Quick Answer
The correct answer is to reorganize the clustered columnstore index. This is because REORGANIZE is the targeted maintenance operation that compresses rowgroups and, crucially, removes rows from the deleted bitmap, which is the primary source of fragmentation and performance degradation in columnstore indexes. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of index maintenance trade-offs: while REBUILD is available, it is far more resource-intensive and often unnecessary for columnstore indexes, making it a common trap for candidates who default to rebuild habits from rowstore indexes. A key memory tip is to think of "reorganize" as a gentle cleanup that sweeps away deleted rows without rebuilding the entire structure, whereas "rebuild" is the sledgehammer. Remember the mnemonic "CORE" for columnstore maintenance: Compress, Organize, Remove deleted rows, and Evaluate statistics separately.
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of monitor, configure, and optimize database 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 optimizing an Azure SQL Database that has a large table with a clustered columnstore index. You notice that the index has been fragmented over time. You need to improve query performance. What should you do?
Drop and recreate the columnstore index
Why wrong: Dropping and recreating is disruptive and not recommended.
Reorganize the columnstore index
REORGANIZE removes rows from deleted bitmaps and is the recommended maintenance.
Update statistics on the table
Why wrong: Updating statistics helps query optimization but does not address fragmentation.
Rebuild the columnstore index
Why wrong: Rebuild is resource-intensive and may cause downtime.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Reorganize the columnstore index
Option C is correct because REORGANIZE is the recommended maintenance for columnstore indexes to remove rows from deleted bitmaps. Option A is incorrect because REBUILD is more resource-intensive and not always necessary. Option B is incorrect because dropping and recreating is disruptive. Option D is incorrect because updating statistics alone does not address fragmentation.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Drop and recreate the columnstore index
Why it's wrong here
Dropping and recreating is disruptive and not recommended.
Reorganize the columnstore index
Why this is correct
REORGANIZE removes rows from deleted bitmaps and is the recommended maintenance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Update statistics on the table
Why it's wrong here
Updating statistics helps query optimization but does not address fragmentation.
Rebuild the columnstore index
Why it's wrong here
Rebuild is resource-intensive and may cause downtime.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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 — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All DP-300 questions
953 questions across all exam domains
Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
DP-300 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Plan and implement data platform resources.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Configure and manage automation of tasks.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Plan and configure high availability and disaster recovery.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to Implement a secure environment.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to DP-300 fundamentals.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to DP-300 scenario.
Practise DP-300 questions linked to DP-300 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — This question tests Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Reorganize the columnstore index — Option C is correct because REORGANIZE is the recommended maintenance for columnstore indexes to remove rows from deleted bitmaps. Option A is incorrect because REBUILD is more resource-intensive and not always necessary. Option B is incorrect because dropping and recreating is disruptive. Option D is incorrect because updating statistics alone does not address fragmentation.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.