Stored procedures are a favorite interview topic for SQL Server roles. Interviewers don’t just test syntax—they test concepts, performance, security, and real-world thinking.
This blog covers most-asked stored procedure interview questions, from basic to advanced, with clear answers and examples.
🔰 Beginner-Level Questions
1️⃣ What Is a Stored Procedure in SQL Server?
A stored procedure is a precompiled collection of SQL statements stored in the database and executed as a single unit.
✅ Benefits
✔ Better performance
✔ Reusability
✔ Security
✔ Easy maintenance
2️⃣ How Do You Create a Stored Procedure?
CREATE PROCEDURE dbo.GetUsers
AS
BEGIN
SELECT * FROM Users;
END
3️⃣ How Do You Execute a Stored Procedure?
EXEC dbo.GetUsers;
4️⃣ Difference Between Stored Procedure and Function?
| Stored Procedure | Function |
|---|---|
| Can modify data | Cannot modify data |
| Can use transactions | Cannot use transactions |
| Can return multiple result sets | Returns single value |
| Executed using EXEC | Used in SELECT |
🟡 Intermediate-Level Questions
5️⃣ What Is SET NOCOUNT ON?
It stops SQL Server from sending row-count messages, improving performance and preventing application issues.
SET NOCOUNT ON;
6️⃣ What Are Input and Output Parameters?
Input Parameter
@UserId INT
Output Parameter
@TotalCount INT OUTPUT
7️⃣ What Is TRY…CATCH in Stored Procedures?
It is used for error handling.
BEGIN TRY
-- Code
END TRY
BEGIN CATCH
SELECT ERROR_MESSAGE();
END CATCH
8️⃣ What Is Parameter Sniffing?
SQL Server creates an execution plan based on the first parameter value, which may not be optimal for other values.
🔵 Advanced-Level Questions
9️⃣ What Is Dynamic SQL? Is It Safe?
Dynamic SQL executes SQL statements at runtime.
❌ Unsafe if concatenated
✅ Safe if parameterized using sp_executesql
🔟 What Is EXECUTE AS in Stored Procedures?
It allows a procedure to execute with different security context.
WITH EXECUTE AS OWNER
1️⃣1️⃣ Difference Between RAISERROR and THROW?
| RAISERROR | THROW |
|---|---|
| Old | New |
| Custom formatting | Preserves original error |
| Less accurate | Recommended |
1️⃣2️⃣ Can a Stored Procedure Return Multiple Result Sets?
✅ Yes.
SELECT * FROM Users;
SELECT * FROM Orders;
1️⃣3️⃣ What Is SARGABLE Query?
A query that allows SQL Server to use indexes efficiently.
❌ WHERE YEAR(Date)=2024
✅ WHERE Date >= '2024-01-01'
1️⃣4️⃣ How Do You Improve Stored Procedure Performance?
✔ Avoid SELECT *
✔ Use proper indexes
✔ Avoid cursors
✔ Use execution plans
✔ Use SET NOCOUNT ON
1️⃣5️⃣ Can We Use Transactions Inside Stored Procedures?
✅ Yes.
BEGIN TRANSACTION;
COMMIT;
ROLLBACK;
🧪 Scenario-Based Interview Questions
1️⃣6️⃣ Procedure Is Fast in SSMS but Slow in Application – Why?
✔ Parameter sniffing
✔ Missing indexes
✔ Different execution plans
✔ Network latency
1️⃣7️⃣ How Do You Secure a Stored Procedure?
✔ Grant EXECUTE only
✔ Avoid dynamic SQL
✔ Use EXECUTE AS
✔ Validate parameters
📌 Interview-Ready Stored Procedure Template
CREATE PROCEDURE dbo.GetUserById
@UserId INT
AS
BEGIN
SET NOCOUNT ON;
IF @UserId <= 0
THROW 50001, 'Invalid UserId', 1;
SELECT UserId, UserName
FROM Users
WHERE UserId = @UserId;
END
✅ Quick Interview Tips
✔ Explain why, not just how
✔ Use real examples
✔ Mention performance & security
✔ Avoid memorized answers
✍️ Conclusion
Mastering stored procedure interview questions requires conceptual clarity + practical experience. Understanding these questions prepares you for real-world SQL Server challenges, not just interviews.