The answer is Automatic Tuning. This Azure SQL Database feature is the correct choice because it continuously monitors query execution patterns and, when it detects a regressed query plan—one that performs worse than a previously known good plan—it can automatically revert to the better plan without manual intervention. For the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of how Automatic Tuning differs from related tools: Query Store only captures and tracks plan history but cannot fix regressions, Intelligent Insights provides monitoring alerts, and Database Advisor offers recommendations that require you to apply changes manually. A common trap is confusing Query Store’s diagnostic capabilities with Automatic Tuning’s corrective action. Remember the memory tip: “Query Store watches, Automatic Tuning catches”—if the exam asks for automatic fixing, think of the feature with “Tuning” in its name.
DP-300 Practice Question: Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of monitor, configure, and optimize database resources. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 large financial services company. You need to ensure that all queries that read sensitive customer data use an optimized execution plan. What feature should you enable to automatically identify and fix regressed query plans?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Automatic Tuning
Option C is correct because Automatic Tuning can automatically identify and fix regressed query plans. Option A is wrong because Query Store captures performance data but does not automatically fix plans. Option B is wrong because Intelligent Insights provides monitoring, not automatic fixing. Option D is wrong because Database Advisor gives recommendations but requires manual action.
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.
✗
Query Store
Why it's wrong here
Query Store captures query performance data but does not automatically fix regressed plans.
✓
Automatic Tuning
Why this is correct
Automatic Tuning continuously monitors and automatically identifies and fixes regressed query plans.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Intelligent Insights
Why it's wrong here
Intelligent Insights provides proactive monitoring and diagnostics but does not automatically fix plans.
✗
Database Advisor for SQL Database
Why it's wrong here
Database Advisor provides recommendations but requires manual implementation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-300 question in full detail.
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 — This question tests Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Automatic Tuning — Option C is correct because Automatic Tuning can automatically identify and fix regressed query plans. Option A is wrong because Query Store captures performance data but does not automatically fix plans. Option B is wrong because Intelligent Insights provides monitoring, not automatic fixing. Option D is wrong because Database Advisor gives recommendations but requires manual action.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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