PCDE Plan and manage database infrastructure Practice Question
A company is migrating their on-premises MySQL database to Cloud SQL. The database is 500 GB and they have a 1 Gbps network connection. They want to minimize downtime. Which THREE steps should they take?
⚠ Common exam trap
Google Cloud often tests the misconception that a simple export/import or a maintenance window is sufficient for minimizing downtime, when in fact continuous replication and pre-validation steps are essential for achieving near-zero downtime migrations.
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
✓
Perform a test migration to validate the process.
Performing a test migration validates the entire process, including schema compatibility, data integrity, and application connectivity, before the actual cutover. This reduces the risk of unexpected failures during the production migration, which is critical for minimizing downtime. A test migration also helps estimate the time required for the final cutover and allows for tuning of the Database Migration Service settings.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Perform a test migration to validate the process.
Why this is correct
Testing reduces risk.
- ✗
Export the database to a SQL file and import after the cutover.
Why it's wrong here
This causes downtime during export and import.
- ✓
Test the application against the new Cloud SQL instance.
Why this is correct
Ensures application compatibility.
- ✓
Use Database Migration Service with continuous replication.
Why this is correct
Minimizes downtime by replicating changes.
- ✗
Schedule a maintenance window for the cutover.
Why it's wrong here
A maintenance window implies downtime.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PCDE practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud 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 PCDE exam.