- A
Use Elastic Job agents to run a script that alters the service objective and configure backup retention using the Azure portal.
Why wrong: Elastic jobs are not designed for scheduling; they run on demand or on a schedule but are better for maintenance scripts.
- B
Enable autoscale on the database to automatically adjust service objective based on CPU usage.
Why wrong: Azure SQL Database does not support autoscale.
- C
Create a SQL Server Agent job that runs ALTER DATABASE MODIFY (SERVICE_OBJECTIVE = 'S9') and configure backup retention using T-SQL.
Why wrong: SQL Agent cannot change the service objective, and backup retention cannot be set via T-SQL.
- D
Use Azure Automation Runbooks scheduled to run before and after Black Friday to change the service objective, and set backup retention policies using Azure Policy.
Azure Automation Runbooks can be scheduled to change service objectives, and Azure Policy can enforce backup retention.
Quick Answer
The answer is to use Azure Automation Runbooks scheduled to run before and after Black Friday to change the service objective, and set backup retention policies using Azure Policy. This approach is correct because Azure Automation Runbooks can execute PowerShell scripts on a schedule to programmatically scale an Azure SQL Database service tier—such as upgrading DB-Sales from S6 to S9—and then revert it after 48 hours, directly addressing the need to automate scaling azure sql database based on workload. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that Azure SQL Database lacks native autoscale, so scheduled automation is the only native way to handle temporary workload surges; a common trap is confusing elastic jobs (for multi-database scripts) or SQL Agent (on-premises only) with scheduling. Remember the key distinction: Azure Automation handles infrastructure changes like scaling, while Azure Policy enforces compliance for backup retention and geo-redundant storage. Memory tip: “Runbooks for scaling, Policies for backing.”
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. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 a database administrator for a large e-commerce company that uses Azure SQL Database for its transactional systems. The environment consists of 50 databases across 10 logical servers, each with a mix of General Purpose and Business Critical service tiers. The company has a strict requirement to automatically scale databases based on workload patterns to optimize cost without manual intervention. Specifically, during Black Friday sales, one of the Business Critical databases (DB-Sales) experiences a surge in transactions, and you need to temporarily upgrade it to a higher service objective (S9 instead of S6) for 48 hours. After the sale, it should automatically revert to S6. Additionally, you need to ensure that all databases have automated backups with a 35-day point-in-time restore retention and that backup storage costs are minimized by using geo-redundant storage only for critical databases. You have been asked to design an automation solution using Azure native services. Which approach should you recommend?
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 Azure Automation Runbooks scheduled to run before and after Black Friday to change the service objective, and set backup retention policies using Azure Policy.
Option B is correct because Azure Automation Runbooks can be scheduled to change the service objective of a database, and policies for backup retention are set at the server level but can be overridden per database using ARM templates or PowerShell. Option A is wrong because elastic jobs are for executing scripts across databases, not for scheduling scaling. Option C is wrong because autoscale is not available for Azure SQL Database. Option D is wrong because SQL Agent cannot change service objectives or set backup retention.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use Elastic Job agents to run a script that alters the service objective and configure backup retention using the Azure portal.
Why it's wrong here
Elastic jobs are not designed for scheduling; they run on demand or on a schedule but are better for maintenance scripts.
- ✗
Enable autoscale on the database to automatically adjust service objective based on CPU usage.
Why it's wrong here
Azure SQL Database does not support autoscale.
- ✗
Create a SQL Server Agent job that runs ALTER DATABASE MODIFY (SERVICE_OBJECTIVE = 'S9') and configure backup retention using T-SQL.
Why it's wrong here
SQL Agent cannot change the service objective, and backup retention cannot be set via T-SQL.
- ✓
Use Azure Automation Runbooks scheduled to run before and after Black Friday to change the service objective, and set backup retention policies using Azure Policy.
Why this is correct
Azure Automation Runbooks can be scheduled to change service objectives, and Azure Policy can enforce backup retention.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DP-300 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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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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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 — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Azure Automation Runbooks scheduled to run before and after Black Friday to change the service objective, and set backup retention policies using Azure Policy. — Option B is correct because Azure Automation Runbooks can be scheduled to change the service objective of a database, and policies for backup retention are set at the server level but can be overridden per database using ARM templates or PowerShell. Option A is wrong because elastic jobs are for executing scripts across databases, not for scheduling scaling. Option C is wrong because autoscale is not available for Azure SQL Database. Option D is wrong because SQL Agent cannot change service objectives or set backup retention.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DP-300 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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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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