The answer is to create Aurora Replicas and distribute read traffic to them, as this directly offloads read queries from the primary instance to improve performance for read-heavy workloads. Aurora Replicas share the same cluster volume as the primary, so there is no data replication lag, and you can use Auto Scaling to dynamically adjust the number of replicas based on demand. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this concept tests your understanding of Aurora’s distinct scaling architecture versus traditional RDS options—a common trap is confusing Multi-AZ (which provides failover, not read scaling) with Aurora Replicas. Remember, Aurora Replicas scale reads; Multi-AZ ensures availability. For a quick memory tip: think “Replicas for reads, Multi-AZ for resilience.”
DBS-C01 Workload-Specific Database Design Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of workload-specific database design. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which TWO strategies can improve query performance in Amazon Aurora MySQL for a read-heavy workload? (Select TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable Aurora Auto Scaling for read replicas
Aurora Replicas offload read traffic, and Auto Scaling adjusts the number of replicas based on load. Option C (Multi-AZ) is for failover, not read scaling. Option D (EBS optimization) is not applicable to Aurora (uses cluster volume). Option E (DynamoDB) is a different service.
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.
✓
Enable Aurora Auto Scaling for read replicas
Why this is correct
Auto Scaling automatically adjusts the number of replicas based on load.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use Provisioned IOPS EBS volumes for the primary instance
Why it's wrong here
Aurora uses a cluster volume; EBS optimization is not directly applicable.
✗
Enable Multi-AZ to create a standby for read traffic
Why it's wrong here
Multi-AZ standby is not used for reads; it's for failover.
✓
Create Aurora Replicas and distribute read traffic to them
Why this is correct
Aurora Replicas handle read queries, reducing load on the primary.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Migrate the read-heavy queries to Amazon DynamoDB
Why it's wrong here
Migrating to a different database is not a strategy for improving Aurora query performance.
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
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 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.
Workload-Specific Database Design — This question tests Workload-Specific Database Design — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable Aurora Auto Scaling for read replicas — Aurora Replicas offload read traffic, and Auto Scaling adjusts the number of replicas based on load. Option C (Multi-AZ) is for failover, not read scaling. Option D (EBS optimization) is not applicable to Aurora (uses cluster volume). Option E (DynamoDB) is a different service.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
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 uses Amazon Aurora MySQL for its online transaction processing (OLTP) application. Recently, read traffic has increased significantly, causing performance issues. The company wants to offload read traffic with minimal application changes. Which solution should they implement?
medium
A.Enable Multi-AZ deployment
✓ B.Create one or more Aurora Replicas
C.Migrate to Amazon DynamoDB
D.Add an Amazon ElastiCache cluster in front of Aurora
Why B: Aurora Replicas are asynchronous read replicas that can handle read traffic without application changes (just use different endpoint). Option A (Multi-AZ) is for high availability, not read scaling. Option C (ElastiCache) requires application changes. Option D (DynamoDB) would require a full redesign.
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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
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