- A
Use Azure Data Studio to import the certificate directly from the local machine store during migration.
Why wrong: Azure Data Studio cannot import certificates to SQL Managed Instance.
- B
Disable TDE on the source database, migrate the backup, then enable TDE on the target.
Why wrong: Disabling TDE exposes data at rest during migration; preserving TDE is more secure.
- C
Back up the certificate and private key to a .pfx file, restore the .pfx to the target managed instance, then restore the database backup.
This ensures the TDE keys are available to decrypt the database after restore.
- D
Create a master key in the target managed instance and then restore the database; the certificate will be imported automatically.
Why wrong: The certificate must be explicitly backed up and restored; automatic import does not occur.
Quick Answer
The correct approach is to back up the certificate and private key to a .pfx file, restore the .pfx to the target Azure SQL Managed Instance, and then restore the database backup. This works because Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) in SQL Server uses a database encryption key (DEK) that is itself protected by a server-level certificate; without that certificate present in the target instance’s master database, the backup remains encrypted and unreadable. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that Azure SQL Managed Instance does not automatically inherit on-premises TDE certificates—you must explicitly export and import them. A common trap is assuming you can simply restore the backup and let Azure handle decryption, or that you can use the Azure Key Vault integration without first migrating the existing certificate. Remember the mnemonic: **P** (backup to .pfx), **R** (restore to MI), **R** (restore database)—the three R’s of TDE migration.
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.
You are migrating an on-premises SQL Server 2012 database to Azure SQL Managed Instance. The database is 5 TB and uses Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) with a certificate stored in the local machine store. What is the best approach to migrate while preserving TDE?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Back up the certificate and private key to a .pfx file, restore the .pfx to the target managed instance, then restore the database backup.
Option C is correct because TDE in SQL Server relies on a certificate (or asymmetric key) that must be present in the target instance to decrypt the database backup. By backing up the certificate and private key to a .pfx file and restoring it to Azure SQL Managed Instance, you ensure the target has the necessary encryption keys to read the backup. Azure SQL Managed Instance supports restoring TDE-protected backups only if the corresponding certificate is first restored into the master 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 Azure Data Studio to import the certificate directly from the local machine store during migration.
Why it's wrong here
Azure Data Studio cannot import certificates to SQL Managed Instance.
- ✗
Disable TDE on the source database, migrate the backup, then enable TDE on the target.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling TDE exposes data at rest during migration; preserving TDE is more secure.
- ✓
Back up the certificate and private key to a .pfx file, restore the .pfx to the target managed instance, then restore the database backup.
Why this is correct
This ensures the TDE keys are available to decrypt the database after restore.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create a master key in the target managed instance and then restore the database; the certificate will be imported automatically.
Why it's wrong here
The certificate must be explicitly backed up and restored; automatic import does not occur.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume TDE certificates are automatically transferred or that disabling TDE is a safe shortcut, but in reality, the certificate must be explicitly backed up and restored to the target before the database restore can succeed.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
TDE uses a Database Encryption Key (DEK) that is protected by a certificate stored in the master database. When restoring a TDE-encrypted backup to a different instance, the instance must have the same certificate (with the same thumbprint) to decrypt the DEK. In Azure SQL Managed Instance, the certificate must be restored using the CREATE CERTIFICATE statement with the FROM FILE option, referencing the .pfx file. A common real-world pitfall is forgetting to back up the private key with the certificate, which renders the .pfx file unusable for decryption.
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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Plan and implement data platform resources — study guide chapter
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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: Back up the certificate and private key to a .pfx file, restore the .pfx to the target managed instance, then restore the database backup. — Option C is correct because TDE in SQL Server relies on a certificate (or asymmetric key) that must be present in the target instance to decrypt the database backup. By backing up the certificate and private key to a .pfx file and restoring it to Azure SQL Managed Instance, you ensure the target has the necessary encryption keys to read the backup. Azure SQL Managed Instance supports restoring TDE-protected backups only if the corresponding certificate is first restored into the master 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on DP-300
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. You are designing a database migration from on-premises SQL Server 2019 to Azure SQL Managed Instance. The source database uses Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) with a certificate stored in the local certificate store. The target is a General Purpose SQL Managed Instance. Which migration method should you use to minimize downtime and preserve TDE?
medium- A.Use the SQL Server Import/Export Wizard to copy data.
- B.Export the database as a BACPAC file and import it into the managed instance.
- C.Use transaction log shipping from the source to the target.
- ✓ D.Use Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) with online mode.
Why D: Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) with online mode is the correct choice because it supports minimal-downtime migrations by continuously replicating changes from the source SQL Server to the target Azure SQL Managed Instance using the transactional replication technology. DMS also preserves Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) by migrating the TDE certificate and key to the managed instance, ensuring the database remains encrypted throughout the process.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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