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Microsoft · PL-300 · Associate

Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) — Practice Questions and Mock Exam

Prepare for PL-300 with original practice questions and clear answer explanations. Ask Alex, your AI tutor, when you need more detail, use your results to identify topics to review, and practice your pacing with timed mock exams.

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50Mock exam questions

100minTime limit

700/ 1000Passing score

Checked against Microsoft · August 2026 · Current exam version

Overview

About the exam

The PL-300 certification validates skills in preparing, modeling, visualizing, and analyzing data using Microsoft Power BI. It covers connecting to data sources, transforming data with Power Query, designing data models and DAX measures, creating interactive reports and dashboards, and managing workspaces and semantic models. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in row-level security, scheduled semantic model refresh, and promoting or certifying Power BI content for enterprise use.

This certification is designed for data analysts who use Power BI to enable organizations to make data-driven decisions. Candidates should have experience with data preparation, data modeling, and visualization, along with proficiency in DAX, Power Query M, and Power BI Service for publishing and sharing reports with stakeholders.

Try the practice preview

Try five PL-300 questions

Try five practice questions from the app’s current Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst question bank, with answers and explanations.

Model the data1 / 5

A Power BI semantic model can have only one active relationship between any two tables at a time.

AlexFull explanation from Alex

In Power BI, only one relationship between any two tables can be active at a time. When multiple relationships exist between two tables, Power BI Desktop sets one as active and the rest as inactive. The active relationship is used automatically in DAX calculations and filter propagation. To use an inactive relationship in a specific measure, use the USERELATIONSHIP() function within a CALCULATE expression. This design prevents ambiguity in cross-filter direction and ensures predictable query results. Best practice: use a star schema with clear, single active relationships. (Ref: Microsoft Learn — Create and manage relationships in Power BI Desktop)

Sourcelearn.microsoft.com

Prepare the data2 / 5

You create a Power Query query that groups sales by Region and calculates the sum of Amount for each region. Which M function performs this grouping and aggregation?

AlexFull explanation from Alex

Table.Group is the correct M function for grouping rows and applying aggregation in Power Query. It groups rows by specified key columns and produces aggregated values using functions like List.Sum, List.Count, List.Average, List.Min, and List.Max. In the Power Query Editor UI, this corresponds to the 'Group By' button on the Home tab. Syntax: Table.Group(table, key, aggregatedColumns). Note that Table.Aggregate does not exist as a standard M function, Table.Pivot reshapes data differently, and Table.Distinct removes duplicate rows without aggregation. (Ref: Microsoft Learn — Table.Group, Grouping or summarizing rows)

Sourcelearn.microsoft.com

Visualize and analyze the data3 / 5

You need to create a Power BI report that prints formatted invoices with precise page layout control, supports exporting to PDF with exact pagination, and can handle datasets with thousands of pages. Which type of report should you use?

AlexFull explanation from Alex

Paginated reports are the correct choice for scenarios requiring precise page layout control, pixel-perfect formatting, and support for large multi-page exports. They are optimized for printing and PDF export with exact pagination, making them ideal for formatted invoices, statements, and operational reports. Built on SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) technology, they are authored in Power BI Report Builder. Unlike standard Power BI reports (which are interactive and designed for screen exploration), paginated reports render every row of data across as many pages as needed. They support parameters, subreports, and complex table/matrix layouts. (Ref: Microsoft Learn — Paginated reports in the Power BI service)

Sourcelearn.microsoft.com

Model the data4 / 5

In a Power BI composite model, tables in DirectQuery mode always query the data source in real-time without any local caching.

AlexFull explanation from Alex

False. In a Power BI composite model, DirectQuery tables do not always query the source in real-time. Two features enable local caching: (1) Dual storage mode allows a table to be cached locally AND queried via DirectQuery, with Power BI choosing the optimal path per query. (2) User-defined aggregations let you create pre-aggregated cached tables that serve high-level queries without hitting the source. These features improve performance by reducing round-trips to the data source while maintaining near-real-time capability for detail-level queries. (Ref: Microsoft Learn — Composite model guidance in Power BI Desktop)

Sourcelearn.microsoft.com

Manage and secure Power BI5 / 5

In the Power BI service, you navigate to a workspace and see the sensitivity column next to reports. One report shows a shield icon with the label 'Highly Confidential'. Identify what this icon represents and where it was configured.

AlexFull explanation from Alex

Sensitivity labels in Power BI: sensitivity_label column shows classification. Information protection: Microsoft Purview integration. Labels: Confidential, Public, etc. Column: visible in workspace list. Inheritance: labels flow to exports. Mandatory: can be required by admin. Governance: data classification framework. Exam tip: Sensitivity label column in workspace. Microsoft Purview integration. Labels inherited on export.

Sourcelearn.microsoft.com

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Question pool

431 practice questions

The Pass-IT question pool gives you material to practice for PL-300. A Pass-IT mock exam uses 50 questions and a 100-minute time limit; these are practice settings.

Pool details: PL-300

Exam details checked against MicrosoftAugust 28, 2026

date of the last check against the official Microsoft source

Passing score700 / 1,000

as published by Microsoft

Objectives in the guide89 objectives listed in the official guide

across 4 domains in the official exam guide

Pool size431 questions

= The pool size is equivalent to 8 sets of 50 questions; this does not mean that each mock exam uses a separate set.

Blueprint domains4 domains in the exam blueprint

Prepare the data 114 · Model the data 117 · Visualize and analyze the data 123 · Manage and secure Power BI 77

Recorded as checked against sources431 of 431

questions recorded as having their answer, options, and explanation checked against official Microsoft documentation

How questions are made →

Exam domains

What's on the exam

Preparing, modeling, and visualizing data each land in the 25–30% range, splitting the exam almost evenly across the three stages of building a report — connecting and cleaning data, designing the model and DAX measures, then turning it into something readable. Managing and securing Power BI trails at 15–20%, covering workspaces, semantic models, and governance rather than report-building itself.

The even split across the first three domains means no single skill carries the exam: a candidate strong in DAX but weak in Power Query transformations, or comfortable building visuals but shaky on row-level security testing, will find each domain represented in roughly equal measure. Management and security is the smallest domain but not a rounding error — RLS and workspace configuration questions still make up close to a fifth of the exam.

Exam blueprint: PL-300

Prepare the data25–30%

Get or connect to data, profile and clean the data, and transform and load the data

≈ 13 h

Model the data25–30%

Design and implement a data model, create model calculations by using DAX, and optimize model performance

≈ 12 h

Visualize and analyze the data25–30%

Create reports, enhance reports for usability and storytelling, and identify patterns and trends

≈ 13 h

Manage and secure Power BI15–20%

Create and manage workspaces and assets, and secure and govern Power BI items

≈ 8 h

Format

Exam format and question types

The exam draws 40–60 questions from a mix of multiple-choice, multiple-select, drag-and-drop, and hot-area formats inside a 100-minute window. Most items present a data modeling, DAX, or visualization decision and ask which configuration solves it — a relationship's cross-filter direction, a measure's filter context, or which chart type fits a given dataset. Expect Power Query transformation and report-performance questions to test judgment about the fastest path, not merely a correct one.

Question types: PL-300

Multiple Choice41%

Select the single answer that best meets the question’s requirements.

Drag & Drop15%

Move items into the slots, groups, or sequence specified by the task.

Multiple Response13%

Select multiple answers. Follow the question’s instructions on how many to choose.

Dropdown13%

Choose options from dropdown menus to complete a statement or configuration.

Ordering10%

Arrange the steps in the sequence needed to complete the process.

True / False8%

Decide whether a statement is true or false, paying attention to its conditions and wording.

See Microsoft for official question-format information. The shares shown describe the Pass-IT practice pool; they do not establish the proportions on the official exam.

Planning

Preparing for PL-300

The exam runs through Pearson VUE, either online with a remote proctor or at an authorized testing center, and is offered in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, and several other languages. Certification holds for one year, and Microsoft opens a free renewal assessment on Learn starting six months before it expires.

Preparation and logistics: PL-300

Preparation

Illustrative study time25–70 h

illustrative planning range: 25 h with relevant experience to 70 h when starting out; your needs may fall outside this range

LevelAssociate

Taking and maintaining the certification

DeliveryPearson VUE online proctored or at authorized testing centers worldwide

Retake policy24-hour wait after the first attempt, 14 days between subsequent attempts, maximum 5 attempts per exam within a 12-month period

Certification validity1 year

Free renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn, available starting 6 months before expiration. Must be completed before the certification expires.

Official guideView on provider site

Study notes

Common pitfalls

Topics to review: PL-300

01DAX Calculations
Struggling with CALCULATE filter context, iterator functions, time intelligence, and complex measure patterns in DAX.
02Data Modeling
Not properly implementing star schema designs, managing many-to-many relationships, and understanding cross-filter direction.
03Power Query M
Overlooking advanced Power Query transformations, custom functions, and query folding optimization for large datasets.
04Row-Level Security
Confusing RLS dynamic rules, testing procedures, and how security roles interact with workspace membership.
05Report Optimization
Not understanding Import vs DirectQuery modes, aggregations, and performance analyzer for optimizing report load times.

Practice with questions and explanations in Pass-IT →

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst exam?

The PL-300 exam has 50 questions and a 100-minute time limit.

What is the passing score for Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst?

The passing score for the PL-300 exam is 700 / 1000.

Which pitfalls should I review when preparing for Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst?

Topics to review include DAX Calculations, Data Modeling, Power Query M, Row-Level Security, Report Optimization. Work through examples to check that you understand the distinctions and can explain your answer.

How often do you renew PL-300?

Every year, through Microsoft's free renewal assessment on Microsoft Learn. It opens six months before expiry and must be completed before the date passes.

Which PL-300 topics carry the most marks?

Preparing the data and visualising and analysing it are the heaviest at roughly 28% each, with modelling close behind near 27%. Managing and securing Power BI makes up about 17%. Three-quarters of the exam is therefore the data pipeline from source to report.

Who is PL-300 aimed at?

It is the associate-level exam for people who build Power BI reports professionally: data analysts, BI analysts and reporting specialists. The recurring difficulties are DAX calculations, Power Query M and row-level security, all of which reward practice over reading.

What happens if you fail PL-300?

You can retake after 24 hours. Each later attempt needs 14 days between sittings, up to five attempts within a 12-month period.

What should you take after PL-300?

DP-600 is the common next step if your work is moving towards analytics engineering on Fabric. PL-200 suits you better if you are heading towards the wider Power Platform rather than deeper into reporting.

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