What Is Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300)?

Overview

Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) is a Microsoft credential. Prepare, model, visualize, and analyze data with Microsoft Power BI for the PL-300 certification. This PathKey™ guide summarizes the domains, format, cost signals, eligibility, and renewal pattern so you can decide before you book. Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. We teach preparation for the Microsoft exam. Microsoft sets exam content, fees, and policies.

Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. We teach preparation for the Microsoft exam. Microsoft sets exam content, fees, and policies.

Who it is for

• Individuals seeking to build or validate expertise in Power BI for transforming raw data into actionable business insights and pursuing the Microsoft Certified Power BI Data Analyst credential.
• BI developers, analysts, or report creators looking to master Power BI’s advanced modeling, DAX, and visualization capabilities to deliver high-impact analytics solutions.
• Database administrators, ETL developers, or data engineers aiming to integrate Power BI into enterprise workflows, implement governance, and ensure secure, scalable deployments.

Exam domains

Weights follow the official outline.

1. 01

   Introduction to Power BI and Data Analytics

   Explore the Power BI ecosystem: Power BI Desktop, Service, and Mobile, Understand the role of a Power BI Data Analyst in modern organizations, and Overview of the data analytics lifecycle from ingestion to insight delivery.

2. 02

   Getting Data: Ingestion and Connectivity

   Connect to diverse data sources: databases, files, web, and cloud services, Use Power Query Editor for data import, cleansing, and initial profiling, and Configure data refresh schedules and gateways for on-premises sources.

3. 03

   Data Modeling Fundamentals

   Design star and snowflake schemas for optimal query performance, Establish and manage relationships (one-to-many, many-to-many, bi-directional), and Create calculated columns and tables using DAX basics.

4. 04

   Advanced Data Transformation with Power Query

   Master M language for custom columns, conditional logic, and error handling, Perform advanced merges, appends, pivots, and unpivots, and Build reusable query functions and parameters for modular ETL.

5. 05

   DAX for Analytics and Calculations

   Write time intelligence functions (YTD, SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR, DATESINPERIOD), Master CALCULATE, FILTER, ALL, and context modification techniques, and Create dynamic measures for KPIs, growth rates, and what-if scenarios.

6. 06

   Data Visualization Best Practices

   Apply visual design principles: layout, color theory, and accessibility standards, Select appropriate chart types: bar, line, decomposition tree, KPI visuals, and Implement drill-down, drill-through, and cross-filtering interactions.

7. 07

   Building Interactive Reports and Dashboards

   Assemble multi-page reports with bookmarks, buttons, and navigation, Integrate slicers, sync slicers, and dynamic titles for user-driven analysis, and Publish reports to Power BI Service and configure workspace roles.

8. 08

   Power BI Service and Collaboration

   Manage datasets, gateways, and scheduled refresh in the Service, Implement content packs, apps, and embedded analytics for stakeholders, and Set up alerts, subscriptions, and usage metrics monitoring.

9. 09

   Security, Governance, and Administration

   Configure row-level security (RLS) with static and dynamic rules, Audit activity logs, lineage views, and sensitivity labels, and Establish data governance policies and compliance frameworks.

10. 10

    Exam Preparation and Certification Strategies

    Map course content to official PL-300 exam objectives and skills measured, Practice with full-length mock exams and timed question banks, and Review common pitfalls, scenario-based questions, and case studies.

Exam format and cost

Questions

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Duration

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Format

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Passing score

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Cost

Confirm the current exam fee on the vendor site before you register

Delivery

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Languages

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Experience and eligibility

Familiarity with fundamental data concepts, including tables, relationships, and simple queries (e.g., Excel or basic SQL), to effectively engage with Power BI’s data modeling environment. Comfortable navigation of Windows OS and experience with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, for seamless integration with Power BI Desktop.

Renewal

Renewal rules for Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) are set by Microsoft. Many credentials use a multi-year cycle with continuing education, a renewal fee, or a newer exam. Confirm the current cycle on the vendor site.

Roles this credential fits

• Power BI data modeling and transformation, DAX calculations, report and dashboard creation, data visualization best practices, Power BI Service collaboration, governance frameworks, and PL-300 exam preparation.
• Data
• Teams standardizing on this credential for hiring or compliance

Official sources

• Microsoft credentials

Always confirm fees, dates, and eligibility on the vendor site before you register. Vendors change outlines and prices without notice.