS.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
AWS DMS uses native SQL Server CDC (Change Data Capture) or transaction log mining to capture ongoing changes without impacting source performance. The full load phase uses bulk insert mechanisms (e.g., BCP for SQL Server) to transfer the initial 5 TB, while ongoing replication applies transactions in near real-time. AWS SCT converts SQL Server-specific constructs like stored procedures, CLR objects, and data types (e.g., DATETIME2 to TIMESTAMP) to MySQL equivalents, and can also assess migration complexity.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Deployment and Migration — study guide chapter
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS DMS to perform a full load and ongoing replication from SQL Server to Aurora. — AWS DMS (Database Migration Service) supports ongoing replication (change data capture) from Microsoft SQL Server to Amazon Aurora MySQL, enabling a full load followed by continuous sync of changes. This minimizes downtime by allowing the source database to remain operational until the final cutover, at which point the application switches to the Aurora writer endpoint.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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