- A
Enable DynamoDB Streams and use Lambda functions to replicate changes to tables in the other two regions
Why wrong: Custom Streams + Lambda replication works but is operationally complex. Always choose Global Tables (managed service) over custom Lambda pipelines for cross-region DynamoDB replication on SAA-C03.
- B
Configure DynamoDB Global Tables with replica tables in each of the three regions
Global Tables provides managed multi-region multi-active replication with sub-second propagation and automatic conflict resolution. No custom code required.
- C
Create DynamoDB read replicas in each region and use the primary table for all writes
Why wrong: DynamoDB does not support read-only replicas like RDS. Global Tables creates full replica tables that support both reads and writes in each region.
- D
Use Amazon S3 cross-region replication to back up DynamoDB exports to each region
Why wrong: S3 replication copies objects between buckets. DynamoDB exports to S3 are periodic and batch-oriented — not real-time active database replication.
Quick Answer
The answer is DynamoDB Global Tables, which provide multi-active replication across regions for low latency reads and writes. This solution is correct because Global Tables use a multi-master architecture where each region maintains a full replica, allowing applications to read and write locally while changes propagate to all other regions within seconds, typically under one second. On the SAA-C03 exam, this question tests your understanding of managed vs. custom replication—a common trap is choosing DynamoDB Streams with Lambda, which Global Tables uses internally but requires you to build and manage the replication logic yourself, adding operational overhead. The exam emphasizes selecting fully managed services to reduce complexity, so remember: when you see multi-region, multi-active, and sub-second propagation, think Global Tables. Memory tip: “Global Tables = global writes, local latency, no custom code.”
SAA-C03 Practice Question: DynamoDB Global Tables provides managed…
This SAA-C03 practice question tests your understanding of design high-performing architectures. 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: dynamoDB Global Tables provides managed multi-region multi-active replication. 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 needs to replicate a DynamoDB table to three AWS regions so that users in each region can read and write to a local copy with the lowest possible latency. Changes must propagate to all regions within seconds. Which solution should a solutions architect implement?
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
Configure DynamoDB Global Tables with replica tables in each of the three regions
DynamoDB Global Tables provide multi-region, multi-active (multi-master) replication. Each region maintains a full replica of the table, and applications can read and write to any region with local latency. Changes propagate to all other regions typically within one second. DynamoDB Streams + Lambda is the underlying mechanism that Global Tables uses internally, but building a custom replication pipeline adds significant operational complexity. Global Tables is the managed, purpose-built solution requiring no custom code.
Key principle: DynamoDB Global Tables provides managed multi-region multi-active replication
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 DynamoDB Streams and use Lambda functions to replicate changes to tables in the other two regions
Why it's wrong here
Custom Streams + Lambda replication works but is operationally complex. Always choose Global Tables (managed service) over custom Lambda pipelines for cross-region DynamoDB replication on SAA-C03.
- ✓
Configure DynamoDB Global Tables with replica tables in each of the three regions
Why this is correct
Global Tables provides managed multi-region multi-active replication with sub-second propagation and automatic conflict resolution. No custom code required.
Related concept
DynamoDB Global Tables provides managed multi-region multi-active replication
- ✗
Create DynamoDB read replicas in each region and use the primary table for all writes
Why it's wrong here
DynamoDB does not support read-only replicas like RDS. Global Tables creates full replica tables that support both reads and writes in each region.
- ✗
Use Amazon S3 cross-region replication to back up DynamoDB exports to each region
Why it's wrong here
S3 replication copies objects between buckets. DynamoDB exports to S3 are periodic and batch-oriented — not real-time active database replication.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
DynamoDB Streams captures item-level changes and can be processed by Lambda to replicate to other regions — this is a valid DIY approach. But when the question asks for multi-region multi-active replication with minimal complexity, Global Tables is the correct answer. Streams is the mechanism; Global Tables is the managed service. Always choose the managed service over DIY for SAA-C03.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DynamoDB Global Tables features: - Multi-active: reads AND writes in every replica region (active-active, not active-passive) - Conflict resolution: last-writer-wins by timestamp (automatic) - Propagation: typically < 1 second cross-region - Requirements: DynamoDB Streams must be enabled (handled automatically) - Capacity: On-Demand or Provisioned with Auto Scaling Global Tables vs Streams + Lambda: - Complexity: Low (managed) vs High (custom Lambda fan-out, error handling, idempotency) - Multi-active writes: Yes (both) - Conflict resolution: Automatic LWW vs Custom logic - New region addition: Automatic bootstrap vs Manual setup
KKey Concepts to Remember
- DynamoDB Global Tables provides managed multi-region multi-active replication
- All replica regions accept both reads and writes simultaneously (active-active)
- Conflict resolution uses last-writer-wins by timestamp — automatic, no custom code
- Changes propagate within seconds across all replicas
- DynamoDB Streams must be enabled for Global Tables (handled automatically)
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
DynamoDB Global Tables provides managed multi-region multi-active replication
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.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SAA-C03 question test?
Design High-Performing Architectures — This question tests Design High-Performing Architectures — DynamoDB Global Tables provides managed multi-region multi-active replication.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure DynamoDB Global Tables with replica tables in each of the three regions — DynamoDB Global Tables provide multi-region, multi-active (multi-master) replication. Each region maintains a full replica of the table, and applications can read and write to any region with local latency. Changes propagate to all other regions typically within one second. DynamoDB Streams + Lambda is the underlying mechanism that Global Tables uses internally, but building a custom replication pipeline adds significant operational complexity. Global Tables is the managed, purpose-built solution requiring no custom code.
What should I do if I get this SAA-C03 question wrong?
Review dynamoDB Global Tables provides managed multi-region multi-active replication, then practise related SAA-C03 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
DynamoDB Global Tables provides managed multi-region multi-active replication
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Last reviewed: May 17, 2026
This SAA-C03 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 SAA-C03 exam.
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