The answer is to use a large EC2 instance class like x1e.32xlarge for the DMS replication instance and to enable Multi-AZ on the target RDS instance. For a large SAP HANA database migration using AWS DMS optimization, the oversized EC2 instance provides the necessary memory and compute capacity to handle the 5 TB dataset without throttling, while Multi-AZ on the target ensures high availability during ongoing replication, preventing a single point of failure from stalling the migration. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of DMS resource sizing for HANA workloads and the distinction between performance tuning and availability features—a common trap is confusing Multi-AZ with a performance booster when it actually safeguards uptime. Remember the memory tip: “Big instance for big data, Multi-AZ for no delay.”
PAS-C01 Migration Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of migration. 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 large SAP HANA database (5 TB) from on-premises to AWS. The migration must have minimal downtime and use AWS DMS for ongoing replication. Which TWO actions should be taken to ensure the migration completes successfully? (Choose 2.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Provision a large EC2 instance for the DMS replication instance (e.g., x1e.32xlarge)
Options B and D are correct. Option B: Using a large EC2 instance class (e.g., x1e.32xlarge) ensures sufficient memory and compute for DMS replication tasks. Option D: Enabling Multi-AZ for the target RDS instance provides high availability but does not directly impact migration performance. Option A is wrong because DMS does not support direct S3 as a target for HANA. Option C is wrong because disabling backup retention can reduce storage overhead but is not a best practice for production. Option E is wrong because using t2 instances may not have enough network throughput.
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 a t2.large instance for the DMS replication instance to reduce cost
Why it's wrong here
t2 instances may not have sufficient network performance for large migrations.
✗
Use Amazon S3 as an intermediate target for initial load
Why it's wrong here
DMS cannot use S3 as a target for HANA migrations directly.
✓
Provision a large EC2 instance for the DMS replication instance (e.g., x1e.32xlarge)
Why this is correct
Large instance classes provide the necessary memory and CPU for large database migrations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Enable Multi-AZ on the target RDS instance
Why this is correct
Multi-AZ provides high availability, which is important for production workloads.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable automatic backup retention on the target database
Why it's wrong here
Disabling backups is not recommended for production databases.
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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PAS-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.
Migration — This question tests Migration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Provision a large EC2 instance for the DMS replication instance (e.g., x1e.32xlarge) — Options B and D are correct. Option B: Using a large EC2 instance class (e.g., x1e.32xlarge) ensures sufficient memory and compute for DMS replication tasks. Option D: Enabling Multi-AZ for the target RDS instance provides high availability but does not directly impact migration performance. Option A is wrong because DMS does not support direct S3 as a target for HANA. Option C is wrong because disabling backup retention can reduce storage overhead but is not a best practice for production. Option E is wrong because using t2 instances may not have enough network throughput.
What should I do if I get this PAS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which PAS-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.
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Question Discussion
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