- A
Use Database Migration Service with continuous migration.
Why wrong: DMS supports SQL Server, but for lift-and-shift, a one-time import is simpler.
- B
Use Cloud Dataflow to stream data from SQL Server to Cloud SQL.
Why wrong: Dataflow is more complex and suitable for transformation, not simple lift-and-shift.
- C
Export the database as a .bacpac file and import it into Cloud SQL.
This is a straightforward lift-and-shift method that preserves the schema and data.
- D
Create a dump file using SQL Server Management Studio and restore it in Cloud SQL using the gcloud command.
Why wrong: Cloud SQL for SQL Server does not support native restore from .bak files; .bacpac is the supported format.
Question 814 of 980
PCD Migrate Data Solutions Practice Question
This PCD practice question tests your understanding of migrate data solutions. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 organization is migrating from on-premises Microsoft SQL Server to Cloud SQL for SQL Server. They want to use a lift-and-shift approach to minimize application changes. Which migration method is most appropriate?
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
✓
Export the database as a .bacpac file and import it into Cloud SQL.
Lift-and-shift means moving the database as-is to the cloud with minimal changes. Cloud SQL for SQL Server is compatible with on-premises SQL Server. The easiest method is to export a .bacpac file from the source and import it into Cloud SQL via the console or import/export feature.
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.
- ✗
Use Database Migration Service with continuous migration.
Why it's wrong here
DMS supports SQL Server, but for lift-and-shift, a one-time import is simpler.
- ✗
Use Cloud Dataflow to stream data from SQL Server to Cloud SQL.
Why it's wrong here
Dataflow is more complex and suitable for transformation, not simple lift-and-shift.
- ✓
Export the database as a .bacpac file and import it into Cloud SQL.
Why this is correct
This is a straightforward lift-and-shift method that preserves the schema and data.
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.
- ✗
Create a dump file using SQL Server Management Studio and restore it in Cloud SQL using the gcloud command.
Why it's wrong here
Cloud SQL for SQL Server does not support native restore from .bak files; .bacpac is the supported format.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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.
- →
Migrate Data Solutions — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Migrate Data Solutions practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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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: Export the database as a .bacpac file and import it into Cloud SQL. — Lift-and-shift means moving the database as-is to the cloud with minimal changes. Cloud SQL for SQL Server is compatible with on-premises SQL Server. The easiest method is to export a .bacpac file from the source and import it into Cloud SQL via the console or import/export feature.
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.
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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