AWS DMS and SCT for SQL Server Database Migration

A company is migrating a 1 TB SQL Server database to Amazon RDS for SQL Server. The migration requires minimal downtime and must support ongoing changes. Which TWO AWS services should be used together to achieve this? (Choose two.)

Quick Answer

The correct answer is AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) and AWS Schema Conversion Tool (AWS SCT). DMS is the core service for migrating data with minimal downtime because it supports ongoing change data capture (CDC), allowing continuous replication of live changes from the source SQL Server to the target Amazon RDS for SQL Server. SCT complements DMS by assessing and automatically converting any incompatible schema objects, such as stored procedures or data types, ensuring the target database is structurally ready for the migration. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this pairing tests your understanding of how to handle both the data plane (DMS) and the schema plane (SCT) for a seamless, low-downtime migration. A common trap is to overlook SCT for homogeneous migrations, but even like-to-like SQL Server moves may require schema adjustments due to version or feature differences. Memory tip: think “DMS moves the data, SCT moves the shape”—together they keep the migration running without interruption.

⚠ Common exam trap

Candidates may think only DMS is needed, but for large datasets like 1 TB, combining DMS with Snowball (offline initial load) enables faster migration while still supporting ongoing replication. Alternatively, pairing DMS with SCT addresses schema conversion. Both combinations are valid, and candidates must recognize that two services are required for this scenario.

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

✓

AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) and AWS Schema Conversion Tool (AWS SCT)

To migrate a 1 TB SQL Server database to Amazon RDS for SQL Server with minimal downtime and ongoing changes, two services are needed. AWS DMS provides continuous replication (change data capture) to keep the target synchronized. For the initial bulk transfer of 1 TB, AWS Snowball can physically move the data offline, reducing network load and accelerating the initial load; DMS then takes over for ongoing changes. Alternatively, DMS can be combined with AWS SCT for schema conversion and optimization, which is useful even when migrating to the same engine. Thus, both options D (DMS+SCT) and E (DMS+Snowball) are correct because they represent valid combinations for achieving minimal-downtime migration with ongoing changes.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✗
AWS Schema Conversion Tool (AWS SCT) and AWS Snowball
Why it's wrong here
Missing DMS for ongoing replication.
✗
AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) and AWS Direct Connect
Why it's wrong here
Direct Connect is a network service, not a migration service.
✗
AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) and AWS Lambda
Why it's wrong here
Lambda is not typically used for database migration.
✓
AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) and AWS Schema Conversion Tool (AWS SCT)
Why this is correct
DMS handles ongoing replication; SCT helps with schema conversion for compatibility.
✓
AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) and AWS Snowball
Why this is correct
Snowball can be used for initial bulk data transfer to reduce migration time, then DMS for ongoing changes.

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Same concept, more angles

1 more way 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 1 TB on-premises SQL Server database to Amazon RDS for SQL Server. The migration must be completed within 24 hours and with minimal downtime. Which TWO approaches should be used? (Choose 2)

medium

A.Use AWS DMS with SSIS packages.
B.Use native backup and restore to S3.
✓ C.Use AWS DMS with ongoing replication (CDC).
✓ D.Use AWS SCT to assess and convert the schema.
E.Use AWS DMS full load only.

Why C: AWS DMS with ongoing replication (CDC) allows you to perform a full load of the existing data and then continuously replicate changes from the source SQL Server database to Amazon RDS for SQL Server, minimizing downtime to just the final cutover window. This approach meets the 24-hour migration window and the requirement for minimal downtime by keeping the target database nearly synchronized with the source until you are ready to switch.

Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026

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