Question 148 of 1,446
PCDE Practice Question: Manage a solution that can span multiple database technologies
An organization is using Cloud SQL for MySQL with automated backups enabled. They need to restore a backup to a new instance in a different region for testing. The backup is stored in the same region as the source. How can they achieve this with minimal operational overhead?
⚠ Common exam trap
Google often tests the misconception that Cloud SQL backups are globally accessible and can be restored to any region, when in fact they are region-locked and require an export/import workflow for cross-region data transfer.
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
✓
Restore the backup to a new instance in the same region, then use export/import to move data to the target region.
Cloud SQL backups are region-specific and cannot be restored directly to a different region. The minimal-operational-overhead approach is to restore the backup to a new instance in the same region, then use the export/import feature (e.g., SQL dump or CSV) to move the data to the target region. This avoids the complexity and cost of maintaining a cross-region read replica, while still achieving the goal with built-in tools.
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 gcloud sql backups restore with the --restore-instance flag pointing to a new instance in the target region.
Why it's wrong here
The backup is regional; it cannot be restored across regions directly.
- ✗
Create a cross-region read replica from the source, then promote it in the target region.
Why it's wrong here
This would replicate live data, not a specific backup. It can be used but not for restoring a specific backup point.
- ✗
Restore the backup directly to a new instance in the target region using the Cloud Console.
Why it's wrong here
The Cloud Console does not allow restoring a backup to a different region directly.
- ✓
Restore the backup to a new instance in the same region, then use export/import to move data to the target region.
Why this is correct
Export/import is a reliable cross-region data movement method.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.