The correct answers are A and C: using KEEPFIXED PLAN to prevent recompilations due to statistics changes, and ensuring parameter data types match the column data types to avoid implicit conversion recompilations. KEEPFIXED PLAN works by locking the query plan against future statistics updates, which is a common trigger for recompilation in Azure SQL, while mismatched data types force SQL Server to perform an implicit conversion, invalidating the cached plan and causing a recompile. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of plan caching and recompilation triggers, with a common trap being the RECOMPILE hint—it forces a new plan each execution, which actually increases recompilations, not reduces them. Remember the memory tip: "Fix the plan, fix the type" to recall that KEEPFIXED PLAN and type consistency are your two levers for reducing stored procedure recompilations.
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.
Your Azure SQL Database is experiencing high CPU utilization due to frequent recompilations of a stored procedure. Which TWO actions should you take to reduce recompilations?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use the KEEPFIXED PLAN query hint
Options B and D are correct. B is correct because using RECOMPILE hint forces recompilation only for that execution, but the question asks to reduce recompilations, so that's wrong. Wait, the correct answers are A and C. Option A is correct because using KEEPFIXED PLAN prevents recompilations due to statistics changes. Option C is correct because keeping parameter data types consistent avoids recompilations due to type mismatch. Option B is wrong because RECOMPILE hint increases recompilations. Option D is wrong because OPTIMIZE FOR UNKNOWN can cause plan instability but not reduce recompilations. Option E is wrong because sp_refreshsqlmodule does not reduce recompilations.
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.
✗
Execute sp_refreshsqlmodule on the stored procedure
Why it's wrong here
sp_refreshsqlmodule updates metadata but does not reduce recompilations.
✓
Use the KEEPFIXED PLAN query hint
Why this is correct
KEEPFIXED PLAN prevents recompilation due to statistics changes, reducing recompilations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use the OPTIMIZE FOR UNKNOWN query hint
Why it's wrong here
OPTIMIZE FOR UNKNOWN affects the plan but does not reduce recompilations.
✗
Use the RECOMPILE query hint
Why it's wrong here
RECOMPILE forces recompilation on each execution, increasing recompilations.
✓
Ensure parameter data types match the column data types
Why this is correct
Data type mismatches often cause recompilations; matching types reduces them.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 KEEPFIXED PLAN query hint — Options B and D are correct. B is correct because using RECOMPILE hint forces recompilation only for that execution, but the question asks to reduce recompilations, so that's wrong. Wait, the correct answers are A and C. Option A is correct because using KEEPFIXED PLAN prevents recompilations due to statistics changes. Option C is correct because keeping parameter data types consistent avoids recompilations due to type mismatch. Option B is wrong because RECOMPILE hint increases recompilations. Option D is wrong because OPTIMIZE FOR UNKNOWN can cause plan instability but not reduce recompilations. Option E is wrong because sp_refreshsqlmodule does not reduce recompilations.
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.
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Question Discussion
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