How to Pass the PL-300 on Your First Try
- Sarah Rajani
- Jun 26
- 13 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
What the exam is really like, how I prepared, and tips to help you pass
I’m now officially PL-300 certified!
I was super excited that I passed, especially on my first try, because I went into it with the mindset that there was a 50% chance I might fail. I had to be realistic, after all.
From everything I had read about the exam before I even booked mine, many experienced Power BI users even had to attempt the exam a few times. I wasn't a regular Power BI user, though I had used it several times for personal projects.
To put it plainly, this is not an exam where you can just "wing it" and expect to pass. It is quite challenging. But it's also doable, with the right preparation.
Keep reading if you plan on taking the PL-300 and want to do your best, the first time around!
What is the PL-300 exam?
If this is your first time hearing about the PL-300, don't worry, I didn't know what it was until a couple of years ago.
The PL-300 is the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification. It is one of Microsoft's role-based certifications, which means it needs to be renewed every year (free to renew).
The exam measures whether you can take raw data, turn it into insights, and build interactive reports and dashboards that can help people make decisions.
If you’re in (or planning to move into) a data analyst role, this is one of the most recognized certifications to show you know Power BI and can use it effectively. The certificate itself won't guarantee you any job, but it might help put your resume closer to the interview pile if the company uses Power BI.
The PL-300 certification is designed to test your skills in:
Preparing data
Modeling data
Visualizing and analyzing data
Deploying and maintaining assets
What makes the exam challenging is that the entire exam is scenario-based. You need to actually know and understand how to apply Power BI to business problems. This is not something you can pass by memorizing a few facts. A lot of the exam also tests on aspects of Power BI that you won't have a lot of experience with just by working on personal projects. They ask a lot of questions related to things you would apply if you worked in an organization, like creating roles, alerts, and security permissions.
What is the PL-300 Exam Format?
As of June 2025, here is what the exam breakdown looks like:
Prepare data 15-20%
Model data 30-35%
Visualize and analyze data 25-30%
Deploy and maintain assets 20-25%
You book the exam through Pearson VUE (there is a link on the Microsoft Learn website shared earlier, just scroll down a bit):
The exam is $165 USD, but there are opportunities to get discount codes.
You can take it online from home or in person at a Pearson VUE test center. From what I read on the Pearson VUE website, the online version is the exact same exam as in person, except that the exam is proctored online you are watched by video camera. You need to clear your desk and anything around you, and you have to show the area to the proctors via your webcam. I didn't have any room in my house where there wasn't stuff all over the place, so the exam from home idea wouldn't work for me!
You get 100 to 120 minutes for the exam which, although it seems like a lot of time, isn't very long at all. There are between 40 and 60 questions (I think mine had 52), and the questions are of various types. Some will be regular multiple choice, some will be drag-and-drop, and some will be case studies (these are usually multi-part and take longer).
The passing score is 700 out of 1000 and the points are scaled. So if you get 700 or 701, you pass!
Who should take the PL-300?
I had been wanting to take this exam for about a year before I actually took it. It was something that interested me and I felt that it would open up a lot more doors if I had the certification.
In November 2024, I started my new senior data analyst position with the provincial government, and one of our big projects was to move the current SAS VA reports to Power BI. Since this was a long project, I knew I wanted to refresh my Power BI skills, and what better way than to study for the PL-300 exam at the same time!
The certification is not a mandatory requirement for data analyst roles, it's just one option out of many, and you certainly don't need the cert to be able to work in analytics. I had been in data analytics for about 5 years by this point, and I wasn't hindered in any way.
My job didn't even require the certification, it was just something I was interested in pursuing on my own; my role just gave me that extra push I needed to finally do it.
If you are wondering if you should take the PL-300 exam, it is a great option, especially if you're:
A current data analyst.
Moving into analytics from another field.
Trying to qualify for more senior analyst roles.
Looking to switch into business intelligence.
Building a data portfolio to get hired (the cert can help add credibility and shows you can work with Power BI at a professional level).
The PL-300 is also a good one to start with if you’re newer to certifications, because it’s focused on tools and practical skills that directly apply to analyst jobs.
How I prepared for the PL-300
I didn’t follow a strict study plan, but I aimed to study at least a half an hour every day (whether that me at lunch time or after work). Some weeks I could fit in more time than others, but I gave myself a couple of months to study, overall.
If you want some extra pointers on how to fit learning into your busy schedule, I wrote a post that might help:
Here’s what I used and what really helped:
1. DataCamp’s Power BI Track
I started with DataCamp's Power BI track first. I already had a subscription to the platform and knew how the lectures were taught, and wanted the chance to practice a lot, which DataCamp's platform allows.
As you can see from the above image, the track takes about 50 hours, which includes the time to work on practice problems. Though it is a paid platform, I like the structure I get from data platforms like this, and I've used DataCamp for other courses in the past, so it was an easy decision for me.
My favorite part about DataCamp courses is that it’s interactive and hands-on. After each section, there are practice exercises where you can work directly in Power BI using their browser-based interface. There are also full walk-through case studies so you can practice what you’ve learned in example business scenarios.
Having the practice exercises after each chapter/section is helpful as you get a chance to try out each concept for yourself in their interface, or you can download the datasets and open them in your own version Power BI, in case you want to save your progress for studying.
They also provide downloadable PowerPoint slides (the same ones they show throughout the videos), though they are just brief outlines with images, so it's important to take your own notes as well. You can use these notes and slides in your review as your exam date approaches.
And as a bonus, when you complete the track, you also get a 50% discount for the PL-300 exam! That helps a lot, especially since the exam is not cheap.... you have to pay each time you take it, so if you fail and have to rebook a new exam, you have to pay again.
Note: You get the discount code once you complete the Track. There is no point in rushing through the course material, as the best learning you can get comes from actually following through with all the courses and practice examples.
This track takes a lot of time, and with working full-time, I allowed myself a few months to complete it (I didn't want to rush).
2. Microsoft Learn
After the DataCamp track, I wasn't done yet. Regardless of what other resources you use to learn Power BI, you have to utilize Microsoft's own PL-300 Learn path, that way you know exactly what they are looking for in the exam.
There are a couple of labs sprinkled throughout the Microsoft track, but not on every section like in DataCamp. Definitely not enough practice to be able to take just this course and then expect to pass the exam. But it does provide a great structure and some really good notes.
This track took me maybe 3 or 4 weeks, studying when I could fit it in around work.
I only registered for the exam once I began the Microsoft Learn track because I wasn't sure how far in advance Pearson VUE was booking. When I signed up, the first available slots were about 6 weeks away, so that gave me enough time to finish this track and review for the last couple of weeks.
3. Maven Analytics Microsoft PL-300 Exam Prep
I also had access to Maven's platform and had taken courses from them in the past, so I wanted to make sure I had time to take their Prep course. They do have a full Power BI track as well, but I had already planned on taking my full prep course through DataCamp.
With Maven, this course was specifically catered to preparing for the PL-300 exam, and was only 13 hours in length. My favorite part about Maven's courses is the extremely detailed PowerPoint notes (that you can download and use as a study guide). (I am all about the notes!) The prep course is not detailed enough to take on its own, though, as it's only meant as a supplement, so don't only take this course and expect to pass the exam. If you like Maven courses, take their full Power BI track before this Prep course.
4. Practice Exams
When you register for the exam through Pearson, you’ll see an option to purchase a MeasureUp practice exam, and I highly recommend doing that. It is not cheap, but it is well worth it. (You can also purchase it on your own at any point, directly through the MeasureUp website.)
The practice exam looks and feels very close to the real thing. The style of the questions is very similar, and it gives you feedback after each attempt so you know which topics to review.
I used this in the final couple of weeks before my exam. The MeasureUp questions were quite difficult, but it really helped me spot weak areas and get used to the timing and format I would expect. This is Microsoft's recommended practice exam guide.
I also looked online for other "exam dumps" I could practice with, and there were tons of others to choose from. Most of these platforms share a few free questions, but the full selection usually requires payment, similar to MeasureUp. You don't need more than one exam dump download, but it can help if you want some more practice questions.
Search "PL-300 practice questions" in Google and you will see options like ExamTopics, SkillCertPro, and more.
5. Practice using Power BI on your own
One thing I can’t stress enough:
You cannot pass this exam by watching videos or reading content alone.
You need to get down and dirty with Power BI. (You can sign up for a free Pro trial version in order to get access to Power BI Service, which Microsoft Learn helps walk you through.)
I spent a lot of time practicing on my own, playing around with the different chart options, testing DAX calculations, creating relationships, setting up Row-Level Security, and publishing reports to Power BI Service.
When I came across a practice question I got wrong or didn't know the answer to at all, I read through the answer and tried to locate the section in Power BI.
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The Last Week Before The Exam
Once you've booked your exam date, you have a nice timeline to help guide your study efforts. I aimed for at least a week or two to do last-minute studying and practicing.
I got out my hand-written notes that had taken during all my prep courses, and started reading them over and over. I then reread the DataCamp, Maven, and Microsoft Learn notes that I had downloaded. I also had Power BI open every step of the way, so that I could make sure I knew how to do everything I was reading.
Remember, this is a role-based exam so there are no questions asking just for a definition. You need to understand the steps you would take to accomplish a task or figure out what options would be best based on a given scenario. You won't be able to answer those without understanding Power BI and how to use it.
A Handy Tip for Exam Time
Something that not everyone realizes before taking the exam is that you actually can access Microsoft Learn through a built-in link on the Pearson exam platform.
Because this is a role-based exam, Microsoft allows this "open-book" format because they know you won't have time to look up everything, anyway. And even if you did, because the questions are scenario-based, you have to understand the topics to answer them, not just memorize a definition.
So don’t count on this as your main plan to pass! You won’t have time to look up every question. You might be able to do a quick search for one or two things you completely blank on, but the clock is ticking fast. I had about 10 minutes at the end where I could review the questions I marked for review, and I was able to search a few definitions to figure out the best answer, but it takes time to search the site, and you just don't have that time.
But if you want to be able to use it as a quick search tool for your review at the end of the exam, make sure you are familiar with the Microsoft Learn layout and where certain topics are located if you need to search.
How Long Should Your PL-300 Prep Take?
I would not recommend expecting to take this exam after just a few weeks of studying. Sure, you can try, but if you fail, you will have just wasted your time and money. Might as well do it right the first time around.
Here's what my approximate timeline looked like:
I started working on DataCamp’s Power BI track first, and gave myself about 2 to 3 months to go through it at my own pace, making sure I understood everything.
After that, I spent about 2 to 3 weeks working through the Microsoft Learn PL-300 path.
I also went through Maven’s PL-300 prep course, which I did in the evenings and weekends, over about 1 week.
I bought the MeasureUp practice exam about 2 weeks before my exam date, and used it to focus my last bit of studying.
The week before the exam, I spent reviewing my notes and practicing in Power BI as much as possible, and practicing the MeasureUp exam questions over and over.
So in total, it took me about 4 to 5 months of on-and-off prep (studying when I could fit it in, more on the weekends).
I wasn’t using Power BI every day at work, so I wanted to make sure I gave myself enough time to practice and feel comfortable with all the topics, especially the ones I hadn't encountered before, like using Power BI Service.
Everyone will be different, but if you’re not using Power BI every day already, I would suggest giving yourself at least a couple of months to go through everything and practice.
The Results
After submitting the exam, you get to see the Exam Score Report right on the screen. You also get a printout copy to take home once you leave the exam room.
The report will show your score for overall exam performance (score out of 1000), a "PASS" or "FAIL," and a distribution of your results from each of the 4 exam categories mentioned at the beginning of this post. Unfortunately, you don't get to see the exact questions and answers you got wrong, but you will at least have an idea how you performed in each section.
Microsoft will also email you the results of your exam within 48 hours, though I saw mine in my inbox a few hours later. If you pass, you will be able to access your shareable certificate and Associate badge within Microsoft Learn.
PL-300 Renewal
The PL-300 is one of Microsoft’s role-based certifications, so it’s not valid “for life”. You need to renew it every year.
At the time of writing this post, I had just passed the PL-300 exam, so I can't say exactly what the renewal process looks like, but from my conversations with others who have passed the exam, it is much easier.
Microsoft will send you an email when it’s time to renew (usually six months before your certification expires). You just take a short online assessment through Microsoft Learn, so there is no test center required, and no cost!
It’s basically a quick way to make sure your skills are still current, since Power BI changes pretty often. I think it's worth the extra effort every year to make sure your skills are up to date, and you can still use the tool effectively.
BONUS TIP:
If you read my Interview Tips post, you might remember one of the common questions:
"How do you stay current or keep learning?"
An easy thing to mention in your answer is your annual PL-300 renewal, which shows that you’re keeping your skills up to date every year.
A Few Last Tips if You're Getting Ready for the Microsoft PL-300 Exam
If you’re wondering if the PL-300 is worth it, it is! You’ll deepen your Power BI skills and learn a lot just by preparing.
And yes, you can absolutely pass the PL-300 on your first try, as long as you put in the time and do the right kind of practice.
It’s not an easy exam, but it’s definitely achievable.
Take your time, as this is not an exam you can cram for.
Practice using Power BI, especially the things that are new to you.
Go through Microsoft Learn, yes, but choose another study platform as well. I don't think Microsoft's platform provides enough practice on its own, so try DataCamp, Maven Analytics, Udemy, or even YouTube for additional material. (DataCamp's track is the one that is officially partnered with Microsoft, and you get the 50% discount code as well.)
Don’t skip the trickier topics (DAX, RLS, deployment, drillthroughs).
If you can, take a practice exam or two (like MeasureUp or another platform). It really does make a huge difference.
You don’t need to be a Power BI expert to pass this on your first try. I certainly wasn’t using Power BI daily. I just gave myself time, practiced a lot, and went in as prepared as I could be.
Stick with it, practice as much as you can, and don’t stress too much about being perfect. If I can pass the PL-300 on the first try, you can too.
If you’re getting ready for the PL-300 and have any questions about how I studied or what to focus on, feel free to reach out. Always happy to share more!
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