DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
You are migrating an on-premises SQL Server 2019 database to Azure SQL Managed Instance. The database uses cross-database queries and SQL Server Agent jobs. You need to ensure that the migration is as seamless as possible and that these features continue to work after migration. What should you do first?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is skipping assessment and directly using a migration tool, which can lead to failures due to undetected compatibility issues.
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
✓
Run the Data Migration Assistant (DMA) to assess compatibility and identify unsupported features.
Before migrating to Azure SQL Managed Instance, you should run the Data Migration Assistant (DMA) to assess the source database for compatibility. DMA identifies features like cross-database queries and SQL Server Agent that are supported in Azure SQL Managed Instance and flags any issues. This assessment ensures a seamless migration by allowing you to address problems beforehand. Other steps are either part of the migration process or post-migration tasks, not the initial action.
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 new Azure SQL Managed Instance with the same configuration as the on-premises server.
Why it's wrong here
Creating the target Azure SQL Managed Instance is a necessary step, but it is not the first action. Before provisioning, you should assess the source database to determine if any modifications are required. This ensures that the target instance is configured appropriately and that the migration will succeed. Skipping assessment may result in a misconfigured instance or failed migration.
- ✗
Enable cross-database queries on the Azure SQL Managed Instance after migration.
Why it's wrong here
Cross-database queries are supported in Azure SQL Managed Instance, but they are enabled by default and do not require a specific post-migration action. The key is to ensure that the source database is compatible before migration. This option suggests a post-migration step, whereas the question asks what to do first, making it incorrect for this scenario.
- ✓
Run the Data Migration Assistant (DMA) to assess compatibility and identify unsupported features.
Why this is correct
Data Migration Assistant (DMA) is the recommended tool to assess on-premises SQL Server databases for migration to Azure SQL Managed Instance. It identifies compatibility issues, unsupported features, and provides recommendations. For a database using cross-database queries and SQL Server Agent, DMA will verify that these features are supported in Azure SQL Managed Instance and highlight any necessary changes before migration, ensuring a smoother process.
- ✗
Use the Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) to perform an online migration.
Why it's wrong here
Azure Database Migration Service (DMS) is used to perform the actual migration, but it should be preceded by an assessment to identify compatibility issues. Running DMS without first assessing the database may lead to failures or unexpected downtime if unsupported features are present. The scenario asks what to do first, and assessment is the logical initial step to ensure a seamless migration.
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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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Microsoft exam blueprint
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.