Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300)
Validates skills in data preparation, modeling, DAX, report creation, and deployment of Power BI analytics solutions.
- Exam fee
- $165
- Typical salary
- $90K–$120K
Worth it for data analysts and BI professionals who need a recognized credential in Power BI. Those seeking a broader data‑engineering focus may prefer a different certification.
What PL-300 covers
Microsoft's official Power BI certification. Validates skills in data preparation, modeling, DAX calculations, creating reports and visuals, and deploying analytics solutions.
Key topics covered: Preparing & modeling data, DAX measures & calculations, Designing interactive reports & visuals, Dashboard creation & sharing, Row-level security & deployment.
Best suited for: Data analysts, business analysts, and BI professionals building Power BI analytics solutions.
Common career paths: Power BI Developer, BI Analyst, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Reporting Specialist.
PL-300 exam details
Exam domains
- Preparing & modeling data
- DAX measures & calculations
- Designing interactive reports & visuals
- Dashboard creation & sharing
- Row-level security & deployment
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $165
How to prepare for PL-300
| Stage | What to do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand the Certification Scope Review the official description of the Power BI Data Analyst role and the skills it validates, focusing on data preparation, modeling, DAX, and report design. | Week 1 |
| 2 | Learn Core Power BI Features Study Power BI Desktop, data loading, shaping, and building data models; practice creating DAX measures and calculations. | Week 2-3 |
| 3 | Build Interactive Reports Design visualizations, dashboards, and implement row‑level security; share reports using the Power BI service. | Week 4 |
| 4 | Hands‑On Projects Complete end‑to‑end mini‑projects that mimic real‑world analytics scenarios, from data ingestion to deployment. | Week 5-6 |
| 5 | Practice Exams & Review Take timed practice tests, review explanations, and reinforce any weak areas before scheduling the exam. | Week 7 |
Jobs and salary with PL-300
People holding this certification commonly report pay around $90K–$120K. Pay depends heavily on role, location and total experience. See the salary breakdown.
Roles this certification supports
PL-300 questions answered
What is the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) certification?
Validates skills in data preparation, modeling, DAX, report creation, and deployment of Power BI analytics solutions. It is issued by Microsoft and sits in the Data & AI field.
Is Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) hard?
Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) is rated Intermediate. It assumes some foundational knowledge or entry-level experience.
How much does the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) exam cost?
The listed exam fee is $165. Fees vary by country and change over time, so confirm the current price with Microsoft before you book.
What salary can I expect with Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300)?
Professionals with Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) commonly report pay in the $90K–$120K range. Actual pay depends on role, location and total experience.
How should I prepare for Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300)?
Start with the official exam outline, build hands-on practice for each domain, then finish with timed practice questions. The study plan on this page breaks this into steps.
Alternatives to PL-300
| Certification | Vendor | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) | Microsoft | Beginner |
| Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer | Google Cloud | Advanced |
| Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) | Microsoft | Beginner |
| AWS Machine Learning Specialty (MLS-C01) | Amazon Web Services | Advanced |
| IBM Data Science Professional Certificate | IBM | Beginner |