Question 219 of 1,446
Design innovative, scalable, and highly available cloud database solutions →hardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
PCDE Practice Question: Design innovative, scalable, and highly available cloud database solutions
You are migrating a 5 TB MySQL database to Cloud SQL. The migration must have minimal downtime. Which THREE steps should you include in your migration plan?
⚠ Common exam trap
Google often tests the misconception that a full backup and restore (Option C) or a simple export/import (Option E) can be performed with minimal downtime, but these methods inherently require the source database to be offline or heavily locked for the duration of the operation.
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
✓
Configure continuous replication between on-premises and Cloud SQL.
Configuring continuous replication (e.g., using Database Migration Service with CDC) ensures that changes made on the on-premises MySQL database are continuously applied to Cloud SQL, keeping them in sync with minimal lag. This is essential for achieving minimal downtime, as it allows the final cutover to be nearly instantaneous.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Configure continuous replication between on-premises and Cloud SQL.
Why this is correct
DMS uses CDC for continuous replication.
- ✓
Set up Database Migration Service from the on-premises database to Cloud SQL.
Why this is correct
DMS handles the migration with replication.
- ✗
Take a full backup and restore to Cloud SQL.
Why it's wrong here
Requires downtime.
- ✓
Perform a manual failover by stopping the application and promoting the replica.
Why this is correct
At the end, promote Cloud SQL to primary with minimal downtime.
- ✗
Use mysqldump to export the database.
Why it's wrong here
Causes significant downtime.
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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.
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