Quick Answer
The correct answer is sys.dm_exec_query_stats. This dynamic management view is the right choice because it stores aggregate performance statistics for cached query plans, including total_worker_time, which directly measures cumulative CPU consumption per query. By querying this view and ordering by total_worker_time descending, you can pinpoint the top CPU consuming queries in Azure SQL Database over the last 24 hours, addressing the high CPU usage pattern during business hours. On the DP-300 exam, this tests your ability to select the correct DMV for performance diagnostics, often appearing as a scenario where you must distinguish sys.dm_exec_query_stats from sys.dm_exec_requests (which shows only currently running queries) or sys.dm_exec_query_plan (which returns the plan XML but no CPU metrics). A common trap is choosing sys.dm_exec_requests, which only captures active queries at the moment of execution, not historical CPU totals. Memory tip: think "stats" for "statistics"—sys.dm_exec_query_stats gives you the historical CPU stats you need to identify the worst offenders.
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of plan and implement data platform resources. 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 monitoring an Azure SQL Database and notice a pattern of high CPU usage during business hours. You need to identify the queries consuming the most CPU over the last 24 hours. Which dynamic management view should you query?
sys.dm_exec_requests
Why wrong: Shows only currently running requests, not historical.
sys.dm_exec_sessions
Why wrong: Shows session info, not query CPU.
sys.dm_exec_query_stats
Provides aggregated CPU time for queries over time.
sys.dm_os_performance_counters
Why wrong: Shows performance counters, not query-level CPU.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
sys.dm_exec_query_stats
sys.dm_exec_query_stats (Option C) is the correct DMV because it returns aggregate performance statistics for cached query plans, including total CPU time (total_worker_time), execution count, and last execution time. By querying this view and ordering by total_worker_time descending, you can identify the queries that have consumed the most CPU over the last 24 hours, directly addressing the pattern of high CPU usage during business hours.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
sys.dm_exec_requests
Why it's wrong here
Shows only currently running requests, not historical.
sys.dm_exec_sessions
Why it's wrong here
Shows session info, not query CPU.
sys.dm_exec_query_stats
Why this is correct
Provides aggregated CPU time for queries over time.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
sys.dm_os_performance_counters
Why it's wrong here
Shows performance counters, not query-level CPU.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse sys.dm_exec_requests (current activity) with sys.dm_exec_query_stats (historical aggregated stats), leading them to choose Option A because they think 'requests' implies all recent queries, but it only shows currently running queries.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows only currently running requests, not historical.
Detailed technical explanation
sys.dm_exec_query_stats aggregates data from the plan cache, which is volatile and can be cleared by memory pressure or explicit commands (e.g., DBCC FREEPROCCACHE). For a more persistent historical view, consider enabling Query Store, which captures query runtime statistics over time and can be queried via sys.query_store_query and sys.query_store_plan. In a real-world scenario, high CPU may be caused by parameter-sensitive plans or missing indexes, and combining sys.dm_exec_query_stats with sys.dm_exec_sql_text and sys.dm_exec_query_plan allows you to retrieve the actual SQL text and execution plan for the top CPU consumers.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Plan and implement data platform resources — This question tests Plan and implement data platform resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: sys.dm_exec_query_stats — sys.dm_exec_query_stats (Option C) is the correct DMV because it returns aggregate performance statistics for cached query plans, including total CPU time (total_worker_time), execution count, and last execution time. By querying this view and ordering by total_worker_time descending, you can identify the queries that have consumed the most CPU over the last 24 hours, directly addressing the pattern of high CPU usage during business hours.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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