- A
Use BULK INSERT to export data from on-premises and import to Azure SQL Database.
Why wrong: Incorrect: BULK INSERT is a one-time operation, causing downtime.
- B
Configure transactional replication between on-premises SQL Server and Azure SQL Database.
Correct: Transactional replication provides continuous data synchronization with minimal downtime.
- C
Use Azure Database Migration Service with online migration mode.
Correct: DMS online mode performs continuous data sync, minimizing downtime.
- D
Use SQL Server backup to URL and restore to Azure SQL Database.
Why wrong: Incorrect: Restore from backup is offline and requires downtime.
- E
Use the Generate Scripts wizard in SQL Server Management Studio.
Why wrong: Incorrect: Script generation is offline and not suitable for minimal downtime.
DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
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 of the following are valid options for migrating an on-premises SQL Server database to Azure SQL Database with minimal downtime?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Configure transactional replication between on-premises SQL Server and Azure SQL Database.
Transactional replication allows continuous synchronization of changes from the on-premises SQL Server publisher to the Azure SQL Database subscriber, enabling migration with minimal downtime by cutting over only after data is in sync. This is a supported hybrid scenario for Azure SQL Database.
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 BULK INSERT to export data from on-premises and import to Azure SQL Database.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: BULK INSERT is a one-time operation, causing downtime.
- ✓
Configure transactional replication between on-premises SQL Server and Azure SQL Database.
Why this is correct
Correct: Transactional replication provides continuous data synchronization with minimal downtime.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Use Azure Database Migration Service with online migration mode.
Why this is correct
Correct: DMS online mode performs continuous data sync, minimizing downtime.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use SQL Server backup to URL and restore to Azure SQL Database.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Restore from backup is offline and requires downtime.
- ✗
Use the Generate Scripts wizard in SQL Server Management Studio.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Script generation is offline and not suitable for minimal downtime.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse Azure SQL Database with Azure SQL Managed Instance or SQL Server on Azure VM, where backup/restore and BULK INSERT are valid; Azure SQL Database does not support native backup/restore or transactional replication as a publisher, only as a subscriber.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Transactional replication uses the log reader agent to capture changes from the on-premises transaction log and deliver them to the Azure SQL Database subscriber via a distribution database. During migration, the initial snapshot seeds the subscriber, and then ongoing changes are replicated until the cutover, at which point the application connection string is switched to Azure SQL Database with minimal data loss. The distribution agent can be configured to run on-premises or in Azure, and the entire process leverages SQL Server's native replication protocols.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-300 question test?
Plan and implement data platform resources — This question tests Plan and implement data platform resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure transactional replication between on-premises SQL Server and Azure SQL Database. — Transactional replication allows continuous synchronization of changes from the on-premises SQL Server publisher to the Azure SQL Database subscriber, enabling migration with minimal downtime by cutting over only after data is in sync. This is a supported hybrid scenario for Azure SQL Database.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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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