- A
Create a replica of the on-premises PostgreSQL and use pg_basebackup to stream to Cloud SQL.
Why wrong: pg_basebackup is for physical replication, not supported for Cloud SQL PostgreSQL.
- B
Use Database Migration Service with a continuous migration job.
DMS automates migration with continuous CDC replication, reducing downtime and providing monitoring.
- C
Export using pg_dump with --no-owner and --no-acl flags, then manually configure logical replication slots.
Why wrong: Manually configuring logical replication slots is complex and error-prone; DMS simplifies this.
- D
Use pg_dump to export the database and import it into Cloud SQL, then set up application-level dual writes.
Why wrong: This approach involves manual steps and longer downtime during initial load and cutover.
PCDOE Migrate Database Solutions Practice Question
This PCDOE practice question tests your understanding of migrate database 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. They need to ensure minimal downtime and maintain ongoing replication until cutover. Which approach should they use?
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
Use Database Migration Service with a continuous migration job.
Database Migration Service (DMS) with a continuous migration job is the correct approach because it supports minimal-downtime migrations from on-premises PostgreSQL to Cloud SQL by using PostgreSQL's native logical replication. DMS handles the initial one-time data load and then continuously replicates ongoing changes until you are ready to cut over, meeting the requirement for minimal downtime and ongoing 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 replica of the on-premises PostgreSQL and use pg_basebackup to stream to Cloud SQL.
Why it's wrong here
pg_basebackup is for physical replication, not supported for Cloud SQL PostgreSQL.
- ✓
Use Database Migration Service with a continuous migration job.
Why this is correct
DMS automates migration with continuous CDC replication, reducing downtime and providing monitoring.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Export using pg_dump with --no-owner and --no-acl flags, then manually configure logical replication slots.
Why it's wrong here
Manually configuring logical replication slots is complex and error-prone; DMS simplifies this.
- ✗
Use pg_dump to export the database and import it into Cloud SQL, then set up application-level dual writes.
Why it's wrong here
This approach involves manual steps and longer downtime during initial load and cutover.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between one-time export/import tools (pg_dump, pg_basebackup) and managed continuous replication services (DMS), trapping candidates who assume any backup tool can be adapted for ongoing sync without understanding Cloud SQL's connectivity and managed service limitations.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Database Migration Service uses PostgreSQL's logical replication slots and the pgoutput plugin to capture change data (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) from the source's WAL (Write-Ahead Log) and apply it to Cloud SQL. During the continuous migration phase, DMS monitors replication lag and automatically handles schema drift and large transactions, allowing you to cut over with typically less than a minute of downtime by simply stopping writes on the source and promoting Cloud SQL.
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 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCDOE question test?
Migrate Database Solutions — This question tests Migrate Database Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Database Migration Service with a continuous migration job. — Database Migration Service (DMS) with a continuous migration job is the correct approach because it supports minimal-downtime migrations from on-premises PostgreSQL to Cloud SQL by using PostgreSQL's native logical replication. DMS handles the initial one-time data load and then continuously replicates ongoing changes until you are ready to cut over, meeting the requirement for minimal downtime and ongoing replication.
What should I do if I get this PCDOE question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 PCDOE 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 PCDOE exam.
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