- A
Create a continuous migration job, let it replicate changes, then promote the Cloud SQL replica to primary.
Continuous migration with CDC allows near-zero downtime cutover by promoting the replica.
- B
Set up VPC peering between on-premises and Cloud SQL, then use pg_dump and pg_restore.
Why wrong: This is a manual approach that requires downtime; not zero-downtime.
- C
Use Cloud SQL Auth Proxy to connect and manually copy data using a script.
Why wrong: Manual copy requires significant downtime; not zero-downtime.
- D
Create a one-time migration job and stop the source database during the migration.
Why wrong: One-time migration requires a downtime window equal to the migration duration; not zero-downtime.
Question 466 of 980
PCD Migrate Data Solutions Practice Question
This PCD practice question tests your understanding of migrate data solutions. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 an on-premises PostgreSQL database to Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL using Database Migration Service (DMS). They need to minimize downtime during the cutover. What should they do to achieve a zero-downtime cutover?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"minimum / minimize"Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
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
✓
Create a continuous migration job, let it replicate changes, then promote the Cloud SQL replica to primary.
Option A is correct because Database Migration Service (DMS) supports continuous migration jobs that use PostgreSQL logical replication to keep the Cloud SQL replica synchronized with the on-premises source. When you are ready to cut over, you promote the Cloud SQL replica to a standalone primary, which applies any remaining changes and makes the database available with minimal downtime — typically only seconds for the final replication lag to clear.
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.
- ✓
Create a continuous migration job, let it replicate changes, then promote the Cloud SQL replica to primary.
Why this is correct
Continuous migration with CDC allows near-zero downtime cutover by promoting the replica.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Set up VPC peering between on-premises and Cloud SQL, then use pg_dump and pg_restore.
Why it's wrong here
This is a manual approach that requires downtime; not zero-downtime.
- ✗
Use Cloud SQL Auth Proxy to connect and manually copy data using a script.
Why it's wrong here
Manual copy requires significant downtime; not zero-downtime.
- ✗
Create a one-time migration job and stop the source database during the migration.
Why it's wrong here
One-time migration requires a downtime window equal to the migration duration; not zero-downtime.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between one-time (snapshot) and continuous (CDC) migration jobs, and the trap here is assuming that any migration method involving a 'replica' automatically guarantees zero downtime without understanding that only continuous replication with promotion achieves that goal.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Continuous migration jobs in DMS leverage PostgreSQL's built-in logical replication slots (pgoutput plugin) to stream WAL changes from the source to the target. During promotion, DMS applies the final transaction log position, then breaks the replication link, making the Cloud SQL instance writable. In real-world scenarios, you can reduce cutover downtime to under a minute by monitoring replication lag (e.g., using the pg_stat_replication view) and scheduling promotion during low-write periods.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Migrate Data Solutions — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCD question test?
Migrate Data Solutions — This question tests Migrate Data Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a continuous migration job, let it replicate changes, then promote the Cloud SQL replica to primary. — Option A is correct because Database Migration Service (DMS) supports continuous migration jobs that use PostgreSQL logical replication to keep the Cloud SQL replica synchronized with the on-premises source. When you are ready to cut over, you promote the Cloud SQL replica to a standalone primary, which applies any remaining changes and makes the database available with minimal downtime — typically only seconds for the final replication lag to clear.
What should I do if I get this PCD question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PCD 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 PCD exam.
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