PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Exam Questions's

Power BI Desktop, Power BI Service (cloud), Power BI Mobile, and Power BI Report Server.

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Extracting, transforming, and loading (ETL) data into the model.

M (Power Query Formula Language).

Data Analysis Expressions used to create measures, calculated columns, and calculated tables.

Calculated columns are stored at row-level; measures are dynamic aggregations evaluated in filter context.

Pushing Power Query transformations back to the data source so processing happens at the source.

Define rangeStart and rangeEnd parameters, then set an incremental refresh policy on the table.

A live query mode that sends queries to the source at runtime without importing data.

A model that mixes Import, DirectQuery, and/or Live connections within the same dataset.

Import stores data in-memory; DirectQuery queries the source live; Dual can behave as Import or DirectQuery depending on the query.

The in-memory columnar compression and storage engine used by Power BI for imported data.

The uniqueness of values in a column which impacts storage and performance.

It simplifies relationships, improves query performance, and supports time-intelligence functions.

A method to restrict data access for users by applying filters based on roles.

Use USERPRINCIPALNAME or USERNAME in role filters to map users to allowed rows dynamically.

Temporarily activates an inactive relationship within a calculation.

Modifies filter context and evaluates an expression in the modified context.

Conversion of a row context into a filter context, typically triggered by CALCULATE.

The set of filters applied to a measure during evaluation.

The current row context used when iterating or evaluating calculated columns.

SUMX, which iterates row-by-row to evaluate an expression and then sums the results.

VALUES returns a column's distinct values including BLANK and respects relationships; DISTINCT simply returns unique values.

Removes filters from specified columns or tables within a calculation.

Removes filters from all columns except the specified ones.

Ensures existing filters are preserved when additional filters are applied inside CALCULATE.

Returns TRUE if the specified column is part of the current evaluation scope/hierarchy.

Use CALCULATE combined with FILTER over a date range or use TOTALYTD/TOTALQTD/TOTALMTD functions.

Use SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR, DATEADD or PARALLELPERIOD with CALCULATE to compare periods.

Ranking items within a table based on an expression's value.

Returns the top N rows of a table based on an ordering expression.

Grouping rows and returning a table of grouped columns and aggregations.

SUMMARIZE is more flexible for reporting; GROUPBY is optimized for group-by logic and avoids certain side-effects.

Tables created by DAX expressions that are stored in the model.

Applies the result of a table expression as filters on another table to simulate relationships.

Retrieves a value from a table by matching one or more search conditions.

A related table's column value for the current row using an existing relationship.

All related rows from another table for the current row as a table.

To store intermediate results for readability and to improve performance by avoiding repeated calculations.

Querying, profiling and tuning DAX queries outside of Power BI Desktop.

Tool to measure visual and DAX query performance and capture queries for debugging.

Tools to trace and measure each Power Query step to diagnose performance issues.

When a Power Query step uses functionality unsupported by the source, like invoking non-foldable transformations or custom functions.

Remove unused columns, reduce cardinality, use numeric keys, and enable aggregations.

Precomputed summary tables that speed up queries over very large fact tables.

Make queries dynamic and reusable by centralizing values like file paths or date ranges.

Parameters whose values can be changed at runtime to influence DirectQuery behavior and filtering.

Service-level ETL pipelines that create reusable entities stored in Common Data Model format.

References to existing entities in other workspaces allowing reuse without duplicating dataflows.

An endpoint providing read/write access to datasets via Tabular Object Model for external tooling and automation.

A tool to manage model metadata, create calculation groups and automate model changes using the Tabular Object Model.

Reusable entities to apply consistent calculations (like time-intelligence) and reduce measure duplication.

Use bridge tables, composite models, or DAX techniques like TREATAS to model many-to-many scenarios.

Temporarily changes filter direction between two related tables within a DAX expression.

Can create ambiguous filter contexts and harm performance if used excessively.

A lifecycle feature to promote and manage content across development, test, and production stages.

Classifications applied to datasets and reports to enforce data protection and governance policies.

Connect to the certified dataset and create new reports while trusting the dataset as authoritative.

Ability to connect Excel pivot tables live to Power BI datasets for ad-hoc analysis.

Tasks like dataset refresh, embedding, content management and retrieving usage metrics programmatically.

Set refresh cadence and time in dataset settings; ensure gateway and credentials are configured for on-prem sources.

A secure bridge that enables Power BI Service to access on-premises data for refresh and DirectQuery.

Configure gateway credentials (Windows, SQL authentication or OAuth) and map them in dataset settings.

Combining local model tables with live connections to external Power BI datasets or Azure Analysis Services for flexibility.

Enables users to create new content and reports based on that dataset.

Create a measure that returns text and bind it to the visual title using the title formula (fx).

Capture report states (filters, slicers, visibility) to enable storytelling and navigation.

Exploratory breakdown of a metric across multiple dimensions with AI-driven suggestions.

Analyzes which factors have the most influence on a selected metric using statistical models.

Displaying the same visual across multiple categories to compare patterns side-by-side.

Pixel-perfect RDL report designed for printing and highly formatted tabular outputs.

For formatted exports, printing, or detailed tabular reports that require precise layout.

An AI-powered insight that identifies likely reasons for changes in a metric.

Add a drillthrough field to target page and right-click a data point in source page to navigate with context.

A custom report page that serves as an enhanced tooltip displayed on hover over visuals.

Use aggregations, tune source queries, minimize visuals, and reduce query complexity in DAX.

Options to limit auto interactions like cross-highlighting or auto-refresh to reduce DirectQuery workload.

Configure query caching settings within Premium capacity to cache DirectQuery results for faster responses.

Build allows creating content from a dataset; Reshare allows re-sharing content a user has access to.

Use tenant-level export controls, sensitivity labels, and disable data export features in admin settings.

It makes content publicly accessible without authentication, exposing data to anyone with the link.

Implement rangeStart/rangeEnd parameters that filter the query so only partitions refresh according to policy.

It enables reliable time-intelligence calculations and ensures contiguous date ranges for functions.

In Model view select 'Mark as Date Table' and specify the date column for time-intelligence functions.

Dates corresponding to the same range in the previous year used for period comparisons.

Use Performance Analyzer to capture DAX queries and test with DAX Studio to analyze query plans.

An administrative action to mark a dataset as recommended or authoritative for reuse.

Upstream data sources and downstream dependents of datasets, reports, and dashboards.

Place multiple categorical fields in the Axis and use drill controls or expand/collapse options.

Triggers an immediate data refresh for the dataset in the Power BI Service.

Install multiple gateways on different servers and add them to the same gateway cluster for redundancy.

Packaged content including datasets and reports designed for distribution and installation by others.

When sensitivity labels applied to artifacts propagate to derived content to maintain protection.

Authenticate using service principal and pass effective identities or implement row-level security for user context.

Defining consistent colors, fonts, and formatting across reports via a JSON configuration.

Choose meaningful explain-by fields and target metrics; validate AI suggestions with domain knowledge.

Automatic detection of outliers in time series and highlighting anomalies for investigation.

A per-user license that provides Premium features like larger model sizes and AI capabilities without org-wide capacity.

Use the Subscribe option in the service to receive scheduled email snapshots and alerts.

A Power BI Premium capacity or Premium Per User license enabling external tool access.

Install visuals from AppSource or upload custom .pbiviz files to your report.

Prefer measures for aggregations and dynamic calculations; calculated columns when a stored row-level value is needed.

Increases memory usage and can slow queries; reduce cardinality with grouping or surrogate keys.

Filter early by date-range parameters using foldable operations so the source handles partitioned queries.

A table set to Dual storage mode that can act as Import or DirectQuery depending on query context.

Wrap the measure expression in CALCULATE with ALL or REMOVEFILTERS for the specified columns.

A DAX query keyword used in tools like DAX Studio or SSMS to return tables; not used inside measures.

For each row in the first table, appends rows from the second table producing a Cartesian-like expansion.

Create a custom date table with fiscal columns and use it as the model's marked date table.

Suggested changes (remove columns, enable aggregations) surfaced in Desktop to improve performance.

Admin settings to manage sharing, export, publish to web, and connectivity to ensure governance.

Trigger flows from report alerts, buttons, or dataset events to automate downstream actions.

Single (one-way) filter direction by default; bi-directional must be set explicitly.

Use Date.From or Change Type with the correct locale and format parsing to avoid errors.

Quickly locating fields, measures and tables in large models while authoring reports.

Invite external users as Azure B2B guests and assign workspace or app permissions per tenant policies.

Contributor can add/edit workspace content; Build allows creating new content from a dataset even outside workspace.

Create a mapping table of users to allowed keys and use USERPRINCIPALNAME in role filters to join mapping to facts.

Same dimension used multiple ways (e.g., order vs ship date) implemented with multiple relationships and USERELATIONSHIP in DAX.

Use functions like ISINSCOPE, HASONEVALUE, or explicit aggregation logic to manage subtotal calculations.

Avoid when numeric results are needed for further calculations, as FORMAT returns text which breaks numeric aggregation.

Use encryption at rest, TLS for transport, sensitivity labels, and tenant-level security controls.

For advanced statistical analysis or custom visualization not available natively; ensure security and runtime support.

Use incremental refresh policies and define partitions by date ranges to improve refresh and query performance.

Extract dependency metadata to understand data flow, impact and support governance automation.

Manage SCDs in ETL/dataflows with versioned rows, effective dates, or surrogate keys depending on requirements.

Reduces memory usage and improves refresh and query performance by lowering VertiPaq footprint.

Built using the Power Query connector SDK in M and optionally packaged for deployment and tenant approval.

Import pre-aggregated tables that Power BI routes queries to when possible to avoid expensive DirectQuery scans.

Create a parameter table and slicer which changes measure calculations dynamically for scenario analysis.

Controls who can view, share, or build on top of the dataset, crucial for governance.

Check gateway status, network/firewall, credentials, and ensure correct data source mapping in gateway configuration.

Publishing uploads an interactive report to the Service; exporting creates static formats like PDF or PPTX.

Use aggregations, incremental refresh, optimized model design, and capacity monitoring to scale efficiently.

By combining dataset-level RLS with source-level security for DirectQuery sources; test combined effects thoroughly.

Better Azure AD integration, modern permission model and improved management features.

Configure Microsoft Purview/DLP policies and enable sensitivity label enforcement in Power BI tenant settings.

Use consistent, descriptive names, prefer prefixes for measures, and avoid special characters for easier maintenance.

Use streaming datasets or Azure streaming inputs for live data and separate historical tables using incremental refresh.

Schema, refresh history, lineage and permission details for governance and troubleshooting.

Write M code referencing parameters directly to support complex, dynamic ETL logic.

Consume Synapse datasets via DirectQuery, export query results, and orchestrate pipelines between tools.

Higher query load and rendering time leading to slower performance and potential user experience issues.

Provision Premium capacity and enable large models feature along with workspace settings.

Open a connected Desktop file to author reports locally against the live dataset with full modeling capabilities.

Assign app or workspace permissions to guest accounts and follow tenant B2B governance guidelines.

Shows which steps fold back to source so authors can rewrite steps for better performance and reduced data transfer.

Define tenant policies, naming standards, certified datasets, capacity planning, access controls, and monitoring for lifecycle management.

Use Premium/Capacity metrics app, audit logs, usage metrics reports and Performance Analyzer to track and troubleshoot usage and performance.

Data visualization, business intelligence and interactive analytics.

Power BI Desktop, Power BI Service (cloud), Power BI Mobile, and Power BI Report Server.

.pbix

Extracting, transforming, and loading (ETL) data into the model.

M (Power Query Formula Language).

Data Analysis Expressions used to create measures, calculated columns, and calculated tables.

Calculated columns are stored at row-level; measures are dynamic aggregations evaluated in filter context.

Pushing Power Query transformations back to the data source so processing happens at the source.

Define rangeStart and rangeEnd parameters, then set an incremental refresh policy on the table.

A live query mode that sends queries to the source at runtime without importing data.

A model that mixes Import, DirectQuery, and/or Live connections within the same dataset.

Import stores data in-memory; DirectQuery queries the source live; Dual can behave as Import or DirectQuery depending on the query.

The in-memory columnar compression and storage engine used by Power BI for imported data.

The uniqueness of values in a column which impacts storage and performance.

It simplifies relationships, improves query performance, and supports time-intelligence functions.

A method to restrict data access for users by applying filters based on roles.

Use USERPRINCIPALNAME or USERNAME in role filters to map users to allowed rows dynamically.

Temporarily activates an inactive relationship within a calculation.

Modifies filter context and evaluates an expression in the modified context.

Conversion of a row context into a filter context, typically triggered by CALCULATE.

The set of filters applied to a measure during evaluation.

The current row context used when iterating or evaluating calculated columns.

SUMX, which iterates row-by-row to evaluate an expression and then sums the results.

VALUES returns a column's distinct values including BLANK and respects relationships; DISTINCT simply returns unique values.

Removes filters from specified columns or tables within a calculation.

Removes filters from all columns except the specified ones.

Ensures existing filters are preserved when additional filters are applied inside CALCULATE.

Returns TRUE if the specified column is part of the current evaluation scope/hierarchy.

Use CALCULATE combined with FILTER over a date range or use TOTALYTD/TOTALQTD/TOTALMTD functions.

Use SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR, DATEADD or PARALLELPERIOD with CALCULATE to compare periods.

Ranking items within a table based on an expression's value.

Returns the top N rows of a table based on an ordering expression.

Grouping rows and returning a table of grouped columns and aggregations.

SUMMARIZE is more flexible for reporting; GROUPBY is optimized for group-by logic and avoids certain side-effects.

Tables created by DAX expressions that are stored in the model.

Applies the result of a table expression as filters on another table to simulate relationships.

Retrieves a value from a table by matching one or more search conditions.

A related table's column value for the current row using an existing relationship.

All related rows from another table for the current row as a table.

To store intermediate results for readability and to improve performance by avoiding repeated calculations.

Querying, profiling and tuning DAX queries outside of Power BI Desktop.

Tool to measure visual and DAX query performance and capture queries for debugging.

Tools to trace and measure each Power Query step to diagnose performance issues.

When a Power Query step uses functionality unsupported by the source, like invoking non-foldable transformations or custom functions.

Remove unused columns, reduce cardinality, use numeric keys, and enable aggregations.

Precomputed summary tables that speed up queries over very large fact tables.

Make queries dynamic and reusable by centralizing values like file paths or date ranges.

Parameters whose values can be changed at runtime to influence DirectQuery behavior and filtering.

Service-level ETL pipelines that create reusable entities stored in Common Data Model format.

References to existing entities in other workspaces allowing reuse without duplicating dataflows.

An endpoint providing read/write access to datasets via Tabular Object Model for external tooling and automation.

A tool to manage model metadata, create calculation groups and automate model changes using the Tabular Object Model.

Reusable entities to apply consistent calculations (like time-intelligence) and reduce measure duplication.

Use bridge tables, composite models, or DAX techniques like TREATAS to model many-to-many scenarios.

Temporarily changes filter direction between two related tables within a DAX expression.

Can create ambiguous filter contexts and harm performance if used excessively.

A lifecycle feature to promote and manage content across development, test, and production stages.

Classifications applied to datasets and reports to enforce data protection and governance policies.

Connect to the certified dataset and create new reports while trusting the dataset as authoritative.

Ability to connect Excel pivot tables live to Power BI datasets for ad-hoc analysis.

Tasks like dataset refresh, embedding, content management and retrieving usage metrics programmatically.

Set refresh cadence and time in dataset settings; ensure gateway and credentials are configured for on-prem sources.

A secure bridge that enables Power BI Service to access on-premises data for refresh and DirectQuery.

Configure gateway credentials (Windows, SQL authentication or OAuth) and map them in dataset settings.

Combining local model tables with live connections to external Power BI datasets or Azure Analysis Services for flexibility.

Enables users to create new content and reports based on that dataset.

Create a measure that returns text and bind it to the visual title using the title formula (fx).

Capture report states (filters, slicers, visibility) to enable storytelling and navigation.

Exploratory breakdown of a metric across multiple dimensions with AI-driven suggestions.

Analyzes which factors have the most influence on a selected metric using statistical models.

Displaying the same visual across multiple categories to compare patterns side-by-side.

Pixel-perfect RDL report designed for printing and highly formatted tabular outputs.

For formatted exports, printing, or detailed tabular reports that require precise layout.

An AI-powered insight that identifies likely reasons for changes in a metric.

Add a drillthrough field to target page and right-click a data point in source page to navigate with context.

A custom report page that serves as an enhanced tooltip displayed on hover over visuals.

Use aggregations, tune source queries, minimize visuals, and reduce query complexity in DAX.

Options to limit auto interactions like cross-highlighting or auto-refresh to reduce DirectQuery workload.

Configure query caching settings within Premium capacity to cache DirectQuery results for faster responses.

Build allows creating content from a dataset; Reshare allows re-sharing content a user has access to.

Use tenant-level export controls, sensitivity labels, and disable data export features in admin settings.

It makes content publicly accessible without authentication, exposing data to anyone with the link.

Implement rangeStart/rangeEnd parameters that filter the query so only partitions refresh according to policy.

It enables reliable time-intelligence calculations and ensures contiguous date ranges for functions.

In Model view select 'Mark as Date Table' and specify the date column for time-intelligence functions.

Dates corresponding to the same range in the previous year used for period comparisons.

Use Performance Analyzer to capture DAX queries and test with DAX Studio to analyze query plans.

An administrative action to mark a dataset as recommended or authoritative for reuse.

Upstream data sources and downstream dependents of datasets, reports, and dashboards.

Place multiple categorical fields in the Axis and use drill controls or expand/collapse options.

Triggers an immediate data refresh for the dataset in the Power BI Service.

Install multiple gateways on different servers and add them to the same gateway cluster for redundancy.

Packaged content including datasets and reports designed for distribution and installation by others.

When sensitivity labels applied to artifacts propagate to derived content to maintain protection.

Authenticate using service principal and pass effective identities or implement row-level security for user context.

Defining consistent colors, fonts, and formatting across reports via a JSON configuration.

Choose meaningful explain-by fields and target metrics; validate AI suggestions with domain knowledge.

Automatic detection of outliers in time series and highlighting anomalies for investigation.

A per-user license that provides Premium features like larger model sizes and AI capabilities without org-wide capacity.

Use the Subscribe option in the service to receive scheduled email snapshots and alerts.

A Power BI Premium capacity or Premium Per User license enabling external tool access.

Install visuals from AppSource or upload custom .pbiviz files to your report.

Prefer measures for aggregations and dynamic calculations; calculated columns when a stored row-level value is needed.

Increases memory usage and can slow queries; reduce cardinality with grouping or surrogate keys.

Filter early by date-range parameters using foldable operations so the source handles partitioned queries.

A table set to Dual storage mode that can act as Import or DirectQuery depending on query context.

Wrap the measure expression in CALCULATE with ALL or REMOVEFILTERS for the specified columns.

A DAX query keyword used in tools like DAX Studio or SSMS to return tables; not used inside measures.

For each row in the first table, appends rows from the second table producing a Cartesian-like expansion.

Create a custom date table with fiscal columns and use it as the model's marked date table.

Suggested changes (remove columns, enable aggregations) surfaced in Desktop to improve performance.

Admin settings to manage sharing, export, publish to web, and connectivity to ensure governance.

Trigger flows from report alerts, buttons, or dataset events to automate downstream actions.

Single (one-way) filter direction by default; bi-directional must be set explicitly.

Use Date.From or Change Type with the correct locale and format parsing to avoid errors.

Quickly locating fields, measures and tables in large models while authoring reports.

Invite external users as Azure B2B guests and assign workspace or app permissions per tenant policies.

Contributor can add/edit workspace content; Build allows creating new content from a dataset even outside workspace.

Create a mapping table of users to allowed keys and use USERPRINCIPALNAME in role filters to join mapping to facts.

Same dimension used multiple ways (e.g., order vs ship date) implemented with multiple relationships and USERELATIONSHIP in DAX.

Use functions like ISINSCOPE, HASONEVALUE, or explicit aggregation logic to manage subtotal calculations.

Avoid when numeric results are needed for further calculations, as FORMAT returns text which breaks numeric aggregation.

Use encryption at rest, TLS for transport, sensitivity labels, and tenant-level security controls.

For advanced statistical analysis or custom visualization not available natively; ensure security and runtime support.

Use incremental refresh policies and define partitions by date ranges to improve refresh and query performance.

Extract dependency metadata to understand data flow, impact and support governance automation.

Manage SCDs in ETL/dataflows with versioned rows, effective dates, or surrogate keys depending on requirements.

Reduces memory usage and improves refresh and query performance by lowering VertiPaq footprint.

Built using the Power Query connector SDK in M and optionally packaged for deployment and tenant approval.

Import pre-aggregated tables that Power BI routes queries to when possible to avoid expensive DirectQuery scans.

Create a parameter table and slicer which changes measure calculations dynamically for scenario analysis.

Controls who can view, share, or build on top of the dataset, crucial for governance.

Check gateway status, network/firewall, credentials, and ensure correct data source mapping in gateway configuration.

Publishing uploads an interactive report to the Service; exporting creates static formats like PDF or PPTX.

Use aggregations, incremental refresh, optimized model design, and capacity monitoring to scale efficiently.

By combining dataset-level RLS with source-level security for DirectQuery sources; test combined effects thoroughly.

Better Azure AD integration, modern permission model and improved management features.

Configure Microsoft Purview/DLP policies and enable sensitivity label enforcement in Power BI tenant settings.

Use consistent, descriptive names, prefer prefixes for measures, and avoid special characters for easier maintenance.

Use streaming datasets or Azure streaming inputs for live data and separate historical tables using incremental refresh.

Schema, refresh history, lineage and permission details for governance and troubleshooting.

Write M code referencing parameters directly to support complex, dynamic ETL logic.

Consume Synapse datasets via DirectQuery, export query results, and orchestrate pipelines between tools.

Higher query load and rendering time leading to slower performance and potential user experience issues.

Provision Premium capacity and enable large models feature along with workspace settings.

Open a connected Desktop file to author reports locally against the live dataset with full modeling capabilities.

Assign app or workspace permissions to guest accounts and follow tenant B2B governance guidelines.

Shows which steps fold back to source so authors can rewrite steps for better performance and reduced data transfer.

Define tenant policies, naming standards, certified datasets, capacity planning, access controls, and monitoring for lifecycle management.

Use Premium/Capacity metrics app, audit logs, usage metrics reports and Performance Analyzer to track and troubleshoot usage and performance.