DP-300 Configure and manage automation of tasks Practice Question
You are a database administrator for a healthcare company that uses Azure SQL Managed Instance. The company requires that a T-SQL script run every night to perform index maintenance on a specific database. You need to configure an automated solution that uses SQL Server Agent. Which of the following must you do to enable SQL Server Agent jobs on the managed instance?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is thinking that SQL Server Agent needs to be enabled or that Azure Automation is required, when on Azure SQL Managed Instance it is already available and managed by the platform.
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
✓
Create a SQL Server Agent job using T-SQL or SQL Server Management Studio.
SQL Server Agent is fully supported on Azure SQL Managed Instance and is always running. You create jobs using T-SQL or SSMS, and the agent executes them on schedule. No additional configuration or external services are needed. The other options either misstate the agent's availability or suggest unnecessary steps that are not applicable to managed instances.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Create a SQL Server Agent job using T-SQL or SQL Server Management Studio.
Why this is correct
On Azure SQL Managed Instance, SQL Server Agent is available and you can create jobs using T-SQL stored procedures in the msdb database or via SQL Server Management Studio. The agent runs automatically, so you simply define the job, steps, and schedule. This is the correct method to automate T-SQL scripts on a schedule.
- ✗
Configure Azure Automation to run the T-SQL script and invoke it from a SQL Server Agent job.
Why it's wrong here
Azure Automation is not required for SQL Server Agent jobs on Azure SQL Managed Instance. SQL Server Agent can run T-SQL directly. Using Azure Automation would add unnecessary complexity and is not a supported integration for running T-SQL as a job step. The agent itself is capable of executing T-SQL scripts natively.
- ✗
Enable the 'Agent XPs' advanced option using sp_configure.
Why it's wrong here
The 'Agent XPs' option is used in SQL Server to enable or disable SQL Server Agent extended stored procedures. On Azure SQL Managed Instance, this option is enabled by default and you cannot modify it. Attempting to run sp_configure to change it will fail because the necessary permissions are not available. You do not need to enable it manually.
- ✗
Enable the SQL Server Agent service on the managed instance.
Why it's wrong here
SQL Server Agent is not a separate service that you enable or disable on Azure SQL Managed Instance. It is always running and managed by the platform. You do not have control over the service itself. Instead, you create and manage jobs through T-SQL or SSMS, and the agent executes them. There is no option to enable or disable the agent service.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Overview of Azure Data Platform Options
Key term
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Azure SQL Managed Instance is a fully managed cloud database service that gives you nearly all the features of Microsoft SQL Server on your own server, without you having to manage the hardware or operating system.
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Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Microsoft exam blueprint
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