The correct answer is that you must enable automatic tuning at both the server and database levels. This is because Azure SQL Database’s automatic tuning feature operates on a two-tier hierarchy: the server level defines an inheritance policy that applies default tuning options—such as FORCE_LAST_GOOD_PLAN or CREATE_INDEX—to all databases, while the database level allows you to explicitly override or confirm those inherited settings for a specific database. On the DP-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of the prerequisite relationship between server and database configuration; a common trap is assuming that enabling tuning at just one level is sufficient. Remember that server-level inheritance acts as the master switch, but each database requires its own explicit enablement to apply the tuning actions. A useful memory tip is “Server sets the stage, database turns the page”—the server establishes the policy, but the database must activate it.
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.
Which TWO actions should you perform to enable automatic tuning for an Azure SQL Database?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable automatic tuning at the Azure SQL Database server level
Automatic tuning in Azure SQL Database requires enabling it at both the server level (to set the inheritance policy) and the database level (to apply tuning options like FORCE_LAST_GOOD_PLAN or CREATE_INDEX). Option B is correct because enabling at the server level allows you to define a default tuning policy that can be inherited by all databases, which is a prerequisite for per-database tuning. Option C is correct because you must also explicitly enable automatic tuning at the database level to override or confirm the inherited settings for that specific database.
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.
✗
Set the database compatibility level to 150
Why it's wrong here
Compatibility level is not required for automatic tuning.
✓
Enable automatic tuning at the Azure SQL Database server level
Why this is correct
Server-level inheritance can apply settings to all databases.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Enable automatic tuning at the database level
Why this is correct
Database-level settings override server-level if needed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enable Query Store
Why it's wrong here
Query Store is required for some tuning features but not for enabling automatic tuning itself.
✗
Configure performance recommendations
Why it's wrong here
Performance recommendations are a separate feature.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often think enabling Query Store alone (Option D) is sufficient for automatic tuning, but Query Store is merely a data collection mechanism—automatic tuning requires explicit enablement at both the server and database levels to apply corrective actions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Automatic tuning in Azure SQL Database relies on the Query Store to capture query runtime statistics and plan choices. The tuning engine evaluates plan regressions and index opportunities using a machine learning model, and when enabled at both server and database levels, it can automatically force the last known good plan or create/drop indexes. A real-world scenario where this matters is when a parameter-sensitive query causes plan regression after an index change; automatic tuning can revert to the previous plan without DBA intervention, reducing performance degradation.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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.
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: Enable automatic tuning at the Azure SQL Database server level — Automatic tuning in Azure SQL Database requires enabling it at both the server level (to set the inheritance policy) and the database level (to apply tuning options like FORCE_LAST_GOOD_PLAN or CREATE_INDEX). Option B is correct because enabling at the server level allows you to define a default tuning policy that can be inherited by all databases, which is a prerequisite for per-database tuning. Option C is correct because you must also explicitly enable automatic tuning at the database level to override or confirm the inherited settings for that specific database.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
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.
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.