Quick Answer
The correct answer is to check for queries with large memory grants. This is because RESOURCE_SEMAPHORE waits are the direct symptom of memory grant pressure in Azure SQL Database, occurring when a query requests more memory than is available in the query plan cache or the resource pool, forcing other queries to wait for memory to be allocated. On the DP-300 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate wait types: RESOURCE_SEMAPHORE specifically points to memory contention from oversized sort or hash operations, not disk I/O (PAGEIOLATCH), blocking (LCK_M_*), or CPU pressure (SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD). A common trap is confusing memory waits with I/O waits, so remember that if you see RESOURCE_SEMAPHORE, think "RAM, not disk." A helpful memory tip: "SEMAPHORE signals STOP for memory—look for greedy queries gobbling grants."
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.
You have an Azure SQL Database that is experiencing high wait times on RESOURCE_SEMAPHORE waits. You need to identify the root cause. What should you check?
Blocking and deadlocks
Why wrong: Blocking causes LCK_M_* waits.
High CPU usage
Why wrong: High CPU causes SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD waits.
Disk I/O bottlenecks
Why wrong: Disk I/O causes PAGEIOLATCH waits.
Queries with large memory grants
RESOURCE_SEMAPHORE waits indicate memory grant pressure.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Queries with large memory grants
Option A is correct because RESOURCE_SEMAPHORE waits indicate memory grant pressure, often due to large queries requiring memory. Option B is incorrect because disk I/O causes PAGEIOLATCH waits. Option C is incorrect because blocking causes LCK_M_* waits. Option D is incorrect because CPU pressure causes SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD waits.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Blocking and deadlocks
Why it's wrong here
Blocking causes LCK_M_* waits.
High CPU usage
Why it's wrong here
High CPU causes SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD waits.
Disk I/O bottlenecks
Why it's wrong here
Disk I/O causes PAGEIOLATCH waits.
Queries with large memory grants
Why this is correct
RESOURCE_SEMAPHORE waits indicate memory grant pressure.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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 — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All DP-300 questions
953 questions across all exam domains
Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
DP-300 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Plan and implement data platform resources.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Configure and manage automation of tasks.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Plan and configure high availability and disaster recovery.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Implement a secure environment.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to DP-300 fundamentals.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to DP-300 scenario.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to DP-300 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — This question tests Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Queries with large memory grants — Option A is correct because RESOURCE_SEMAPHORE waits indicate memory grant pressure, often due to large queries requiring memory. Option B is incorrect because disk I/O causes PAGEIOLATCH waits. Option C is incorrect because blocking causes LCK_M_* waits. Option D is incorrect because CPU pressure causes SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD waits.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This DP-300 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DP-300 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.