Microsoft Power BI is considered one of the leading business intelligence and analytics platforms, allowing users to transform raw data into informative reports and dashboards. Power BI Data Analysts provide useful information to businesses through data and apply expert knowledge of their business operations. The PL-300 exam is your ticket to opening up more doors as a Microsoft Power BI data analyst. This article will give you all the information you need to know about the PL-300 exam.

But what exactly is PL-300 – Microsoft Power BI Certification, and why is it important?

What is the PL-300 – Microsoft Power BI Certification?

Power BI is one of the most popular Business Intelligence tools today. Before introducing Power BI certification, let’s quickly review what Power BI is and Power BI free Templates for specific needs.

PL-300 Certificate (Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst) is the new name of the DA-100 Certificate (Analyzing Data with Microsoft Power BI) from March 2022. This is a valuable certification for Data Analysts, focusing on the necessary skills of a Data Analyst, especially data analysis and visualization skills with Power BI. To get the PL-300 certificate, you will have to take the PL-300 exam – a test of Data Analysis and Power BI capabilities from Microsoft.

Who is the PL-300 exam for?

Microsoft recommends you take the Exam PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst if you are:

• Data Analysts
• Business Analysts
• Other professionals who work with data to provide informative data visualizations
• Candidates typically have experience with Power BI, including knowledge of data connections, data transformation, modeling, and visualization best practices.

Completing the PL-300 exam earns you the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification, which helps candidates validate their skills in using Power BI to analyze data and make data-driven decisions.

What salary could you earn with PL-300?

Earning the PL-300 certification can significantly enhance your earning potential. Here are the estimated salary ranges of Whizlabs for various roles associated with this certification:

• Power Platform Developer: $85,000 to $125,000 per year, with an average salary of around $105,000.
• Power Platform Administrator: $80,000 to $110,000 per year, averaging about $95,000.
• Power Platform Solution Architect: $110,000 to $150,000 per year, averaging $130,000.
• Power Platform Consultant: $85,000 to $120,000 per year, with an average of $100,000.
• Business Analyst: $60,000 to $100,000 per year, averaging $80,000.

These roles offer high growth potential due to the increasing adoption of Microsoft Power Platform tools​.

The demand for Power BI jobs has been steadily increasing. In 2024, there are over 4,000 Power BI job listings available across various job platforms such as Indeed and Glassdoor. These positions range from entry-level to senior roles, covering diverse industries and locations. The growth in Power BI job opportunities reflects the rising importance of data analysis and visualization in business decision-making processes.

For more detailed information on Power BI job trends and specific listings, you can visit platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor.

How much is the PL-300 exam?

As of 2024, the cost of the PL-300 exam is subject to variation depending on location due to regional pricing adjustments and potential taxes. If you are in the United States, the exam fee is $165. Check the official Microsoft website for the most accurate pricing information for your specific region.

What are the language choices for the PL-300 exam?

The PL-300 exam is available in English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Russian, Chinese (Traditional), Italian, and Indonesian (Indonesia).

PL-300 exam areas of assessment

The PL-300 exam can gauge your proficiency and skills across the following four domain areas:

1. Prepare the data (25–30%)

Get data from data sources

•  Identify and connect to a data source
• Change data source settings, including credentials, privacy levels, and data source locations
• Select a shared semantic model, or create a local data model
• Choose between DirectQuery, Import, and Dual mode
• Change the value in a parameter

Clean the data

• Evaluate data, including data statistics and column properties
• Resolve inconsistencies, unexpected or null values, and data quality issues
• Resolve data import errors

Transform and load the data

• Select appropriate column data types
• Create and transform columns
• Transform a query
• Design a star schema that contains facts and dimensions
• Identify when to use reference or duplicate queries and the resulting impact
• Merge and append queries
• Identify and create appropriate keys for relationships
• Configure data loading for queries

Model the data (25–30%)

Design and implement a data model

• Configure table and column properties
• Implement role-playing dimensions
• Define a relationship’s cardinality and cross-filter direction
• Create a common date table
• Implement row-level security roles

Create model calculations by using DAX

• Create single aggregation measures
• Use CALCULATE to manipulate filters
• Implement time intelligence measures
• Identify implicit measures and replace with explicit measures
• Use basic statistical functions
• Create semi-additive measures
• Create a measure by using quick measures
• Create calculated tables

Optimize model performance

• Improve performance by identifying and removing unnecessary rows and columns
• Identify poorly performing measures, relationships, and visuals by using Performance Analyzer
• Improve performance by choosing optimal data types
• Improve performance by summarizing data

Visualize and analyze the data (25–30%)

Create reports

• Identify and implement appropriate visualizations
• Format and configure visualizations
• Use a custom visual
• Apply and customize a theme
• Configure conditional formatting
• Apply slicing and filtering
• Configure the report page
• Use the Analyze in Excel feature
• Choose when to use a paginated report

Enhance reports for usability and storytelling

• Configure bookmarks
• Create custom tooltips
• Edit and configure interactions between visuals
• Configure navigation for a report
• Apply sorting
• Configure sync slicers
• Group and layer visuals by using the Selection pane
• Drill down into data using interactive visuals
• Configure export of report content, and perform an export
• Design reports for mobile devices
• Enable personalized visuals in a report
• Design and configure Power BI reports for accessibility

Identify patterns and trends

• Use the Analyze feature in Power BI
• Use grouping, binning, and clustering
• Incorporate the Q&A feature in a report
• Use AI visuals
• Use reference lines, error bars, and forecasting
• Detect outliers and anomalies
• Create and share scorecards and metrics

Deploy and maintain items (15–20%)

Create and manage workspaces and items

• Create and configure a workspace
• Assign workspace roles
• Configure and update a workspace app
• Publish, import, or update items in a workspace
• Create dashboards
• Choose a distribution method
• Apply sensitivity labels to workspace content
• Configure subscriptions and data alerts
• Promote or certify Power BI content
• Manage global options for files

Manage semantic models

• Identify when a gateway is required
• Configure a semantic model scheduled refresh
• Configure row-level security group membership
• Provide access to semantic models
• Configure automatic page refresh

To achieve a passing grade on this exam, you need to score at least 700. 

Why Pursue Power BI Certification?

• Enhanced Career Opportunities: Power BI certification opens doors to various roles such as data analyst, business intelligence developer, and Power BI consultant. Certified professionals are highly sought after by organizations aiming to leverage data for strategic decisions.
• Validate skills: Earning a Power BI Certification is tangible proof of your expertise in using Power BI. It signals to employers and clients that you possess data visualization, reporting, and analysis capabilities, and the advanced ability to solve complex data challenges.
• Career advancement: In today’s competitive job market, having relevant certifications can set you apart from other candidates. This certification validates your skills and knowledge, making you a valuable asset to employers, so once certified, you can command a higher salary.
• Enhance productivity: Through structured training and certification testing, you will gain in-depth knowledge of Power BI capabilities, increasing your productivity and quality of work.

Preparing for the PL-300 Exam:

To prepare for the PL-300 exam, you should:

• Study Power BI: Familiarize yourself with Power BI’s features and functionalities.
• Practice Data Analysis: Work on real-world data analysis projects using Power BI.
• Take Practice Exams: Use practice exams to assess your knowledge and readiness for the certification test. You can practice the questions in Examtopic because it is evaluated closely to the exam questions.

How to register for PL-300

If you are ready, you can register for PL-300 through the exam details page on Microsoft’s website. You may choose to take the exam either at a local test center or online. 

You will have 100 minutes to complete this assessment.

Top Power BI Courses for Power BI Certification – PL-300 exam 2024

As the demand for Power BI skills continues to grow, numerous online platforms offer courses tailored to help individuals prepare for certification exams and enhance their proficiency in using the platform. Here are some of the top Power BI courses for the PL-300 exam to consider in 2024:

1. Microsoft Learn: This free course covers topics such as data visualization, dashboard creation, and advanced analytics. The course will show how to access and process data from a range of data sources including both relational and non-relational sources. This course will also discuss how to manage and deploy reports and dashboards for sharing and content distribution.
2. Udemy: Udemy hosts a diverse range of Power BI courses taught by industry experts. Whether you’re looking to master the fundamentals or specialize in advanced topics like DAX calculations and data modeling, you’ll find courses tailored to your skill level and learning objectives.
3. LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning provides access to a vast library of video tutorials covering Power BI essentials, tips, and best practices. With courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels, you can develop a comprehensive understanding of Power BI and prepare for certification exams.
4. Coursera: Coursera offers a Power BI course created in partnership with leading universities and institutions. These courses combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on projects, allowing you to apply your skills in real-world scenarios and prepare for certification with confidence.

Conclusion

Power BI Certification is a valuable asset for anyone looking to excel in the field of data analysis and visualization. By earning certification and continuously updating your skills through top Power BI courses, you can stay ahead of the curve and unlock exciting career opportunities in today’s data-driven world. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, investing in Power BI training can yield significant returns and propel your career to new heights.