The answer is to configure the auto-pause delay to 10 hours in the serverless configuration. This is correct because the serverless compute tier for Azure SQL Database automatically pauses a database after a specified period of inactivity and resumes it automatically on the first connection attempt, making it ideal for cost savings during non-business hours. By setting the auto-pause delay to 10 hours, you align the pause window exactly with your 8 PM to 6 AM schedule, ensuring the database remains paused throughout the night without manual intervention. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of serverless database lifecycle management and the distinction between serverless and provisioned tiers; a common trap is confusing this with elastic pool scaling or Azure Automation runbooks, which are unnecessary here. Remember the memory tip: "10 hours of sleep for your serverless database" — the auto-pause delay is simply the inactivity timer that triggers the cost-saving pause, not a scheduled job.
DP-300 Configure and manage automation of tasks Practice Question
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of configure and manage automation of tasks. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 have an Azure SQL Database that uses a serverless compute tier. You want to automate the process of pausing the database during non-business hours (8 PM to 6 AM) to save costs. The database should automatically resume when the first connection is attempted. What should you configure?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Set the auto-pause delay to 10 hours in the serverless configuration.
Option A is correct because serverless databases automatically pause after a period of inactivity and resume on first connection; you can set the auto-pause delay to 10 hours (from 8 PM to 6 AM). Options B and C are not applicable. Option D is for elastic pools.
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.
✗
Create a SQL Agent job to run ALTER DATABASE PAUSE and ALTER DATABASE RESUME.
Why it's wrong here
SQL Agent is not available in Azure SQL Database single database.
✗
Configure an elastic job to scale down to 0 vCores during off-hours.
Why it's wrong here
Scaling to 0 vCores is not possible; serverless can pause.
✓
Set the auto-pause delay to 10 hours in the serverless configuration.
Why this is correct
The auto-pause delay can be configured to a maximum of 24 hours.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use Azure Automation to run a script that calls the REST API to pause/resume the database.
Why it's wrong here
Possible but unnecessary; serverless has built-in auto-pause.
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.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
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.
Configure and manage automation of tasks — This question tests Configure and manage automation of tasks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Set the auto-pause delay to 10 hours in the serverless configuration. — Option A is correct because serverless databases automatically pause after a period of inactivity and resume on first connection; you can set the auto-pause delay to 10 hours (from 8 PM to 6 AM). Options B and C are not applicable. Option D is for elastic pools.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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