Quick Answer
The answer is read scale-out and geo-replication with readable secondary. These two Azure SQL Database features allow you to scale read workloads without application changes by offloading read-only queries to a synchronized replica. Read scale-out uses the built-in secondary replica of a Premium or Business Critical database, automatically routing queries with `ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly` to that replica, while geo-replication creates a continuously synchronized readable secondary in a different region, accessible via the same connection string with the intent hint. On the DP-300 exam, this tests your understanding of how to decouple read and write traffic for performance and disaster recovery without modifying connection strings or code—a common trap is confusing read scale-out with a basic read replica or assuming code changes are required. Remember the memory tip: “Intent is all you need”—just add `ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly` to your existing connection string, and Azure handles the rest.
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of plan and implement data platform 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 TWO Azure SQL Database features can help you scale out read-intensive workloads without modifying application code?
Database sharding
Why wrong: Sharding requires application changes to route queries.
Geo-replication with readable secondary
A readable geo-replica can serve read-only queries.
In-memory OLTP
Why wrong: In-memory OLTP improves performance but does not scale reads.
Elastic pool
Why wrong: Elastic pools share resources among databases, not for read scaling.
Read scale-out
Read scale-out offloads read queries to a secondary.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Geo-replication with readable secondary
Geo-replication with readable secondary (Option B) is correct because it creates a continuously synchronized read-only replica of your Azure SQL Database in a different Azure region. Applications can connect to this secondary endpoint using the same connection string with 'ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly', enabling read-intensive workloads to be offloaded without any code changes. This provides both scalability for reads and disaster recovery.
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.
Database sharding
Why it's wrong here
Sharding requires application changes to route queries.
Geo-replication with readable secondary
Why this is correct
A readable geo-replica can serve read-only queries.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
In-memory OLTP
Why it's wrong here
In-memory OLTP improves performance but does not scale reads.
Elastic pool
Why it's wrong here
Elastic pools share resources among databases, not for read scaling.
Read scale-out
Why this is correct
Read scale-out offloads read queries to a secondary.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'Geo-replication with readable secondary' (which requires no code changes) with 'Database sharding' (which requires application logic to distribute data), or they mistakenly think 'In-memory OLTP' can scale out reads when it actually improves write/transaction performance on a single database.
Detailed technical explanation
Geo-replication uses asynchronous replication based on SQL Server's Always On availability group technology, with a recovery point objective (RPO) of up to 5 seconds. The readable secondary supports snapshot isolation for read-only queries, and you can have up to four readable secondaries per primary using the 'Read Scale-out' feature (Option E), which is also correct. In a real-world scenario, a reporting application can connect to the secondary with 'ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly' in the connection string, and the gateway automatically routes the query to the nearest readable replica.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
What to study next
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FAQ
Plan and implement data platform resources — This question tests Plan and implement data platform resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Geo-replication with readable secondary — Geo-replication with readable secondary (Option B) is correct because it creates a continuously synchronized read-only replica of your Azure SQL Database in a different Azure region. Applications can connect to this secondary endpoint using the same connection string with 'ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly', enabling read-intensive workloads to be offloaded without any code changes. This provides both scalability for reads and disaster recovery.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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.
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