Administering Microsoft Azure SQL Solutions

The DP-300 certification validates skills in planning, implementing, and managing data platform solutions on Azure. It covers SQL Server and Azure SQL database administration including deployment, security, monitoring, performance optimization, high availability, disaster recovery, and automation of administrative tasks using both Azure portal and T-SQL.

This certification is designed for database administrators who manage on-premises SQL Server and Azure SQL databases including Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure VMs. Candidates should have strong T-SQL skills and experience with database maintenance, security configuration, and performance tuning.

The exam consists of 40–60 questions to be completed in approximately 100 minutes (120 minutes if labs are included). Question types include multiple-choice, multiple-select, drag-and-drop, hot area, and case study formats. Questions test T-SQL proficiency, Azure SQL deployment options, performance troubleshooting with DMVs, and high availability configurations. Expect scenarios requiring you to diagnose and resolve database performance issues.

This exam requires strong T-SQL and database administration skills. Candidates from application development backgrounds who lack experience with database internals, DMVs, and index tuning often find it challenging.

Delivered via Pearson VUE online or at testing centers. Available in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, French, German, and Spanish. The certification is valid for 1 year with a free renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn.