- A
Export the database as a SQL file and import it into a new instance in the target region during DR.
Why wrong: This is a manual and slow process, not suitable for DR with low RTO.
- B
Create a cross-region read replica and use gcloud sql instances promote-replica to promote it during DR.
This is the correct approach. Cross-region replica provides DR, and promotion makes it a standalone instance.
- C
Create a same-region read replica and enable point-in-time recovery on it.
Why wrong: Same-region replica does not survive a regional outage. PITR on the replica is not relevant.
- D
Configure cross-region backup replicas and restore from backup in the target region.
Why wrong: Backup replicas are not a concept in Cloud SQL. Cross-region replicas are read replicas.
PCDOE Manage Database Solutions Practice Question
This PCDOE practice question tests your understanding of manage 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 uses Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL and wants to create a cross-region read replica for disaster recovery (DR) purposes. They also want the option to promote the replica to a standalone instance in the event of a regional outage. What should the engineer do?
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 and use gcloud sql instances promote-replica to promote it during DR.
Option B is correct because Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL supports cross-region read replicas, which can be promoted to standalone instances using the `gcloud sql instances promote-replica` command. This provides a managed DR solution with minimal data loss (asynchronous replication) and faster failover compared to export/import or backup restore methods.
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.
- ✗
Export the database as a SQL file and import it into a new instance in the target region during DR.
Why it's wrong here
This is a manual and slow process, not suitable for DR with low RTO.
- ✓
Create a cross-region read replica and use gcloud sql instances promote-replica to promote it during DR.
Why this is correct
This is the correct approach. Cross-region replica provides DR, and promotion makes it a standalone instance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create a same-region read replica and enable point-in-time recovery on it.
Why it's wrong here
Same-region replica does not survive a regional outage. PITR on the replica is not relevant.
- ✗
Configure cross-region backup replicas and restore from backup in the target region.
Why it's wrong here
Backup replicas are not a concept in Cloud SQL. Cross-region replicas are read replicas.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between read replicas (which can be promoted for DR) and backups (which require manual restore), leading candidates to mistakenly choose backup-based options like D or export/import like A.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cross-region read replicas in Cloud SQL use asynchronous replication based on PostgreSQL's native streaming replication (WAL shipping), which means there is a replication lag typically measured in seconds. When promoted, the replica becomes a writable standalone instance, breaking the replication link; the original primary instance continues to operate independently. In a real-world DR scenario, engineers must monitor replication lag and consider using `--async` flag with the promote command to avoid timeouts.
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.
Visual reference
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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Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCDOE question test?
Manage Database Solutions — This question tests Manage Database Solutions — 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 and use gcloud sql instances promote-replica to promote it during DR. — Option B is correct because Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL supports cross-region read replicas, which can be promoted to standalone instances using the `gcloud sql instances promote-replica` command. This provides a managed DR solution with minimal data loss (asynchronous replication) and faster failover compared to export/import or backup restore methods.
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.
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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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