The answer is to use RECOMPILE, OPTIMIZE FOR UNKNOWN, and forced parameterization to reduce parameter-sensitive plan problems in Azure SQL Database. These three actions work by preventing plan reuse for skewed data distributions: RECOMPILE generates a fresh plan per execution, OPTIMIZE FOR UNKNOWN uses average distribution instead of sniffing a specific parameter, and forced parameterization creates separate cached plans for different parameter sets. On the DP-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of query tuning for parameter sniffing, a common performance trap where a single cached plan becomes inefficient for atypical values. A frequent mistake is choosing query hints like OPTIMIZE FOR a specific value, which forces a rigid plan, or thinking that simply capturing data with Query Store solves the problem—it only monitors, not prevents. Remember the mnemonic “RUF” (Recompile, Unknown, Forced) to recall the three correct actions that break the cycle of bad plan reuse.
DP-300 Practice Question: Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of monitor, configure, and optimize database 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 THREE actions can help reduce the frequency of parameter-sensitive plan (PSP) problems in Azure SQL Database? (Choose three.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use the Optimize for ad hoc workloads setting (or OPTIMIZE FOR UNKNOWN).
Options A, B, and C are correct. Using RECOMPILE forces a new plan per execution, optimizing for unknown uses average distribution, and creating multiple cached plans via parameterization. Option D is wrong because query hints force specific plans. Option E is wrong because it only captures data.
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.
✓
Use the Optimize for ad hoc workloads setting (or OPTIMIZE FOR UNKNOWN).
Why this is correct
Helps balance plan choice.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable parameter sniffing by using the DISABLE_PARAMETER_SNIFFING hint.
Why it's wrong here
May lead to suboptimal plans.
✓
Add the RECOMPILE query hint to problematic queries.
Why this is correct
Forces recompilation for each execution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Create separate cached plans using forced parameterization.
Why this is correct
Can create multiple plans for different parameter values.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enable Query Store and use the Performance Dashboard.
Why it's wrong here
Only monitors, does not fix.
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.
Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — This question tests Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the Optimize for ad hoc workloads setting (or OPTIMIZE FOR UNKNOWN). — Options A, B, and C are correct. Using RECOMPILE forces a new plan per execution, optimizing for unknown uses average distribution, and creating multiple cached plans via parameterization. Option D is wrong because query hints force specific plans. Option E is wrong because it only captures data.
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.
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. You are a database administrator for a large e-commerce platform using Azure SQL Database. The application experiences intermittent performance degradation during peak hours. Query Store data shows that a specific stored procedure, `usp_getProducts`, has multiple query variants with different execution plans. Some plans are suboptimal. You need to ensure consistent and optimal performance for this stored procedure without rewriting the application code. What should you do?
medium
✓ A.Enable forced parameterization on the database to promote plan reuse.
B.Create a plan guide to force a specific execution plan for the stored procedure.
C.Implement Query Store hints to force the last known good plan for the stored procedure.
D.Enable automatic tuning in Azure SQL Database and rely on the 'FORCE LAST GOOD PLAN' feature.
Why A: Option C is correct because enabling forced parameterization makes the database treat literal values as parameters, allowing query plans to be reused and reducing plan cache bloat. Option A is wrong because plan guides are for specific queries, not the entire stored procedure. Option B is wrong because it's an after-the-fact analysis tool. Option D is wrong because index tuning is a reactive measure, not a proactive plan stability solution.
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Question Discussion
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