The correct choice is to use AWS DMS with ongoing replication via change data capture (CDC) to minimize downtime for a SQL Server migration. This approach works because CDC continuously captures and applies incremental changes from the source database to the target after the initial full load, keeping both databases synchronized in near real-time. When you’re ready to cut over, you only need a brief pause to apply any final lagging transactions, making the downtime negligible. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to architect a low-downtime migration strategy, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose a full-load-only option or validation steps. The key trap is confusing validation with synchronization—validation checks data integrity but does not reduce cutover time. Memory tip: think “CDC = Continuous Data Catch-up” to remember that ongoing replication is what slashes downtime.
SAP-C02 Practice Question: Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of accelerate workload migration and modernization. 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 critical application to AWS and needs to ensure that the migration has minimal downtime. The application uses a SQL Server database. The company wants to use AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) for the migration. What should the company do to minimize downtime during the database migration?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use DMS with ongoing replication (change data capture) to keep the target database synchronized, then perform a brief cutover.
Option B is correct because using change data capture (CDC) with DMS allows ongoing replication from the source to the target, so when you cut over, only a brief pause is needed. Option A is incorrect because full load only captures a snapshot, requiring downtime for the final sync. Option C is incorrect as it describes a full load. Option D is incorrect because validation does not help minimize downtime.
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.
✗
Use DMS with validation enabled and then truncate the target before cutover.
Why it's wrong here
Validation does not reduce downtime; truncation would lose data.
✓
Use DMS with ongoing replication (change data capture) to keep the target database synchronized, then perform a brief cutover.
Why this is correct
Ongoing replication minimizes downtime by continuously syncing changes.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use DMS with full load only and schedule the migration during a maintenance window.
Why it's wrong here
Full load only will require downtime for the final sync of changes.
✗
Perform a full load migration using DMS and then manually copy any remaining data.
Why it's wrong here
Manual copy would increase downtime and risk.
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 SAP-C02 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.
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — This question tests Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use DMS with ongoing replication (change data capture) to keep the target database synchronized, then perform a brief cutover. — Option B is correct because using change data capture (CDC) with DMS allows ongoing replication from the source to the target, so when you cut over, only a brief pause is needed. Option A is incorrect because full load only captures a snapshot, requiring downtime for the final sync. Option C is incorrect as it describes a full load. Option D is incorrect because validation does not help minimize downtime.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 question wrong?
Identify which SAP-C02 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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