The answer is to create a secondary replica using active geo-replication and configure read-only routing. This is correct because active geo-replication allows you to provision a readable secondary in the same region, which offloads read workloads from the primary without requiring a tier upgrade—directly addressing the need to improve read performance for Azure SQL Database without increasing costs. The application can use connection strings with ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly to automatically route read queries to this secondary, isolating them from write workloads. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of when to use active geo-replication versus built-in read scale-out, which is only available in the Business Critical tier. A common trap is assuming the General Purpose tier supports readable secondaries natively, but it does not; active geo-replication is the cost-effective workaround. Memory tip: “Geo for read, no tier upgrade needed—same region, same cost, separate load.”
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. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 are a database administrator for a healthcare company that uses Azure SQL Database for its patient management system. The database is currently 500 GB and uses the General Purpose tier in the West US region. The application experiences high read traffic during business hours, and you need to improve read performance without increasing costs significantly. You also need to ensure that read queries are isolated from write workloads. The application supports read-only routing using connection strings. You have the following options:
A. Create a secondary replica in the same region using active geo-replication and configure the application to use the secondary for read-only queries.
B. Upgrade the database to the Business Critical tier and use the built-in readable secondary.
C. Implement read scale-out by adding a readable secondary replica in the same region using the built-in read scale-out feature of the General Purpose tier.
D. Create an elastic pool with multiple databases and distribute read queries across them.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a secondary replica using active geo-replication and configure read-only routing.
Option B is correct because active geo-replication allows you to create a readable secondary replica in the same region, which can be used to offload read-only queries from the primary. The application can use connection strings with ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly to automatically route read queries to the secondary, isolating them from write workloads. This improves read performance without upgrading to a higher-cost tier, as the General Purpose tier does not natively support readable secondaries within the same region.
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.
✗
Implement read scale-out in General Purpose tier.
Why it's wrong here
General Purpose does not support readable secondaries.
✓
Create a secondary replica using active geo-replication and configure read-only routing.
Why this is correct
Active geo-replication provides a readable secondary without changing the tier, isolating reads.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Upgrade to Business Critical tier and use its readable secondary.
Why it's wrong here
Unnecessary cost increase.
✗
Create an elastic pool and distribute read queries.
Why it's wrong here
Elastic pool does not isolate reads from writes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume the General Purpose tier supports readable secondaries natively (like the Business Critical tier), but in reality, you must use active geo-replication to create a readable secondary in the same region for the General Purpose tier.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Active geo-replication creates a readable secondary replica using asynchronous replication, which can be in the same or a different region. The secondary replica is fully readable and can handle read-only workloads, but it may have a small replication lag (typically seconds). The application must use the AdventureWorks connection string pattern with ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly to ensure queries are routed to the secondary, and the secondary must be explicitly configured as a readable secondary in the connection string.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-300 question in full detail.
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: Create a secondary replica using active geo-replication and configure read-only routing. — Option B is correct because active geo-replication allows you to create a readable secondary replica in the same region, which can be used to offload read-only queries from the primary. The application can use connection strings with ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly to automatically route read queries to the secondary, isolating them from write workloads. This improves read performance without upgrading to a higher-cost tier, as the General Purpose tier does not natively support readable secondaries within the same region.
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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