Quick Answer
The answer is Azure Blob Storage, Azure Cosmos DB, and Azure Table Storage. These three services are correct because they all natively support semi-structured data, meaning data that does not conform to a rigid relational schema but contains tags or markers to separate semantic elements, such as JSON documents or key-value pairs. Azure Cosmos DB is a fully managed NoSQL database with flexible schema support for documents, graphs, and key-values, while Azure Table Storage offers a schemaless NoSQL key-value store, and Blob Storage can store unstructured or semi-structured files like JSON or CSV. On the DP-900 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between services designed for structured data (like Azure SQL Database) versus those built for semi-structured or unstructured data. A common trap is assuming Blob Storage only handles unstructured data, but it can store any file type, including semi-structured formats. Memory tip: think “CBT” for Cosmos, Blob, and Table—the three semi-structured storage pillars on Azure.
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe core data concepts. 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.
Which THREE are valid Azure data storage services that support semi-structured data?
Azure Cosmos DB
Supports JSON documents and semi-structured data.
Azure SQL Database
Why wrong: Relational database for structured data.
Azure Table Storage
NoSQL key-value store for semi-structured data.
Azure Blob Storage
Can store semi-structured data as blobs.
Azure Data Lake Storage
Why wrong: Optimized for unstructured big data.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Azure Cosmos DB
Azure Cosmos DB is a fully managed NoSQL database service that natively supports semi-structured data through its flexible schema model, allowing documents, key-value pairs, and graph data. It provides multiple APIs (SQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, Gremlin, and Table) to interact with semi-structured data, making it a valid choice for this question.
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.
Azure Cosmos DB
Why this is correct
Supports JSON documents and semi-structured data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Azure SQL Database
Why it's wrong here
Relational database for structured data.
Azure Table Storage
Why this is correct
NoSQL key-value store for semi-structured data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Azure Blob Storage
Why this is correct
Can store semi-structured data as blobs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Azure Data Lake Storage
Why it's wrong here
Optimized for unstructured big data.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may incorrectly assume Azure SQL Database supports semi-structured data because it can store JSON in columns, but it still requires a predefined relational schema and does not natively handle flexible schemas like a true NoSQL service.
Detailed technical explanation
Semi-structured data, such as JSON or XML, does not conform to a rigid schema but contains tags or markers to separate data elements. Azure Cosmos DB stores data as JSON documents, enabling schema-agnostic operations, while Azure Table Storage uses a key-attribute store with a schema-less design for entities. Azure Blob Storage can store semi-structured data as blobs (e.g., JSON files) but does not provide native query capabilities for that data without additional services like Azure Data Lake Analytics.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Describe core data concepts — This question tests Describe core data concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Azure Cosmos DB — Azure Cosmos DB is a fully managed NoSQL database service that natively supports semi-structured data through its flexible schema model, allowing documents, key-value pairs, and graph data. It provides multiple APIs (SQL, MongoDB, Cassandra, Gremlin, and Table) to interact with semi-structured data, making it a valid choice for this question.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
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