- A
Enable binary logging on the primary instance.
Correct. Binary logging is required for any replication, especially cross-region.
- B
Enable automated backups and point-in-time recovery.
Why wrong: While PITR uses binary logs, enabling automated backups alone doesn't enable binary logging. Binary logging must be explicitly enabled.
- C
Configure a Cloud VPN between the regions.
Why wrong: Cloud SQL replication uses private IP within Google's network; VPN is not required.
- D
Set the primary instance to use MySQL 8.0.
Why wrong: Version is not a requirement; binary logging is the key setting.
Question 367 of 1,000
PCDOE Manage Database Solutions Practice Question
This PCDOE practice question tests your understanding of manage database solutions. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 needs to create a cross-region read replica for a Cloud SQL for MySQL instance to improve read scalability and provide disaster recovery. What must be configured on the primary instance to support cross-region replication?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"primary"Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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
✓
Enable binary logging on the primary instance.
Cross-region replication for Cloud SQL for MySQL relies on MySQL's native binary log (binlog) based replication. Enabling binary logging on the primary instance records all data changes in binary log files, which the read replica in another region uses as the source for applying changes. Without binary logging enabled, the primary instance cannot provide the change stream necessary for cross-region replication to function.
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 binary logging on the primary instance.
Why this is correct
Correct. Binary logging is required for any replication, especially cross-region.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable automated backups and point-in-time recovery.
Why it's wrong here
While PITR uses binary logs, enabling automated backups alone doesn't enable binary logging. Binary logging must be explicitly enabled.
- ✗
Configure a Cloud VPN between the regions.
Why it's wrong here
Cloud SQL replication uses private IP within Google's network; VPN is not required.
- ✗
Set the primary instance to use MySQL 8.0.
Why it's wrong here
Version is not a requirement; binary logging is the key setting.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that network connectivity (like VPN) or backup features are required for replication, when in fact the core requirement is enabling the binary log on the primary instance to provide the change stream.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cloud SQL for MySQL cross-region replication uses asynchronous replication based on MySQL's binlog position or GTID (Global Transaction Identifier) mode. When binary logging is enabled, the primary instance writes every data-changing statement to the binlog, and the replica's I/O thread fetches these logs over the internal Google network. A common subtlety is that binary logging must be enabled before creating the replica; enabling it on an existing instance with data may require a full restart and can cause a brief replication lag spike as the replica catches up.
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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Manage Database Solutions — study guide chapter
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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: Enable binary logging on the primary instance. — Cross-region replication for Cloud SQL for MySQL relies on MySQL's native binary log (binlog) based replication. Enabling binary logging on the primary instance records all data changes in binary log files, which the read replica in another region uses as the source for applying changes. Without binary logging enabled, the primary instance cannot provide the change stream necessary for cross-region replication to function.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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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