Google PCA Practice Question: Analyze and optimize technical and business processes
A healthcare company runs a critical patient portal on Compute Engine. The portal uses a Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL database. The company needs to perform a major version upgrade of the database with minimal downtime and wants to minimize the risk of data loss. They also want to be able to roll back quickly if issues arise. Which approach should they take?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that in-place major version upgrades are always safe and reversible, when they can cause downtime and are not easily rolled back.
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
✓
Use Database Migration Service to migrate to a new Cloud SQL instance with the desired major version, then switch over.
Database Migration Service enables a minimal-downtime migration to a new Cloud SQL instance with the desired major version. It continuously replicates data, so the cutover is quick and the original instance remains available for rollback. This approach minimizes data loss risk and downtime, unlike in-place upgrades or export/import.
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 Cloud SQL's in-place major version upgrade feature during a maintenance window, and rely on automated backups for rollback.
Why it's wrong here
In-place major version upgrades can cause downtime and are not easily reversible. While automated backups exist, restoring them may take time and may not be point-in-time consistent for the upgrade. This approach does not minimize downtime or provide a quick rollback, so it is not the best choice.
- ✗
Export the database to a Cloud Storage bucket, create a new instance with the new version, and import the data.
Why it's wrong here
Exporting and importing causes significant downtime and potential data loss because changes made after the export are not captured. It also does not provide a quick rollback. This method is not suitable for a critical portal that requires minimal downtime.
- ✗
Create a read replica, promote it to primary, and then upgrade the original instance.
Why it's wrong here
Promoting a read replica does not upgrade the database version; it only changes the replication role. The original instance would still need upgrading, and this process does not provide a rollback path. This approach does not address the major version upgrade requirement.
- ✓
Use Database Migration Service to migrate to a new Cloud SQL instance with the desired major version, then switch over.
Why this is correct
Database Migration Service (DMS) can perform a minimal-downtime migration to a new Cloud SQL instance with a different major version. It continuously replicates data, allowing a quick cutover and keeping the original instance intact for rollback if needed. This meets the requirements for minimal downtime, low data loss risk, and quick rollback.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Virtual Machine Instances in Compute Engine
Key term
Service
A service is a software component or system that performs a specific function and is available to be used by other programs or users over a network.
Key term
Cloud SQL
Cloud SQL is a fully managed relational database service that lets you set up, maintain, and scale SQL databases (like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server) in the cloud without managing the underlying infrastructure.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Google Cloud exam blueprint
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