- A
Row-level security using security predicates
Why wrong: RLS filters rows, not columns.
- B
Dynamic data masking
Why wrong: DDM masks data but does not prevent users from seeing the masked column.
- C
Column-level security using GRANT on columns
CLS allows granting SELECT on specific columns to roles.
- D
Azure Purview data classification
Why wrong: Purview classifies data but does not enforce access control.
Azure Synapse Column-Level Security — Restrict Column Access with GRANT
This DP-203 practice question tests your understanding of secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. A key principle to apply: column-level security (CLS). 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.
You need to implement column-level security in Azure Synapse Analytics to restrict access to salary information. Only users with the 'HRManager' role should see salary columns. Which feature should you 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
Column-level security using GRANT on columns
Option C is correct because column-level security (CLS) in Azure Synapse Analytics uses GRANT on specific columns to restrict access. Option A is incorrect because row-level security filters rows, not columns. Option B is incorrect because dynamic data masking obfuscates data but does not prevent access. Option D is incorrect because Azure Purview is a governance tool, not a security enforcement mechanism.
Key principle: Column-level security (CLS)
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Row-level security using security predicates
Why it's wrong here
RLS filters rows, not columns.
- ✗
Dynamic data masking
Why it's wrong here
DDM masks data but does not prevent users from seeing the masked column.
- ✓
Column-level security using GRANT on columns
Why this is correct
CLS allows granting SELECT on specific columns to roles.
Related concept
Column-level security (CLS)
- ✗
Azure Purview data classification
Why it's wrong here
Purview classifies data but does not enforce access control.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates may confuse row-level security (RLS) with column-level security. RLS controls row access via security predicates, while CLS controls column access via GRANT.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Column-level security (CLS)
- GRANT
- Row-level security (RLS)
- Dynamic data masking (DDM)
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
Column-level security (CLS)
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review column-level security (CLS), then practise related DP-203 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-203 question test?
Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing — This question tests Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing — Column-level security (CLS).
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Column-level security using GRANT on columns — Option C is correct because column-level security (CLS) in Azure Synapse Analytics uses GRANT on specific columns to restrict access. Option A is incorrect because row-level security filters rows, not columns. Option B is incorrect because dynamic data masking obfuscates data but does not prevent access. Option D is incorrect because Azure Purview is a governance tool, not a security enforcement mechanism.
What should I do if I get this DP-203 question wrong?
Review column-level security (CLS), then practise related DP-203 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Column-level security (CLS)
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on DP-203
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An organization is using Azure Synapse Analytics and wants to implement column-level security to restrict access to sensitive columns. Which feature should they use?
easy- A.Dynamic data masking
- B.Azure Purview
- ✓ C.Column-level security using GRANT
- D.Row-level security
Why C: Option C is correct because column-level security in Azure Synapse Analytics is implemented using GRANT statements on specific columns, restricting access to sensitive columns. Option A is incorrect because dynamic data masking obfuscates data at query time but does not prevent access. Option B is incorrect because Azure Purview is a data governance service, not for access control. Option D is incorrect because row-level security filters rows, not columns.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This DP-203 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft 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 DP-203 exam.
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