The answer is Query Performance Insight. This service is the correct choice because it captures and exposes query-level performance data, including CPU consumption, duration, and execution count, directly from the Azure SQL Database engine, allowing you to automate a weekly top queries by CPU report via T-SQL queries against system DMVs like sys.dm_exec_query_stats. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between monitoring tools and schema management features; a common trap is confusing Query Performance Insight with Automatic Tuning or Database Engine Tuning Advisor, which focus on indexing or query hints rather than raw performance data collection. To remember this, think of Insight as the “what” (the data) and Tuning as the “how” (the fix)—for gathering the report, you need the insight first.
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. 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 need to automate the generation of a weekly report that shows the top 10 queries by CPU consumption in an Azure SQL Database. The report should be emailed to the DBA team. Which service should you use to gather the query performance data?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Query Performance Insight
Query Performance Insight in Azure SQL Database provides query-level performance metrics including CPU, duration, and execution count. It can be queried via DMVs or the Azure portal. Option C is correct. Option A is for database schema. Option B is for query hints. Option D is not for Azure SQL Database.
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.
✗
SQL Server Profiler
Why it's wrong here
SQL Server Profiler is a client-side tool not available for Azure SQL Database; it requires server-level access.
✗
Database Engine Tuning Advisor
Why it's wrong here
Indexing advisor is for index recommendations, not for historical query performance data.
✗
Azure Monitor Metrics
Why it's wrong here
Azure Monitor Metrics provide resource-level metrics (DTU/CPU, IO) but not per-query breakdown.
✓
Query Performance Insight
Why this is correct
Query Performance Insight provides aggregated query performance data and can be queried via DMVs like sys.dm_db_query_store_stats.
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.
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.
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: Query Performance Insight — Query Performance Insight in Azure SQL Database provides query-level performance metrics including CPU, duration, and execution count. It can be queried via DMVs or the Azure portal. Option C is correct. Option A is for database schema. Option B is for query hints. Option D is not for Azure SQL Database.
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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