The answer is sys.dm_exec_query_stats, sys.dm_exec_requests, and sys.dm_exec_query_plan. These three DMVs work together to pinpoint resource-intensive queries in Azure SQL Database: sys.dm_exec_query_stats provides aggregated CPU, I/O, and execution count data for cached query plans, sys.dm_exec_requests shows currently running queries with their live resource consumption, and sys.dm_exec_query_plan reveals the actual execution plan for analysis. On the DP-300 exam, this tests your ability to differentiate between DMVs that expose query-level resource usage versus session or wait statistics. A common trap is choosing sys.dm_exec_sessions, which tracks login and session state but not query resource metrics, or sys.dm_os_wait_stats, which identifies system-wide waits rather than specific query performance. For the exam, remember the mnemonic “QRS” for Query stats, Requests, and query plan—these three give you the full picture of what’s consuming resources right now and historically.
DP-300 Practice Question: Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources
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 on an Azure SQL Database. Which THREE Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) should you query to identify the most resource-intensive queries?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
sys.dm_exec_requests
Options A, C, and D are correct. sys.dm_exec_query_stats returns aggregated performance statistics for cached query plans. sys.dm_exec_requests shows currently executing requests. sys.dm_exec_query_plan shows the execution plan for cached queries. Option B is wrong because sys.dm_exec_sessions provides session-level information, not query-specific resource usage. Option E is wrong because sys.dm_os_wait_stats shows wait statistics, not query-specific resource use.
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.
✓
sys.dm_exec_requests
Why this is correct
This DMV shows currently executing requests and their resource consumption.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
sys.dm_os_wait_stats
Why it's wrong here
This DMV shows wait statistics, not per-query resource usage.
✓
sys.dm_exec_query_plan
Why this is correct
This DMV retrieves the execution plan for a given plan handle.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
sys.dm_exec_sessions
Why it's wrong here
This DMV provides session-level information, not query resource usage.
✓
sys.dm_exec_query_stats
Why this is correct
This DMV returns aggregate performance statistics for cached query plans.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This DMV shows wait statistics, not per-query resource usage.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-300 question in full detail.
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 — This question tests Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: sys.dm_exec_requests — Options A, C, and D are correct. sys.dm_exec_query_stats returns aggregated performance statistics for cached query plans. sys.dm_exec_requests shows currently executing requests. sys.dm_exec_query_plan shows the execution plan for cached queries. Option B is wrong because sys.dm_exec_sessions provides session-level information, not query-specific resource usage. Option E is wrong because sys.dm_os_wait_stats shows wait statistics, not query-specific resource use.
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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Question Discussion
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