PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst
Prepare, model, visualize, and analyze data using Microsoft Power BI, author DAX calculations, build interactive dashboards, manage row-level security, and deploy workspace assets.
Official Exam Specification & Quick Facts
Question Difficulty Breakdown
Recommended Study Guides & Exam Preparation Blueprints
Reinforce your knowledge with domain breakdowns, trap question analyses, and architectural cheat sheets:
Exam Guidelines & Simulation Rules
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The PL-300 exam contains 45-60 scenario, DAX calculation, and dashboard modeling questions over 100 minutes. Cost is $165 USD with a passing threshold of 700/1000 (70%).
Domains include: (1) Prepare the data (~25-30%), (2) Model the data (~25-30%), (3) Visualize and analyze the data (~25-30%), and (4) Deploy and maintain assets (~15-20%).
Import mode caches data into the in-memory VertiPaq engine for fastest query speeds. DirectQuery queries backend databases in real time without importing data. Dual mode allows tables to act as either Import or DirectQuery depending on query context.
A star schema organizes data into a central Fact table containing numeric measurements surrounded by denormalized Dimension tables, maximizing VertiPaq compression and query performance.
The `CALCULATE()` function evaluates an expression within an altered filter context, overriding, merging, or removing existing visual and page filters using functions like `ALL()`, `FILTER()`, and `USERELATIONSHIP()`.
Calculated columns compute row-by-row during data refresh and consume RAM storage. Measures compute dynamically at query time based on user filter context without increasing file size.
RLS defines DAX filter rules on roles (e.g. `[Region] = USERPRINCIPALNAME()`). When published to the Power BI Service, users are assigned to roles, viewing only data permitted for their account.
Calculation groups reduce redundant DAX measures by applying consistent calculation patterns (such as YTD, MTD, and variance) dynamically to existing base measures.
Deployment Pipelines automate testing and publishing of reports, dashboards, and semantic models across Development, Test, and Production workspaces with automated schema difference comparisons.
Performance Analyzer records and displays the execution time (in milliseconds) for DAX Query, Visual Display, and Other operations for each visual on a report page, pinpointing inefficient measures.
PL-300 is valid for one year and renewable annually for free via Microsoft Learn.
PL-300 certifies Power BI Developers, Business Intelligence Analysts, and Data Visualization Specialists earning average US salaries between $95,000 and $135,000.