The answer is that the `--secondary-type` parameter was set to `Geo` instead of `Readable`. This is because in Azure SQL Database geo-replication, the secondary database type determines its accessibility; a `Geo` secondary is designed solely for disaster recovery and remains offline for read operations, while a `Readable` secondary allows read-only queries. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this distinction tests your understanding of geo-replication configuration parameters, often appearing as a trap where candidates assume all secondaries are readable by default. The key takeaway is that geo-replication itself does not make a secondary readable—you must explicitly set the `--secondary-type` to `Readable` (or `Named`) during setup. Remember the mnemonic: "Geo is for Go (disaster recovery only), Readable is for Read."
DP-300 Practice Question: Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment. 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. The following is a snippet of an Azure CLI script used to configure geo-replication:
az sql db replica create \
--resource-group myRG \
--server primaryServer \
--name myDB \
--partner-server secondaryServer \
--secondary-type Geo \
--family Gen5 \
--capacity 2
After running the above Azure CLI command, you notice that the secondary database is not readable. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Refer to the exhibit. The following is a snippet of an Azure CLI script used to configure geo-replication:
az sql db replica create \
--resource-group myRG \
--server primaryServer \
--name myDB \
--partner-server secondaryServer \
--secondary-type Geo \
--family Gen5 \
--capacity 2
A
Geo-replication does not support readable secondaries by default
Why wrong: Geo-replication supports readable secondaries when configured with the correct secondary type.
B
The secondary database capacity is set to 2 DTUs, which is too low
Why wrong: The capacity parameter sets vCores, not DTUs, and does not affect readability.
C
The '--secondary-type' parameter is set to 'Geo' instead of 'Readable'
Setting secondary-type to 'Geo' disables read access; use 'Readable' to allow reads.
D
The hardware generation is Gen5, which does not support readable secondaries
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The '--secondary-type' parameter is set to 'Geo' instead of 'Readable'
Option A is correct. The '--secondary-type Geo' parameter sets the secondary to 'Geo' type, which is not readable. To make it readable, you must specify '--secondary-type Readable' (or 'Named'). Option B is incorrect because the capacity is for the secondary, but it does not affect readability. Option C is incorrect because Gen5 is a valid generation. Option D is incorrect because geo-replication does not support auto-failover; that's failover groups.
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.
✗
Geo-replication does not support readable secondaries by default
Why it's wrong here
Geo-replication supports readable secondaries when configured with the correct secondary type.
✗
The secondary database capacity is set to 2 DTUs, which is too low
Why it's wrong here
The capacity parameter sets vCores, not DTUs, and does not affect readability.
✓
The '--secondary-type' parameter is set to 'Geo' instead of 'Readable'
Why this is correct
Setting secondary-type to 'Geo' disables read access; use 'Readable' to allow reads.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The hardware generation is Gen5, which does not support readable secondaries
Why it's wrong here
Gen5 supports readable secondaries.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-300 question in full detail.
Identify which DP-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment — This question tests Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The '--secondary-type' parameter is set to 'Geo' instead of 'Readable' — Option A is correct. The '--secondary-type Geo' parameter sets the secondary to 'Geo' type, which is not readable. To make it readable, you must specify '--secondary-type Readable' (or 'Named'). Option B is incorrect because the capacity is for the secondary, but it does not affect readability. Option C is incorrect because Gen5 is a valid generation. Option D is incorrect because geo-replication does not support auto-failover; that's failover groups.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Identify which DP-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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