- A
Create a SQL Agent job with a T-SQL script that uses sys.dm_db_stats_properties to identify tables needing statistics updates based on modification counters, then executes UPDATE STATISTICS only on those tables.
SQL Agent is available and this approach is efficient.
- B
Enable automatic tuning for the database to automatically update statistics.
Why wrong: Automatic tuning does not update statistics; it manages indexes and query plans.
- C
Use Azure Automation with a PowerShell runbook that connects to the instance and runs sp_updatestats.
Why wrong: Azure Automation requires hybrid worker and is less efficient than SQL Agent.
- D
Use Elastic Database Jobs to schedule a T-SQL script that updates all statistics unconditionally.
Why wrong: Elastic Database Jobs is not available for Managed Instance.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to create a SQL Agent job with a T-SQL script that uses sys.dm_db_stats_properties to identify tables needing statistics updates based on modification counters, then executes UPDATE STATISTICS only on those tables. This works because sys.dm_db_stats_properties provides the modification_counter column, which tracks row changes since the last statistics update, allowing you to efficiently filter for tables where more than 10% of rows have been modified. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of self-contained automation within Azure SQL Managed Instance, where SQL Agent is the native scheduler—unlike Azure Automation or Elastic Database Jobs, which are either external or unsupported. A common trap is assuming automatic tuning handles statistics, but it only manages indexes. Memory tip: think "stats agent, not external crutch"—SQL Agent keeps the automation inside the instance.
DP-300 Configure and manage automation of tasks Practice Question
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of configure and manage automation of tasks. 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.
You are a database administrator for a logistics company that uses Azure SQL Managed Instance. The instance hosts a database that tracks shipments. You need to automate the process of updating statistics for all tables in the database every night. The update should only include tables that have had more than 10% of rows modified since the last statistics update. The automation must be efficient and not rebuild statistics unnecessarily. Additionally, the solution should be self-contained within the Managed Instance and not rely on external services. What should you do?
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 Agent job with a T-SQL script that uses sys.dm_db_stats_properties to identify tables needing statistics updates based on modification counters, then executes UPDATE STATISTICS only on those tables.
Option B is correct. SQL Agent is available on Managed Instance and can execute a stored procedure that checks modification counters (sys.dm_db_stats_properties) and updates only those statistics that meet the threshold. Option A is incorrect because Elastic Database Jobs is not available for Managed Instance. Option C is incorrect because Azure Automation would require a hybrid worker and is less efficient. Option D is incorrect because automatic tuning does not update statistics based on modification percentage; it only manages indexes.
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.
- ✓
Create a SQL Agent job with a T-SQL script that uses sys.dm_db_stats_properties to identify tables needing statistics updates based on modification counters, then executes UPDATE STATISTICS only on those tables.
Why this is correct
SQL Agent is available and this approach is efficient.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable automatic tuning for the database to automatically update statistics.
Why it's wrong here
Automatic tuning does not update statistics; it manages indexes and query plans.
- ✗
Use Azure Automation with a PowerShell runbook that connects to the instance and runs sp_updatestats.
Why it's wrong here
Azure Automation requires hybrid worker and is less efficient than SQL Agent.
- ✗
Use Elastic Database Jobs to schedule a T-SQL script that updates all statistics unconditionally.
Why it's wrong here
Elastic Database Jobs is not available for Managed Instance.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Configure and manage automation of tasks — study guide chapter
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Configure and manage automation of tasks practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-300 question test?
Configure and manage automation of tasks — This question tests Configure and manage automation of tasks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a SQL Agent job with a T-SQL script that uses sys.dm_db_stats_properties to identify tables needing statistics updates based on modification counters, then executes UPDATE STATISTICS only on those tables. — Option B is correct. SQL Agent is available on Managed Instance and can execute a stored procedure that checks modification counters (sys.dm_db_stats_properties) and updates only those statistics that meet the threshold. Option A is incorrect because Elastic Database Jobs is not available for Managed Instance. Option C is incorrect because Azure Automation would require a hybrid worker and is less efficient. Option D is incorrect because automatic tuning does not update statistics based on modification percentage; it only manages indexes.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 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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