- A
Both the customer information and the files are structured data.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the PDF contracts and product images do not have a fixed schema; they are unstructured.
- B
The customer information is semi-structured, and the files are unstructured.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the customer information is stored in a SQL table with fixed columns, which makes it structured, not semi-structured.
- C
The customer information is structured, and the files are unstructured.
Correct. Customer information in a SQL table with a fixed schema is structured data. PDFs and images lack a predefined schema, making them unstructured.
- D
Both the customer information and the files are unstructured.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the customer information follows a fixed schema in a relational database, so it is structured.
DP-900 Describe core data concepts Practice Question
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe core data concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
A company stores customer information in a SQL database with fixed columns (CustomerID, Name, Email). They also store scanned PDF contracts and product images in a file storage system. Which statement correctly describes the types of data mentioned?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The customer information is structured, and the files are unstructured.
Customer information stored in fixed columns (CustomerID, Name, Email) follows a strict schema with defined data types and relationships, making it structured data. Scanned PDF contracts and product images are binary files with no inherent schema or organization, fitting the definition of unstructured data. Option C correctly pairs these classifications.
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.
- ✗
Both the customer information and the files are structured data.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the PDF contracts and product images do not have a fixed schema; they are unstructured.
- ✗
The customer information is semi-structured, and the files are unstructured.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the customer information is stored in a SQL table with fixed columns, which makes it structured, not semi-structured.
- ✓
The customer information is structured, and the files are unstructured.
Why this is correct
Correct. Customer information in a SQL table with a fixed schema is structured data. PDFs and images lack a predefined schema, making them unstructured.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Both the customer information and the files are unstructured.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the customer information follows a fixed schema in a relational database, so it is structured.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'semi-structured' (e.g., JSON with flexible fields) with structured data (fixed schema), or assume all digital files are structured because they have metadata, ignoring the lack of a predefined schema in the content itself.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Structured data relies on a predefined schema (e.g., SQL table DDL with explicit column types), enabling efficient indexing and ACID transactions. Unstructured data like PDFs or images lacks a schema and is often stored as BLOBs in databases or as files in object storage (e.g., Azure Blob Storage), requiring different processing techniques such as OCR or computer vision. In real-world scenarios, a single application might combine both types—for example, a CRM system querying structured customer records while referencing unstructured attachments in a separate storage layer.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-900 question test?
Describe core data concepts — This question tests Describe core data concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The customer information is structured, and the files are unstructured. — Customer information stored in fixed columns (CustomerID, Name, Email) follows a strict schema with defined data types and relationships, making it structured data. Scanned PDF contracts and product images are binary files with no inherent schema or organization, fitting the definition of unstructured data. Option C correctly pairs these classifications.
What should I do if I get this DP-900 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This DP-900 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-900 exam.
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