The correct answer is enabling Query Store and reviewing regressed queries, along with using Automatic Tuning to force plan corrections. Query Store captures historical execution plans and runtime statistics, allowing you to identify regressed queries without touching any application code. Automatic Tuning then leverages this data to automatically apply the last known good plan when a regression is detected, restoring performance transparently. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Azure SQL Database’s built-in performance tools that require zero code changes—a common trap is thinking you need to rewrite queries or add hints. Instead, remember that Query Store is the foundation for both manual review and automated fixes. A simple memory tip: "Store it, then tune it automatically" — Query Store captures the data, and Automatic Tuning applies the fix, all without altering your application.
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. 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.
Which TWO features can help you monitor and troubleshoot a query performance issue in Azure SQL Database without making changes to the application code?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enabling Automatic Tuning to force plan corrections.
Option B is correct because Automatic Tuning in Azure SQL Database can automatically identify and force plan corrections for regressed query execution plans without requiring any application code changes. It uses the Query Store to detect plan regressions and applies the last known good plan, improving query performance transparently. Option E is correct because Query Store captures query execution statistics and plan history, allowing you to review regressed queries and manually force a better plan without modifying the application.
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.
✗
Using sp_setapprole to set application roles.
Why it's wrong here
Requires application code changes.
✓
Enabling Automatic Tuning to force plan corrections.
Why this is correct
Automatic Tuning works without code changes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Implementing Always Encrypted for sensitive columns.
Why it's wrong here
No impact on query performance monitoring.
✗
Using Azure Data Migration Assistant for performance assessment.
Why it's wrong here
For migration, not runtime monitoring.
✓
Enabling Query Store and reviewing regressed queries.
Why this is correct
Query Store is built-in and requires no code changes.
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 may confuse features that improve security (Always Encrypted, application roles) with performance monitoring tools, or assume that migration tools (Data Migration Assistant) are used for ongoing performance troubleshooting.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Query Store works by persisting query text, execution plans, and runtime statistics in internal tables, enabling DBAs to identify plan regressions over time. Automatic Tuning leverages this data to automatically apply plan forcing via the `FORCED PLAN` hint when a regression is detected, using a machine learning model to evaluate plan quality. In a real-world scenario, a critical report query might suddenly degrade after an index change; Automatic Tuning can revert to the previous plan without manual intervention, while Query Store provides the historical data to validate the fix.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
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: Enabling Automatic Tuning to force plan corrections. — Option B is correct because Automatic Tuning in Azure SQL Database can automatically identify and force plan corrections for regressed query execution plans without requiring any application code changes. It uses the Query Store to detect plan regressions and applies the last known good plan, improving query performance transparently. Option E is correct because Query Store captures query execution statistics and plan history, allowing you to review regressed queries and manually force a better plan without modifying the application.
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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