- A
Enable PostgreSQL query cache to speed up aggregate queries
Why wrong: PostgreSQL does not have a built-in query cache; this is not a valid option.
- B
Create read replicas in Cloud SQL and configure the reporting application to connect to the replicas
Read replicas offload read traffic and can serve stale data with minimal lag.
- C
Increase the number of vCPUs on the primary instance to handle more queries
Why wrong: This does not isolate reporting workload; it still impacts primary performance.
- D
Configure a connection pool to reduce connection overhead
Why wrong: Connection pooling helps with connection management but does not significantly improve read scalability for complex queries.
- E
Use Database Migration Service to continuously replicate data to BigQuery for reporting
BigQuery can handle complex aggregates without impacting Cloud SQL; DMS can stream data.
PCDOE Design and Plan Database Solutions Practice Question
This PCDOE practice question tests your understanding of design and plan 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 using Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL and wants to improve read scalability for a reporting dashboard that executes complex aggregate queries. The reports can tolerate up to 5 minutes of data staleness. Which two actions should the team take?
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 read replicas in Cloud SQL and configure the reporting application to connect to the replicas
Creating read replicas in Cloud SQL offloads read traffic from the primary instance, allowing complex aggregate queries to run on replicas without impacting write performance. Since the reports can tolerate up to 5 minutes of staleness, the asynchronous replication lag inherent in Cloud SQL read replicas is acceptable, making this a cost-effective and scalable solution.
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.
- ✗
Enable PostgreSQL query cache to speed up aggregate queries
Why it's wrong here
PostgreSQL does not have a built-in query cache; this is not a valid option.
- ✓
Create read replicas in Cloud SQL and configure the reporting application to connect to the replicas
Why this is correct
Read replicas offload read traffic and can serve stale data with minimal lag.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Increase the number of vCPUs on the primary instance to handle more queries
Why it's wrong here
This does not isolate reporting workload; it still impacts primary performance.
- ✗
Configure a connection pool to reduce connection overhead
Why it's wrong here
Connection pooling helps with connection management but does not significantly improve read scalability for complex queries.
- ✓
Use Database Migration Service to continuously replicate data to BigQuery for reporting
Why this is correct
BigQuery can handle complex aggregates without impacting Cloud SQL; DMS can stream data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between scaling reads via replicas versus scaling writes or optimizing connections, and candidates mistakenly choose connection pooling or vertical scaling as a solution for read-heavy workloads.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cloud SQL read replicas use PostgreSQL's streaming replication (WAL-based) to asynchronously replicate data from the primary to replica instances. The replica can serve read-only queries, including complex aggregates, while the primary handles writes. The 5-minute staleness tolerance means the team can accept the typical replication lag (often seconds to minutes) without needing synchronous replication, which would impact write performance.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
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?
Design and Plan Database Solutions — This question tests Design and Plan Database Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create read replicas in Cloud SQL and configure the reporting application to connect to the replicas — Creating read replicas in Cloud SQL offloads read traffic from the primary instance, allowing complex aggregate queries to run on replicas without impacting write performance. Since the reports can tolerate up to 5 minutes of staleness, the asynchronous replication lag inherent in Cloud SQL read replicas is acceptable, making this a cost-effective and scalable solution.
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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