Quick Answer
The correct approach is to use Amazon S3 as the data store with EMRFS. This decouples compute and storage because S3 is a separate, durable object storage layer, while EMRFS provides the Hadoop-compatible file system interface that allows EMR clusters to read and write data directly to S3 as if it were HDFS. By eliminating the need to replicate data across cluster nodes, you can spin down compute when not in use and only pay for storage separately, drastically reducing costs. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the Hadoop to Amazon EMR migration pattern and the core principle of separating compute from storage to optimize for variable workloads. A common trap is choosing EBS-backed instances, which keep storage tied to the cluster’s lifecycle, or FSx for Lustre, which is designed for high-performance computing but not for true decoupling. Memory tip: think “S3 + EMRFS = Storage Freedom” — the FS stands for “file system,” but the key is that S3 lives outside the cluster.
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of accelerate workload migration and modernization. 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.
A company is migrating a large Hadoop cluster to Amazon EMR. The cluster uses HDFS for storage. The company wants to decouple compute and storage to reduce costs. Which approach should the company take?
Use Amazon S3 as the data store and EMRFS
Decouples storage, allows compute to be ephemeral.
Use Amazon FSx for Lustre
Why wrong: High-performance file system but still coupled.
Use Amazon EFS for HDFS
Why wrong: Not designed for Hadoop workloads.
Use EBS volumes for HDFS
Why wrong: Ties storage to compute lifecycle.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use Amazon S3 as the data store and EMRFS
Option C is correct because using Amazon S3 as the data lake with EMR allows separation. Option A (EBS) is still attached to compute. Option B (EFS) is not optimized for Hadoop. Option D (FSx for Lustre) is for high-performance computing but not decoupling.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Use Amazon S3 as the data store and EMRFS
Why this is correct
Decouples storage, allows compute to be ephemeral.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Use Amazon FSx for Lustre
Why it's wrong here
High-performance file system but still coupled.
Use Amazon EFS for HDFS
Why it's wrong here
Not designed for Hadoop workloads.
Use EBS volumes for HDFS
Why it's wrong here
Ties storage to compute lifecycle.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
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 — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — This question tests Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Use Amazon S3 as the data store and EMRFS — Option C is correct because using Amazon S3 as the data lake with EMR allows separation. Option A (EBS) is still attached to compute. Option B (EFS) is not optimized for Hadoop. Option D (FSx for Lustre) is for high-performance computing but not decoupling.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
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 an on-premises Hadoop cluster to Amazon EMR. The cluster processes large datasets that are stored on HDFS. The company wants to minimize migration effort and cost. Which storage option should the company use with Amazon EMR?
mediumWhy B: Option A is correct because Amazon S3 is the recommended storage for EMR, providing durability, scalability, and no need to manage HDFS. Option B is wrong because EBS volumes can be used but require provisioning and management. Option C is wrong because Amazon FSx for HDFS is for workloads that require HDFS compatibility, but S3 is simpler and more cost-effective. Option D is wrong because Amazon EFS is a file system, not optimized for Hadoop workloads.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This SAP-C02 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 SAP-C02 exam.
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