- A
Export the production database to a BACPAC file, store it in Azure Blob Storage, and import it to dev using a Data Factory pipeline.
Why wrong: BACPAC export/import is slower and more expensive for large databases.
- B
Configure active geo-replication between production and dev, then initiate a planned failover each night.
Why wrong: Geo-replication is for continuous replication, not nightly refresh, and incurs ongoing costs.
- C
Use Azure Data Studio to export the database as a script and run it on the dev server.
Why wrong: Not automated and not practical for large databases.
- D
Use the Restore-AzSqlDatabase PowerShell cmdlet to restore the production database to the dev server using a point-in-time backup from the same day.
Point-in-time restore is cost-effective and can be automated.
Quick Answer
The answer is to use the Restore-AzSqlDatabase PowerShell cmdlet to restore the production database to the dev server using a point-in-time backup from the same day. This is correct because Azure SQL Database’s point-in-time restore (PITR) capability allows you to restore a database to any point within the retention period, and crucially, it supports cross-region and cross-server restores without requiring geo-replication or manual export/import. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of cost-effective automation for refreshing non-production environments—the key trap is confusing PITR with active geo-replication, which is designed for continuous disaster recovery, not scheduled refreshes. Remember that PITR uses existing automated backups, so there is no additional storage or compute cost for the restore operation itself, making it the most economical choice for a nightly refresh. Memory tip: PITR = “Point-in-Time Refresh” for dev, not “Persistent Traffic Replication” for DR.
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 need to automate the process of refreshing a development copy of an Azure SQL Database from a production backup every night. The production database is in the West US region, and the dev database is in East US. What is the most cost-effective method?
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
Use the Restore-AzSqlDatabase PowerShell cmdlet to restore the production database to the dev server using a point-in-time backup from the same day.
Option B is correct because Azure SQL Database supports point-in-time restore to a different server and region, which is cost-effective and automated via PowerShell or CLI. Options A and D require manual steps. Option C is for cross-region replication, which is not designed for nightly refresh.
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.
- ✗
Export the production database to a BACPAC file, store it in Azure Blob Storage, and import it to dev using a Data Factory pipeline.
Why it's wrong here
BACPAC export/import is slower and more expensive for large databases.
- ✗
Configure active geo-replication between production and dev, then initiate a planned failover each night.
Why it's wrong here
Geo-replication is for continuous replication, not nightly refresh, and incurs ongoing costs.
- ✗
Use Azure Data Studio to export the database as a script and run it on the dev server.
Why it's wrong here
Not automated and not practical for large databases.
- ✓
Use the Restore-AzSqlDatabase PowerShell cmdlet to restore the production database to the dev server using a point-in-time backup from the same day.
Why this is correct
Point-in-time restore is cost-effective and can be automated.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
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
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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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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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: Use the Restore-AzSqlDatabase PowerShell cmdlet to restore the production database to the dev server using a point-in-time backup from the same day. — Option B is correct because Azure SQL Database supports point-in-time restore to a different server and region, which is cost-effective and automated via PowerShell or CLI. Options A and D require manual steps. Option C is for cross-region replication, which is not designed for nightly refresh.
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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