The answer is that the read-only endpoint failover policy is disabled. This is the most likely cause because the JSON template explicitly sets the `readOnlyEndpoint` failover policy to `Disabled`, which prevents Azure SQL from routing read-only queries to the secondary server, even though the failover group itself is configured. In a failover group, the read-write endpoint policy defaults to automatic, but the read-only endpoint requires an explicit enablement to allow traffic to the secondary. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of failover group configuration nuances, specifically how the `readOnlyEndpoint` property controls read-only routing—a common trap where candidates assume both endpoints are automatically active. Remember the memory tip: "Read-only routing is opt-in, not automatic."
DP-300 Practice Question: Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment. 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.
You have configured a failover group using the JSON template shown. The primary server is server1 in East US, and the secondary server is server2 in West US. During a test, you notice that read-only queries against the secondary endpoint are failing. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The read-only endpoint failover policy is disabled.
Option B is correct because the readOnlyEndpoint failover policy is set to Disabled, meaning read-only routing is not enabled. Option A is wrong because read-write policy is automatic. Option C is wrong because the database is listed correctly. Option D is wrong because the grace period is set.
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.
✓
The read-only endpoint failover policy is disabled.
Why this is correct
Disabled policy prevents read-only routing to secondary.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "most likely", "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The database is not included in the failover group databases list.
Why it's wrong here
It is included.
✗
The failover grace period is set too high.
Why it's wrong here
Grace period doesn't affect read-only routing.
✗
The read-write endpoint failover policy is set to Automatic.
Why it's wrong here
That is for read-write, not read-only.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
Identify which DP-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment — This question tests Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The read-only endpoint failover policy is disabled. — Option B is correct because the readOnlyEndpoint failover policy is set to Disabled, meaning read-only routing is not enabled. Option A is wrong because read-write policy is automatic. Option C is wrong because the database is listed correctly. Option D is wrong because the grace period is set.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Identify which DP-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely", "primary". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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