- A
Create a clustered index on OrderDate
Why wrong: Changing the clustered index to OrderDate would improve range scans on OrderDate but the clustered index physically orders the data; however, the primary key OrderID would then be a nonclustered index, which may affect other queries. A composite nonclustered index is more targeted.
- B
Create a nonclustered index on (OrderDate DESC, Status) and include TotalAmount
This composite index covers both filter columns in the correct sort order and includes the TotalAmount column, making the query fully covered without needing to access the table. This yields the best performance for the described queries.
- C
Create a nonclustered index on Status alone
Why wrong: A single-column index on Status helps filter by Status, but the query also filters on OrderDate and sorts by OrderDate. Without an index on OrderDate, the database must perform a sort after filtering, which is slower.
- D
Create a clustered columnstore index on the table
Why wrong: Columnstore indexes are designed for analytical queries that aggregate large volumes of data, not for point queries or range scans with sort on a specific date range. They are not optimal for this OLTP-style query.
DP-900 Practice Question: Identify considerations for relational data on Azure
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of identify considerations for relational data on azure. 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.
A company uses Azure SQL Database to store order data. The Orders table has millions of rows with columns: OrderID (primary key, clustered), CustomerID, OrderDate, Status, TotalAmount. Queries frequently filter on OrderDate and Status, and sort results by OrderDate descending. Which indexing strategy will most improve query performance for these filters and sort?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"primary"Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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
Create a nonclustered index on (OrderDate DESC, Status) and include TotalAmount
Option B creates a covering nonclustered index on (OrderDate DESC, Status) that directly supports the frequent filter on OrderDate and Status and the ORDER BY OrderDate DESC. Including TotalAmount as a non-key column makes the index covering, so all needed columns come from the index without key lookups, maximizing query performance.
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 clustered index on OrderDate
Why it's wrong here
Changing the clustered index to OrderDate would improve range scans on OrderDate but the clustered index physically orders the data; however, the primary key OrderID would then be a nonclustered index, which may affect other queries. A composite nonclustered index is more targeted.
- ✓
Create a nonclustered index on (OrderDate DESC, Status) and include TotalAmount
Why this is correct
This composite index covers both filter columns in the correct sort order and includes the TotalAmount column, making the query fully covered without needing to access the table. This yields the best performance for the described queries.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create a nonclustered index on Status alone
Why it's wrong here
A single-column index on Status helps filter by Status, but the query also filters on OrderDate and sorts by OrderDate. Without an index on OrderDate, the database must perform a sort after filtering, which is slower.
- ✗
Create a clustered columnstore index on the table
Why it's wrong here
Columnstore indexes are designed for analytical queries that aggregate large volumes of data, not for point queries or range scans with sort on a specific date range. They are not optimal for this OLTP-style query.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often think a clustered index on the filter column is always best, but they overlook that the existing clustered index on OrderID is needed for primary key enforcement and that a covering nonclustered index is the optimal way to support specific query patterns without disrupting the table's physical design.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A nonclustered index with key columns in the exact order used by WHERE and ORDER BY allows the SQL Server query optimizer to perform an index seek on the leading column (OrderDate) and then a range scan on Status, while the index is already sorted in descending order, avoiding an explicit sort. The INCLUDE clause adds TotalAmount to the leaf level without affecting the index key size, making the index covering and eliminating costly key lookups to the clustered index.
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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-900 question test?
Identify considerations for relational data on Azure — This question tests Identify considerations for relational data on Azure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a nonclustered index on (OrderDate DESC, Status) and include TotalAmount — Option B creates a covering nonclustered index on (OrderDate DESC, Status) that directly supports the frequent filter on OrderDate and Status and the ORDER BY OrderDate DESC. Including TotalAmount as a non-key column makes the index covering, so all needed columns come from the index without key lookups, maximizing query performance.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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
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