Quick Answer
The answer is to deploy a single database with Active Geo-Replication. This is the correct choice because Active Geo-Replication creates readable secondary replicas in different Azure regions, enabling continuous data synchronization that provides low-latency reads for globally distributed users while maintaining consistent performance. Unlike failover groups, which add orchestration overhead, Active Geo-Replication for a single database gives you direct control over read scaling and manual failover for write availability, perfectly matching the requirement for low latency across multiple regions. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between Active Geo-Replication and failover groups—a common trap is choosing failover groups for their automatic failover, but the question specifically asks for low-latency reads, not automated failover. Remember the memory tip: “Active Geo-Replication reads, failover groups leads”—if the focus is on read performance across regions, think Active Geo-Replication.
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.
You are deploying an Azure SQL Database for a new application that requires consistent performance and low latency. The database will be accessed by users across multiple Azure regions. Which deployment option should you use?
Managed Instance with failover groups
Why wrong: Managed Instance failover groups provide DR but not low-latency reads.
Single database with Active Geo-Replication
Readable secondaries in multiple regions reduce read latency.
Single database in one region
Why wrong: Does not provide low latency for users in other regions.
Elastic pool in one region
Why wrong: No cross-region capabilities.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Single database with Active Geo-Replication
Active Geo-Replication for a single database enables continuous data synchronization to readable secondary replicas in different Azure regions, providing low-latency read access for globally distributed users and supporting manual failover for write availability. This meets the requirement for consistent performance and low latency across multiple regions without the orchestration overhead of failover groups.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Managed Instance with failover groups
Why it's wrong here
Managed Instance failover groups provide DR but not low-latency reads.
Single database with Active Geo-Replication
Why this is correct
Readable secondaries in multiple regions reduce read latency.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Single database in one region
Why it's wrong here
Does not provide low latency for users in other regions.
Elastic pool in one region
Why it's wrong here
No cross-region capabilities.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often choose failover groups (Option A) thinking they provide readable secondaries, but in a Managed Instance, failover groups do not support readable secondaries until failover occurs, whereas Active Geo-Replication for single databases does.
Detailed technical explanation
Active Geo-Replication uses asynchronous replication based on SQL Server's Always On availability group technology, with a Recovery Point Objective (RPO) of up to 5 seconds. The secondary databases are fully readable and can be used for reporting or read-only workloads, but failover is manual and can cause data loss of up to the RPO. For scenarios requiring automatic failover and no data loss, failover groups with the 'Read Scale' option should be considered, but the question emphasizes low-latency reads across regions, which Active Geo-Replication directly supports.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Plan and implement data platform resources — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Plan and implement data platform resources practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All DP-300 questions
953 questions across all exam domains
Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
DP-300 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Plan and implement data platform resources.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Configure and manage automation of tasks.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Plan and configure high availability and disaster recovery.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Implement a secure environment.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to DP-300 fundamentals.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to DP-300 scenario.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to DP-300 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Plan and implement data platform resources — This question tests Plan and implement data platform resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Single database with Active Geo-Replication — Active Geo-Replication for a single database enables continuous data synchronization to readable secondary replicas in different Azure regions, providing low-latency read access for globally distributed users and supporting manual failover for write availability. This meets the requirement for consistent performance and low latency across multiple regions without the orchestration overhead of failover groups.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This DP-300 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-300 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.