The answer is using the Data Migration Assistant (DMA) for an online migration and importing a BACPAC file. DMA performs an online migration by continuously synchronizing changes from the source to the target, minimizing downtime, while a BACPAC file is a logical backup containing schema and data that Azure SQL Database can import directly via the portal, PowerShell, or SqlPackage. On the DP-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of supported, low-downtime methods versus unsupported approaches like log shipping or replication, with a common trap being to confuse offline DMA migrations with the online option or to overlook BACPAC as a valid method. Remember the mnemonic “DMA for sync, BACPAC for pack” to recall that DMA handles live data synchronization and BACPAC packages the database for a clean import.
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.
Which TWO of the following are valid methods to migrate an on-premises SQL Server database to 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
✓
Export the database as a BACPAC file and import into Azure SQL Database
A BACPAC file is a logical backup that contains the database schema and data in a compressed format. Azure SQL Database supports importing BACPAC files directly via the Azure portal, PowerShell, or the SqlPackage utility, making this a straightforward and fully supported migration method.
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 database as a BACPAC file and import into Azure SQL Database
Why this is correct
BACPAC is a supported migration method.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Configure transactional replication to replicate changes to Azure SQL Database
Why it's wrong here
Replication is not used for migration.
✗
Use log shipping to continuously copy transaction logs
Why it's wrong here
Log shipping is not supported.
✓
Use the Data Migration Assistant (DMA) to perform an online migration
Why this is correct
DMA supports migration to Azure SQL Database.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Restore a native SQL Server backup to Azure SQL Database
Why it's wrong here
Native backup restore is not supported on Azure SQL Database.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume native SQL Server backup restore (Option E) works in Azure SQL Database because it works in Azure SQL Managed Instance, but Azure SQL Database is a different PaaS tier that only supports BACPAC-based import/export.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Data Migration Assistant (DMA) performs an online migration by continuously synchronizing schema and data changes from the source to the target using change tracking and a replay of transactions, minimizing downtime. DMA assesses compatibility issues before migration and can handle large databases by using multiple threads for parallel data movement. In contrast, BACPAC export/import is an offline method that requires the database to be quiesced during the operation.
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: Export the database as a BACPAC file and import into Azure SQL Database — A BACPAC file is a logical backup that contains the database schema and data in a compressed format. Azure SQL Database supports importing BACPAC files directly via the Azure portal, PowerShell, or the SqlPackage utility, making this a straightforward and fully supported migration method.
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
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO of the following are valid options for migrating an on-premises SQL Server database to Azure SQL Database with minimal downtime?
easy
A.Use BULK INSERT to export data from on-premises and import to Azure SQL Database.
✓ B.Configure transactional replication between on-premises SQL Server and Azure SQL Database.
✓ C.Use Azure Database Migration Service with online migration mode.
D.Use SQL Server backup to URL and restore to Azure SQL Database.
E.Use the Generate Scripts wizard in SQL Server Management Studio.
Why B: Transactional replication allows continuous synchronization of changes from the on-premises SQL Server publisher to the Azure SQL Database subscriber, enabling migration with minimal downtime by cutting over only after data is in sync. This is a supported hybrid scenario for Azure SQL Database.
Variation 2. Which THREE of the following are valid options for migrating an on-premises SQL Server database to Azure SQL Database?
medium
A.Use SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) to migrate schema and data.
✓ B.Use the Data Migration Assistant (DMA) to assess and migrate.
✓ C.Export to a BACPAC file and then import to Azure SQL Database.
✓ D.Use transactional replication to continuously replicate data to Azure SQL Database.
E.Use the Azure portal's 'Import database' wizard directly from on-premises.
Why B: Option B is correct because the Data Migration Assistant (DMA) is a Microsoft tool specifically designed to assess on-premises SQL Server databases for compatibility issues and then perform a seamless migration of schema and data to Azure SQL Database. DMA handles both assessment and migration in a single workflow, making it a valid and recommended option for migrating to Azure SQL Database.
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Question Discussion
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