The correct answer is that the database will automatically revert to the last good plan and log the event in sys.dm_db_tuning_recommendations. This happens because FORCE_LAST_GOOD_PLAN is an Azure SQL Database automatic tuning option designed to detect query performance regression after a plan change and immediately force the previous known-good execution plan, preventing ongoing degradation. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how automatic tuning handles plan regressions without manual intervention—a common trap is assuming you must manually revert or that a user interface alert appears. Remember that the entire process is automated and logged in the sys.dm_db_tuning_recommendations view for review. A useful memory tip: think of it as "auto-undo for query plans"—the database hits a regression, and FORCE_LAST_GOOD_PLAN automatically rolls back to the last stable plan, just like an undo button for performance.
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. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 manage an Azure SQL Database that uses automatic tuning. The database has the FORCE_LAST_GOOD_PLAN option enabled. A critical query suddenly starts performing poorly after a plan change. What is the expected behavior?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The database will automatically revert to the last good plan and log the event in sys.dm_db_tuning_recommendations.
Option D is correct because FORCE_LAST_GOOD_PLAN will automatically revert to the last known good plan if the new plan causes regressions. Option A is wrong because automatic tuning does not show a popup. Option B is wrong because reverting is automatic, not manual. Option C is wrong because reverting happens automatically.
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.
✗
The query will continue with the poor plan until you manually force a plan.
Why it's wrong here
Automatic tuning reverts automatically.
✗
You will receive a recommendation to revert the plan change.
Why it's wrong here
The system will auto-revert, not just recommend.
✓
The database will automatically revert to the last good plan and log the event in sys.dm_db_tuning_recommendations.
Why this is correct
Auto-revert occurs and is logged in the tuning recommendations DMV.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The database will automatically revert to the last good plan without notification.
Why it's wrong here
It will revert automatically, but Azure provides notifications.
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 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: The database will automatically revert to the last good plan and log the event in sys.dm_db_tuning_recommendations. — Option D is correct because FORCE_LAST_GOOD_PLAN will automatically revert to the last known good plan if the new plan causes regressions. Option A is wrong because automatic tuning does not show a popup. Option B is wrong because reverting is automatic, not manual. Option C is wrong because reverting happens automatically.
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.
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 →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. You have an Azure SQL Database with automatic tuning enabled. You notice that a query that previously ran quickly is now running slower. Automatic tuning has implemented a plan correction. However, the new plan is performing worse. What should you do to revert to the previous behavior?
hard
A.Drop and recreate the index used by the query
B.Wait for automatic tuning to revert the plan automatically
C.Disable automatic tuning for the database
✓ D.Revert the automatic tuning plan correction using the Azure portal or T-SQL
Why D: Option B is correct because you can manually revert the plan correction via the Azure portal or T-SQL. Option A is wrong because disabling automatic tuning would prevent future corrections but not revert the current one. Option C is wrong because Query Store retains plans but reverting requires explicit action. Option D is wrong because index recreation is not related to plan correction.
Variation 2. You manage an Azure SQL Database that has automatic tuning enabled. You receive an alert that the database is experiencing plan regression. The automatic tuning has forced a plan, but performance is still poor. What should you do first?
medium
A.Disable automatic tuning and create a plan guide.
✓ B.Review the Query Store to identify the root cause of regression.
C.Manually revert to the previous plan using Query Store.
D.Scale up the database to reduce resource pressure.
Why B: Option B is correct because Query Store can show plan history and regression details, helping analyze why the forced plan is not optimal. Option A is wrong because reverting may cause further regression. Option C is wrong because manual plan guide may be too drastic. Option D is wrong because scaling up doesn't address plan quality.
Variation 3. You are managing an Azure SQL Database that has Automatic Tuning enabled. You receive an alert that a query plan regression was detected and a plan correction was automatically applied. You want to verify the performance improvement. What should you use?
easy
A.Use sys.dm_exec_query_stats to view current performance.
B.Review the Azure Monitor alert details.
✓ C.Query the Query Store to compare query performance before and after the plan change.
D.Check the automatic tuning log in the Azure portal.
Why C: Option C is correct because Query Store provides detailed query performance data, including plan regressions and improvements. Option A is wrong because Azure Monitor alerts only notify that a regression occurred, not the improvement. Option B is wrong because the automatic tuning log shows actions taken but not performance metrics. Option D is wrong because dynamic management views give current stats but not historical comparison.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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