The correct answer is to execute `sys.sp_query_store_force_plan` with the query_id and plan_id. This system stored procedure is the dedicated mechanism in Azure SQL Database for forcing a specific execution plan via Query Store, directly overriding the optimizer’s choice when a critical stored procedure’s performance regresses. By identifying the query_id and plan_id of the previously better-performing plan from Query Store catalog views, you pin that plan so the database engine uses it consistently. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your ability to troubleshoot plan regression using Query Store—a core skill for the “Monitor and Optimize Operational Resources” domain. A common trap is confusing this with `sp_force_plan` (which does not exist) or altering query hints manually; remember that Query Store provides a non-invasive, auditable way to manage plans. Memory tip: think “Force the Plan with SP” — the stored procedure name itself, `sp_query_store_force_plan`, tells you exactly what it does.
DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
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 have an Azure SQL Database with Query Store enabled. You notice that a critical stored procedure has regressed in performance. You need to force a previous, better-performing execution plan for that query. What should you do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Execute sys.sp_query_store_force_plan with the query_id and plan_id.
Option D is correct because `sys.sp_query_store_force_plan` is the dedicated system stored procedure in Azure SQL Database that forces the Query Store to use a specific execution plan for a given query. When a stored procedure's performance regresses, you identify the query_id and plan_id of the better-performing plan from Query Store views and execute this procedure to pin that plan, overriding the optimizer's choice.
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.
✗
Disable and re-enable Query Store to reset the plans.
Why it's wrong here
This does not force a specific plan and loses historical data.
✗
Execute sys.sp_query_store_set_hints to add a query hint.
Why it's wrong here
This sets hints, not forces a plan.
✗
Use sys.dm_db_tuning_recommendations to apply a plan.
Why it's wrong here
This DMV provides recommendations, but does not force a plan.
✓
Execute sys.sp_query_store_force_plan with the query_id and plan_id.
Why this is correct
Forces Query Store to use a specific plan.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse the DMV for recommendations (`sys.dm_db_tuning_recommendations`) with the actual stored procedure to enforce a plan, or they think resetting Query Store is a valid troubleshooting step when it actually destroys historical data.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Query Store captures multiple execution plans per query and tracks their runtime statistics. When you force a plan via `sp_query_store_force_plan`, the engine stores the plan_id in the `sys.query_store_plan` catalog and sets a `force_failure_count` counter; if the plan becomes invalid (e.g., index changes), the force silently fails and falls back to the optimizer. In real-world scenarios, plan forcing is critical for mission-critical OLTP workloads where parameter sniffing causes sudden regressions, but you must monitor forced plans for plan invalidation due to schema changes.
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.
Plan and implement data platform resources — This question tests Plan and implement data platform resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Execute sys.sp_query_store_force_plan with the query_id and plan_id. — Option D is correct because `sys.sp_query_store_force_plan` is the dedicated system stored procedure in Azure SQL Database that forces the Query Store to use a specific execution plan for a given query. When a stored procedure's performance regresses, you identify the query_id and plan_id of the better-performing plan from Query Store views and execute this procedure to pin that plan, overriding the optimizer's choice.
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.
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Question Discussion
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