Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst

data-analytics Associate Updated: 2025-04-10 Methodology

The Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst certification (PL-300) validates your ability to design and build scalable data models, clean and transform data, and create meaningful visualizations using Power BI. It covers advanced DAX calculations, report design, dashboard creation, and enterprise-level data governance including row-level security and workspace management.

$95K
Avg Salary
65%
Pass Rate
28.0K
Job Listings
120h
Study Time
$165
Exam Cost

Exam Details

Exam CodePL-300
Exam Cost$165 USD
Duration100 minutes
Questions55
Passing Score700/1000
ProviderMicrosoft
Difficulty6/10

Salary Data

Professionals holding the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst certification earn between $70,000 and $125,000 annually, with an average of $95,000.

Job market demand trend: Growing (+18% YoY)

Prerequisites

  • No formal prerequisites required
  • Familiarity with Power BI Desktop and the Power BI service recommended
  • Understanding of core data concepts and data modeling principles

Skills Covered

Power BIDAXData ModelingPower QueryVisualizationReport DesignDataflowsRow-level Security

Best Study Resources

Official

Microsoft Learn — PL-300 Learning Path

 Course

SQLBI — The Definitive Guide to DAX

 Course

Guy in a Cube — Power BI YouTube Channel

Career Paths With Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst

Business Intelligence Analyst

Business intelligence analysts turn raw data into actionable business insights that drive strategic ...

$60K - $120K +23% (2022-2032)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PL-300 certification worth it in 2025?
Yes. Power BI is the most widely adopted business intelligence tool in enterprise environments, and the PL-300 is the go-to credential for data analyst roles at companies using the Microsoft ecosystem. With 28,000+ job listings referencing Power BI, the ROI is strong for mid-career analysts.
How difficult is the PL-300 exam?
PL-300 is rated 6/10 in difficulty. The exam tests practical skills in DAX calculations, data modeling, and report design. Candidates with hands-on Power BI experience and 120 hours of study typically pass on the first attempt, though the 65% pass rate reflects its rigor.
PL-300 vs CompTIA Data+ — which should I take first?
If you are new to data analytics, start with CompTIA Data+ for foundational concepts. If you already work with data and want to specialize in the Microsoft BI stack, go directly for PL-300. The two certifications complement each other well on a resume.

Data Sources

  • Salary data — Aggregated from job postings and salary surveys (US median)
  • Job listings — Active postings across major job boards
  • Pass rates — Community-reported estimates (not official vendor data)
  • Exam details — Microsoft official documentation