- A
Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool
Serverless SQL pool is designed for on-demand querying of data in a data lake, with pay-per-query pricing and support for T-SQL views, making it ideal for this scenario.
- B
Azure SQL Database
Why wrong: Azure SQL Database is a fully managed relational database, not designed for querying external data in a data lake. It requires provisioning compute and storage, and costs are based on reserved resources, not per-query.
- C
Azure Synapse Dedicated SQL pool
Why wrong: Dedicated SQL pool requires provisioning and paying for dedicated compute resources (even when idle) and is not pay-per-query. It is more suited for heavy, predictable workloads.
- D
Azure HDInsight with Spark
Why wrong: HDInsight is a managed cluster service that requires provisioning and managing clusters. It is not serverless and does not have pay-per-query pricing for SQL queries.
Quick Answer
The answer is Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool, which is the correct choice because it enables ad-hoc queries on petabytes of Parquet files in Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 using standard T-SQL without any infrastructure management. This service operates on a pay-per-query model, charging only for the data scanned per query, and it supports creating T-SQL views that Power BI can directly consume for reporting. On the DP-900 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the serverless versus dedicated compute models in Azure Synapse Analytics, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose Azure SQL Database or Azure Databricks—both of which require provisioning or cluster management. The key differentiator is the combination of zero infrastructure, pay-per-query billing, and view creation for Power BI. Memory tip: think “Serverless = no servers to manage, just SQL on the lake, pay per byte.”
DP-900 Describe an analytics workload on Azure Practice Question
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe an analytics workload 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 data analyst needs to run ad-hoc SQL queries on petabytes of data stored as Parquet files in Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2. The queries are infrequent but must return results within seconds. The analyst wants to pay only for the amount of data processed and does not want to manage any compute infrastructure. Additionally, they need to create views to simplify future reporting in Power BI. Which Azure service should they use?
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
Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool
Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool is the correct choice because it allows querying petabytes of data in Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 using standard T-SQL without provisioning any compute infrastructure. It charges only for the amount of data processed per query (pay-per-query model) and supports creating views for Power BI reporting, meeting all stated requirements.
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.
- ✓
Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool
Why this is correct
Serverless SQL pool is designed for on-demand querying of data in a data lake, with pay-per-query pricing and support for T-SQL views, making it ideal for this scenario.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Azure SQL Database
Why it's wrong here
Azure SQL Database is a fully managed relational database, not designed for querying external data in a data lake. It requires provisioning compute and storage, and costs are based on reserved resources, not per-query.
- ✗
Azure Synapse Dedicated SQL pool
Why it's wrong here
Dedicated SQL pool requires provisioning and paying for dedicated compute resources (even when idle) and is not pay-per-query. It is more suited for heavy, predictable workloads.
- ✗
Azure HDInsight with Spark
Why it's wrong here
HDInsight is a managed cluster service that requires provisioning and managing clusters. It is not serverless and does not have pay-per-query pricing for SQL queries.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'serverless' with 'Dedicated SQL pool' (Option C) because both are part of Azure Synapse Analytics, but Dedicated SQL pool requires provisioning and pays for reserved compute, not data processed.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool uses a distributed query engine that reads Parquet files directly from Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 via the OPENROWSET function or external tables, leveraging columnar storage and predicate pushdown to minimize data scanned. It supports creating views (CREATE VIEW) that encapsulate T-SQL queries over external data, which can be directly consumed by Power BI via the Synapse SQL endpoint. The service scales automatically based on query complexity and data volume, with billing calculated per TB of data processed (currently $5 per TB scanned).
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Describe an analytics workload on Azure — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Describe an analytics workload 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
Related DP-900 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Describe core data concepts practice questions
Practise DP-900 questions linked to Describe core data concepts.
Describe an analytics workload on Azure practice questions
Practise DP-900 questions linked to Describe an analytics workload on Azure.
Identify considerations for relational data on Azure practice questions
Practise DP-900 questions linked to Identify considerations for relational data on Azure.
Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure practice questions
Practise DP-900 questions linked to Describe considerations for working with non-relational data on Azure.
DP-900 fundamentals practice questions
Practise DP-900 questions linked to DP-900 fundamentals.
DP-900 scenario practice questions
Practise DP-900 questions linked to DP-900 scenario.
DP-900 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise DP-900 questions linked to DP-900 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free DP-900 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-900 question test?
Describe an analytics workload on Azure — This question tests Describe an analytics workload on Azure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool — Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool is the correct choice because it allows querying petabytes of data in Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 using standard T-SQL without provisioning any compute infrastructure. It charges only for the amount of data processed per query (pay-per-query model) and supports creating views for Power BI reporting, meeting all stated requirements.
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.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
5 more ways this is tested on DP-900
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. A data analyst needs to run ad-hoc SQL queries on petabytes of log data stored as Parquet files in Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2. The queries join multiple tables and require high concurrency from multiple analysts. The solution should minimize cost by only paying for queries executed. Which Azure service should they use?
hard- ✓ A.Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool
- B.Azure Synapse Dedicated SQL pool
- C.Azure HDInsight with Spark
- D.Azure Databricks
Why A: Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool is the correct choice because it allows running ad-hoc T-SQL queries directly on Parquet files in Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 without provisioning any infrastructure. It uses a pay-per-query billing model, making it cost-effective for sporadic, high-concurrency workloads where you only want to pay for the compute resources consumed during query execution.
Variation 2. A data analyst needs to run interactive SQL queries on a large dataset stored as CSV files in Azure Blob Storage. The analyst wants to explore the data using T-SQL without loading the data into a database. Which Azure service should they use?
medium- A.Azure SQL Database
- ✓ B.Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool
- C.Azure Data Factory
- D.Azure Stream Analytics
Why B: Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool is correct because it allows you to run interactive T-SQL queries directly against CSV files in Azure Blob Storage without loading the data into a database. It uses a pay-per-query model and leverages the OPENROWSET function to query external data in place, making it ideal for ad-hoc exploration of large datasets.
Variation 3. A data analyst needs to run ad-hoc SQL queries on large datasets stored as Parquet files in Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2. The queries are infrequent and the data volume varies. The analyst wants to pay only for the amount of data processed per query and does not want to manage any infrastructure. They also need to create views in T-SQL to simplify queries for Power BI reports. Which Azure service should they use?
hard- ✓ A.Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool
- B.Azure Data Lake Analytics
- C.Azure HDInsight
- D.Azure Databricks
Why A: Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool is the correct choice because it allows running ad-hoc T-SQL queries directly on Parquet files in Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 without provisioning any infrastructure. It uses a pay-per-query model, charging only for the amount of data processed, and supports creating T-SQL views that can be used directly by Power BI for simplified reporting.
Variation 4. A data analyst needs to query large datasets stored as Parquet files in Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2. The queries are ad-hoc and infrequent. The analyst wants to run SQL queries directly on the data without creating any storage or compute infrastructure, and only pay for the amount of data processed. They also need to create T-SQL views to simplify queries for Power BI reports. Which Azure service should they use?
medium- A.Azure SQL Database
- ✓ B.Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool
- C.Azure HDInsight with Spark
- D.Azure Databricks
Why B: Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool is the correct choice because it allows querying data directly from Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 using T-SQL without provisioning any compute or storage infrastructure. It supports ad-hoc, infrequent queries with a pay-per-query pricing model based on the amount of data processed, and it enables the creation of T-SQL views that can be used directly by Power BI for reporting.
Variation 5. A data analyst needs to run ad-hoc SQL queries on petabytes of Parquet files stored in Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2. The queries are infrequent and highly selective. The analyst wants to pay only for the data scanned by each query and does not want to provision any compute resources. They also need to create views to simplify future queries for other analysts. Which Azure service should they use?
medium- A.Azure Data Factory
- ✓ B.Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool
- C.Azure Synapse Dedicated SQL pool
- D.Azure Databricks
Why B: Azure Synapse Serverless SQL pool (correct answer) is a pay-per-query service that charges only for the data scanned, requires no provisioning of compute resources, and supports creating views over external data in Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2. It uses T-SQL to query Parquet files directly, making it ideal for infrequent, highly selective ad-hoc queries without managing infrastructure.
Keep practising
More DP-900 practice questions
- An e-commerce application processes customer orders. When an order is placed, the system must decrement the inventory co…
- A company runs an e-commerce application on Azure SQL Database. The application experiences heavy read traffic from repo…
- A company uses Azure SQL Database for an order management system. The Orders table has columns: OrderID (int, primary ke…
- A gaming company stores player scores in Azure Cosmos DB using the NoSQL API. Each document contains fields: PlayerID (u…
- A gaming company stores player profiles as JSON documents. Each profile includes standard fields like playerId, username…
- A company is migrating an on-premises SQL Server database to Azure. They want to ensure that database administrators (DB…
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.
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.