Quick Answer
The answer is to set the database to FORCE_PARAMETERIZATION = ON. This option forces SQL Server to parameterize all queries in the database, preventing the query optimizer from sniffing the initial parameter values and caching a plan optimized for those specific values, which can cause poor performance for subsequent executions with different values. On the DP-300 exam, this tests your ability to differentiate between database-wide settings and query-level hints; a common trap is confusing FORCE_PARAMETERIZATION with the USE PLAN hint or plan guides, which address plan regression rather than preventing sniffing at the source. Remember that FORCE_PARAMETERIZATION is a database-level toggle, not a code change, making it ideal for mitigating parameter sniffing without altering application queries. A useful memory tip: think "force all parameters" to recall that this setting standardizes parameterization across the entire database, smoothing out plan variability.
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of monitor, configure, and optimize database resources. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 troubleshooting a performance issue in Azure SQL Database. You suspect that parameter sniffing is causing suboptimal query plans. What feature can you use to mitigate this without code changes?
Reorganize indexes regularly.
Why wrong: Index maintenance does not address parameter sniffing.
Use Query Store to force a good plan.
Why wrong: Plan forcing addresses a regression, not prevents sniffing.
Add OPTIMIZE FOR UNKNOWN query hint to all queries.
Why wrong: This requires code changes and is per query.
Set the database to FORCE_PARAMETERIZATION = ON.
Forces parameterization to reduce sniffing effects.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Set the database to FORCE_PARAMETERIZATION = ON.
Option A is correct because the FORCE_PARAMETERIZATION database option forces parameterization and can help with sniffing issues. Option B is wrong because it's for plan forcing after regression, not prevention. Option C is wrong because it's a query hint, not a database-wide setting. Option D is wrong because it's for index maintenance.
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.
Reorganize indexes regularly.
Why it's wrong here
Index maintenance does not address parameter sniffing.
Use Query Store to force a good plan.
Why it's wrong here
Plan forcing addresses a regression, not prevents sniffing.
Add OPTIMIZE FOR UNKNOWN query hint to all queries.
Why it's wrong here
This requires code changes and is per query.
Set the database to FORCE_PARAMETERIZATION = ON.
Why this is correct
Forces parameterization to reduce sniffing effects.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
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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: Set the database to FORCE_PARAMETERIZATION = ON. — Option A is correct because the FORCE_PARAMETERIZATION database option forces parameterization and can help with sniffing issues. Option B is wrong because it's for plan forcing after regression, not prevention. Option C is wrong because it's a query hint, not a database-wide setting. Option D is wrong because it's for index maintenance.
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.
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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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