- A
Create an Azure Automation account and schedule a PowerShell runbook that connects to each database and runs index maintenance scripts.
Azure Automation can execute T-SQL scripts on a schedule.
- B
Configure SQL Agent jobs in each database to run the maintenance scripts.
Why wrong: Azure SQL Database does not support SQL Agent.
- C
Use Elastic Database Jobs to run T-SQL scripts against all databases in the elastic pool.
Elastic Database Jobs can execute commands across multiple databases.
- D
Enable automatic tuning for index management and statistics update in each database.
Automatic tuning can handle index and statistics maintenance automatically.
- E
Enable auto-failover groups for all databases to automate failover during maintenance.
Why wrong: Auto-failover groups are for high availability, not index maintenance.
Quick Answer
The correct answer combines Azure Automation with PowerShell runbooks, Elastic Database Jobs, and automatic tuning to automate index maintenance and statistics updates across Azure SQL Databases in an elastic pool. Azure Automation allows you to schedule and execute T-SQL scripts reliably during low-traffic periods, while Elastic Database Jobs efficiently targets the entire group of databases in the pool without manual scripting per database. Automatic tuning then handles ongoing index and statistics management natively, reducing performance degradation risks. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that Azure SQL Database lacks SQL Agent jobs, so you must rely on these three services for scalable, non-disruptive maintenance. A common trap is choosing auto-failover groups, which only handle disaster recovery, not maintenance. Remember the mnemonic “A-J-T” for Automation, Jobs, and Tuning—the three pillars for elastic pool maintenance automation.
DP-300 Configure and manage automation of tasks Practice Question
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of configure and manage automation of tasks. 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 responsible for automating index maintenance and statistics updates across multiple Azure SQL Databases in an elastic pool. Each database has varying workloads and sizes. The automation must run weekly during low-traffic periods and should not degrade performance for critical applications. Which three actions should you take to implement a reliable and efficient automation solution?
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
Create an Azure Automation account and schedule a PowerShell runbook that connects to each database and runs index maintenance scripts.
Option A is correct because Azure Automation with PowerShell runbooks allows scheduling and executing T-SQL scripts across databases. Option C is correct because Elastic Database Jobs can target a group of databases in an elastic pool. Option E is correct because Azure SQL Database's automatic tuning can handle index and statistics maintenance, reducing manual effort. Option B is incorrect because enabling auto-failover groups does not automate maintenance tasks. Option D is incorrect because SQL Agent jobs are not available in Azure SQL Database (only in Managed Instance).
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.
- ✓
Create an Azure Automation account and schedule a PowerShell runbook that connects to each database and runs index maintenance scripts.
Why this is correct
Azure Automation can execute T-SQL scripts on a schedule.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Configure SQL Agent jobs in each database to run the maintenance scripts.
Why it's wrong here
Azure SQL Database does not support SQL Agent.
- ✓
Use Elastic Database Jobs to run T-SQL scripts against all databases in the elastic pool.
Why this is correct
Elastic Database Jobs can execute commands across multiple databases.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Enable automatic tuning for index management and statistics update in each database.
Why this is correct
Automatic tuning can handle index and statistics maintenance automatically.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable auto-failover groups for all databases to automate failover during maintenance.
Why it's wrong here
Auto-failover groups are for high availability, not index maintenance.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Configure and manage automation of tasks — study guide chapter
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Configure and manage automation of tasks practice questions
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Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 study guide
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DP-300 practice test guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-300 question test?
Configure and manage automation of tasks — This question tests Configure and manage automation of tasks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create an Azure Automation account and schedule a PowerShell runbook that connects to each database and runs index maintenance scripts. — Option A is correct because Azure Automation with PowerShell runbooks allows scheduling and executing T-SQL scripts across databases. Option C is correct because Elastic Database Jobs can target a group of databases in an elastic pool. Option E is correct because Azure SQL Database's automatic tuning can handle index and statistics maintenance, reducing manual effort. Option B is incorrect because enabling auto-failover groups does not automate maintenance tasks. Option D is incorrect because SQL Agent jobs are not available in Azure SQL Database (only in Managed Instance).
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.
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: Jun 21, 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.
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