- A
Create a cross-region read replica.
A cross-region replica can be promoted to primary in another region, providing DR.
- B
Configure point-in-time recovery (PITR) with a backup window.
PITR allows restoring to any point in time, minimizing data loss if the primary fails.
- C
Export the database daily to Cloud Storage.
Why wrong: Daily exports have up to 24 hours of data loss and are not real-time.
- D
Use an external replica in another region.
Why wrong: External replicas require manual setup and are not recommended for Cloud SQL DR.
- E
Enable high availability (regional) on the primary instance.
Why wrong: HA is within the same region, not cross-region.
Question 837 of 980
Deploy Scalable and Highly Available Databases in Google Cloud →mediumMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
PCD Practice Question: Deploy Scalable and Highly Available Databases in Google Cloud
This PCD practice question tests your understanding of deploy scalable and highly available databases in google cloud. 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.
An engineer is designing a disaster recovery strategy for a Cloud SQL for SQL Server instance. They need to be able to fail over to a different region with minimal data loss. Which TWO actions should they take? (Choose two.)
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 cross-region read replica.
Cross-region replicas provide asynchronous replication to another region, allowing promotion for DR. Point-in-time recovery can be used to restore to the latest state before a disaster, minimizing data loss. HA is zone-level, not cross-region. Export/import is not real-time. Backup is point-in-time but not continuous replication.
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 cross-region read replica.
Why this is correct
A cross-region replica can be promoted to primary in another region, providing DR.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Configure point-in-time recovery (PITR) with a backup window.
Why this is correct
PITR allows restoring to any point in time, minimizing data loss if the primary fails.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Export the database daily to Cloud Storage.
Why it's wrong here
Daily exports have up to 24 hours of data loss and are not real-time.
- ✗
Use an external replica in another region.
Why it's wrong here
External replicas require manual setup and are not recommended for Cloud SQL DR.
- ✗
Enable high availability (regional) on the primary instance.
Why it's wrong here
HA is within the same region, not cross-region.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PCD exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Deploy Scalable and Highly Available Databases in Google Cloud — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCD question test?
Deploy Scalable and Highly Available Databases in Google Cloud — This question tests Deploy Scalable and Highly Available Databases in Google Cloud — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a cross-region read replica. — Cross-region replicas provide asynchronous replication to another region, allowing promotion for DR. Point-in-time recovery can be used to restore to the latest state before a disaster, minimizing data loss. HA is zone-level, not cross-region. Export/import is not real-time. Backup is point-in-time but not continuous replication.
What should I do if I get this PCD question wrong?
Identify which PCD exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 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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