Quick Answer
The answer is to use a query hint to force the index. This is correct because Azure SQL Database’s query optimizer normally chooses the best index based on statistics, but you can override that decision with the INDEX query hint, typically written as `OPTION (TABLE HINT (table_name, INDEX (index_name)))`. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how to control query performance when the optimizer’s default selection is suboptimal—a common scenario in performance tuning questions. A frequent trap is confusing query hints with index maintenance tasks like rebuilding or reorganizing; remember, hints are for query-level control, not index health. For a memory tip, think “HINT the INDEX” to recall that you explicitly tell the engine which index to use, bypassing its automatic choice.
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 and wants to ensure that a specific query always uses a particular index. What should they do?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "always"
Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
Update statistics on the table
Why wrong: Statistics help the optimizer but do not force index usage.
Use a query hint to force the index
Query hints like WITH (INDEX(index_name)) force the optimizer to use a specific index.
Rebuild the index
Why wrong: Rebuilding improves index health but does not force its use.
Enable Query Store
Why wrong: Query Store is for monitoring, not for forcing indexes.
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 a query hint to force the index
Option B is correct because query hints, specifically the INDEX hint, allow you to force the query optimizer to use a particular index for a specific query. In Azure SQL Database, this is done by adding `OPTION (TABLE HINT (table_name, INDEX (index_name)))` to the query, overriding the optimizer's default index selection.
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.
Update statistics on the table
Why it's wrong here
Statistics help the optimizer but do not force index usage.
Use a query hint to force the index
Why this is correct
Query hints like WITH (INDEX(index_name)) force the optimizer to use a specific index.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "always" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Rebuild the index
Why it's wrong here
Rebuilding improves index health but does not force its use.
Enable Query Store
Why it's wrong here
Query Store is for monitoring, not for forcing indexes.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse index maintenance (rebuilding, updating stats) with query plan control, thinking that a well-maintained index will automatically be used, when in fact the optimizer may still choose a different index based on cost estimates.
Detailed technical explanation
The INDEX query hint works by adding a plan guide-like directive that the optimizer must honor, bypassing its cost-based logic. Under the hood, this hint is translated into a physical operator that scans or seeks the specified index, which can be useful for scenarios where the optimizer's cardinality estimates are consistently wrong due to parameter sniffing or skewed data. A real-world example is forcing a nonclustered index for a query that joins large tables, where the optimizer incorrectly chooses a clustered index scan due to outdated statistics.
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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Identify considerations for relational data on Azure — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Identify considerations for relational data on Azure practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All DP-900 questions
982 questions across all exam domains
Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
DP-900 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise DP-900 questions linked to Describe core data concepts.
Practise DP-900 questions linked to Describe an analytics workload on Azure.
Practise DP-900 questions linked to Identify considerations for relational data on Azure.
Practise DP-900 questions linked to Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure.
Practise DP-900 questions linked to DP-900 fundamentals.
Practise DP-900 questions linked to DP-900 scenario.
Practise DP-900 questions linked to DP-900 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
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..
The correct answer is: Use a query hint to force the index — Option B is correct because query hints, specifically the INDEX hint, allow you to force the query optimizer to use a particular index for a specific query. In Azure SQL Database, this is done by adding `OPTION (TABLE HINT (table_name, INDEX (index_name)))` to the query, overriding the optimizer's default index selection.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "always". Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.