The correct answer is the service tier and performance level of the database. This PowerShell script uses the Get-AzSqlDatabase cmdlet, which retrieves an Azure SQL Database object containing key properties like Edition, which maps directly to the service tier (e.g., General Purpose), and ServiceObjective, which indicates the performance level (e.g., S2 or GP_Gen5_2). On the DP-300 exam, this tests your ability to query service tier and performance level of Azure SQL Database using PowerShell, a common scenario for automating database inventory checks. A frequent trap is confusing Get-AzSqlDatabase with Get-AzSqlDatabaseServiceObjective—the former returns the current database’s assigned tier, while the latter lists all available objectives. Remember the memory tip: “Edition for tier, ServiceObjective for speed”—the Edition property tells you the tier, and ServiceObjective tells you the specific performance level within that tier.
DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of plan and implement data platform resources. 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. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
$serverName = "sqlprod-server"
$databaseName = "OrdersDB"
$cmd = @"
SELECT name, state_desc FROM sys.database_service_objectives
WHERE database_id = DB_ID()
"@
Invoke-SqlCmd -ServerInstance $serverName -Database $databaseName -Query $cmd
```
A database administrator runs the PowerShell script shown in the exhibit against an Azure SQL Database. What does the script output?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Service tier and performance level of the database.
The PowerShell script uses the Get-AzSqlDatabase cmdlet, which retrieves an Azure SQL Database object. The output includes properties such as Edition (service tier) and ServiceObjective (performance level), making option D correct.
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.
✗
Details of table schemas.
Why it's wrong here
The script does not query schemas.
✗
List of backup retention policies.
Why it's wrong here
The script queries service objectives, not backups.
✗
List of users and their permissions.
Why it's wrong here
The script does not query permissions.
✓
Service tier and performance level of the database.
Why this is correct
sys.database_service_objectives provides service tier info.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse Get-AzSqlDatabase with other cmdlets that return schema, backup, or permission details, leading them to select a plausible but incorrect option based on the cmdlet's name alone.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Get-AzSqlDatabase cmdlet returns a database object with properties like Edition (e.g., Basic, Standard, Premium, GeneralPurpose, BusinessCritical) and ServiceObjective (e.g., S0, S1, GP_Gen5_2). This cmdlet queries the Azure Resource Manager API to retrieve the database's current configuration, which is essential for capacity planning and cost management in production environments.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-300 question in full detail.
Plan and implement data platform resources — This question tests Plan and implement data platform resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Service tier and performance level of the database. — The PowerShell script uses the Get-AzSqlDatabase cmdlet, which retrieves an Azure SQL Database object. The output includes properties such as Edition (service tier) and ServiceObjective (performance level), making option D correct.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 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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Question Discussion
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