Quick Answer
The correct answer is to use the Query Store reports in the Azure portal. The Query Store is the built-in, persistent tool in Azure SQL Database that automatically captures a history of query execution plans and runtime statistics, making it the ideal solution for identifying top resource-consuming queries by CPU, IO, and duration without manual scripting. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of native monitoring tools versus legacy methods; a common trap is choosing dynamic management views like sys.dm_exec_query_stats, which lack historical persistence and require more effort to correlate data. Remember that Query Store is the default performance tuning repository in Azure SQL, while Extended Events are for custom event capture and SQL Server Profiler is unsupported entirely. Memory tip: think “Q for Query, Q for Quick” — the Query Store gives you instant, historical insight into what’s eating your DTU.
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of monitor, configure, and optimize database resources. 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.
Your Azure SQL Database is experiencing high DTU consumption. You need to identify the top resource-consuming queries. What should you do?
Use the Query Store reports in the Azure portal
Built-in, persistent, and easy to use.
Use SQL Server Profiler
Why wrong: Not supported in Azure SQL Database.
Create an Extended Events session to capture query events
Why wrong: Overkill for this task.
Query sys.dm_exec_query_stats
Why wrong: Works but less persistent than Query Store.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use the Query Store reports in the Azure portal
Option C is correct because the Query Store is the primary tool in Azure SQL Database for tracking query performance, including CPU, IO, and duration. Option A is wrong because dynamic management views like sys.dm_exec_query_stats can be used but require more effort and may not persist history. Option B is wrong because Extended Events are for custom monitoring, not built-in query analysis. Option D is wrong because Azure SQL Database does not support SQL Server Profiler.
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.
Use the Query Store reports in the Azure portal
Why this is correct
Built-in, persistent, and easy to use.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Use SQL Server Profiler
Why it's wrong here
Not supported in Azure SQL Database.
Create an Extended Events session to capture query events
Why it's wrong here
Overkill for this task.
Query sys.dm_exec_query_stats
Why it's wrong here
Works but less persistent than Query Store.
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: Use the Query Store reports in the Azure portal — Option C is correct because the Query Store is the primary tool in Azure SQL Database for tracking query performance, including CPU, IO, and duration. Option A is wrong because dynamic management views like sys.dm_exec_query_stats can be used but require more effort and may not persist history. Option B is wrong because Extended Events are for custom monitoring, not built-in query analysis. Option D is wrong because Azure SQL Database does not support SQL Server Profiler.
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.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
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 are monitoring an Azure SQL Database that is experiencing high DTU consumption. You need to identify the queries that are causing high resource usage. Which two data sources can you use? (Choose two.)
mediumWhy B: Options A and C are correct. Query Store tracks query execution statistics including CPU, duration, and I/O, and the sys.dm_exec_query_stats DMV provides similar data. Option B is wrong because sys.dm_os_wait_stats shows wait types, not query resource usage. Option D is wrong because sys.dm_db_index_usage_stats shows index usage, not query resource consumption. Option E is wrong because sys.dm_io_virtual_file_stats shows I/O statistics at the file level, not per query.
Variation 2. You are troubleshooting a performance degradation on an Azure SQL Database. You notice that the database is hitting the maximum DTU limit frequently. Which action should you take first to reduce DTU consumption?
mediumWhy C: Query Performance Insight helps identify the top resource-consuming queries. Optimizing those queries is the most direct way to reduce DTU consumption. Option A is wrong because scaling up increases cost and may not address root cause. Option B is wrong because index maintenance can increase DTU temporarily. Option D is wrong because increasing the log rate limit does not reduce DTU consumption.
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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