Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate Practice Test

The Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate credential is earned by passing Exam PL-300, and candidates are usually people who build reports and data models in Power BI. This page gives you free practice sets by topic, the verified exam facts (fee, time limit, passing score, renewal), worked explanations and a study plan to use alongside Microsoft Learn.

Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate Exam at a Glance

What changed for Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate in 2026

• Oct 26, 2026: Passing score (Exam PL-300) changed to 700 out of 1,000 (scaled) (previously 700 out of 1,000).^[2]
• Oct 26, 2026: Renewal changed to Free online assessment on Microsoft Learn, taken during a 6-month window before expiry (previously Free annual online assessment on Microsoft Learn).^[4]
• Oct 26, 2026: Delivery (Exam PL-300) changed to Pearson VUE: online proctored (OnVUE) or at a local test center (previously Proctored by Pearson VUE: online from home/office or at a test center).^[5]

What the Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate is and how it works

According to Microsoft (Microsoft Learn / Microsoft Credentials); exams delivered by Pearson VUE, “A score of 700 or greater is required to pass.”^[2]

The Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate certification is awarded for Exam PL-300, which tests whether you can prepare, model, visualize and secure data in Power BI. Microsoft Learn and Microsoft Credentials run the program, and Pearson VUE delivers the exam.

Delivery: Microsoft states that candidates can usually choose between a local test center and an online proctored exam (OnVUE), depending on availability for that exam and provider. Check the Pearson VUE page for your region before you book.

Fee: $165 USD. The price is based on the country or region where the exam is proctored, so your own price may differ.

Time and score: You have 100 minutes. The score is scaled, and 700 out of 1,000 is required to pass.

Retakes: Each retake must be paid for at the full exam fee. Microsoft's retake policy page is the place to check any waiting rules, because we do not list them here.

Validity and renewal: The certification is valid for 12 months. Renewal is a free online assessment on Microsoft Learn, and you can take it at any point in the 6-month window before expiry. Passing extends the certification from its expiration date.

This page does not state eligibility requirements, because none are in our verified facts. Confirm them on the official certification page.

Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate content outline and where to practise each area

The content areas below are copied from the official Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate content outline published by Microsoft (Microsoft Learn / Microsoft Credentials); exams delivered by Pearson VUE. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.

Worked examples: how to reason through Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: What is the main advantage of using DirectQuery mode instead of Import mode in Power BI?

1. Faster query performance due to in-memory storage
2. Data is always current because queries go directly to the source
3. Supports all DAX functions without limitation
4. Reduces load on the source database

Answer: B. Data is always current because queries go directly to the source

Explanation:

The correct answer is that data is always current because queries go directly to the source. In DirectQuery, Power BI does not keep a copy of the data. It sends queries to the source when a report is used, so results reflect the source at that moment.

The in-memory speed option describes Import mode, which is the opposite approach. The option claiming every DAX function is supported is wrong because DirectQuery places limits on some modeling features. Reduced load on the source is also wrong: DirectQuery usually sends more queries to the source, not fewer.

Rule to remember: Import trades freshness for speed by storing data in memory, while DirectQuery trades speed for freshness by querying live.

Example 2

Question: Why does cloud computing frequently cost less than on-site datacenters?

1. It's free to use network bandwidth.
2. You only pay for what you really use.
3. The functionality of cloud service solutions is constrained.
4. Services are only provided in one specific area.

Answer: B. You only pay for what you really use.

Explanation:

The correct answer is that you only pay for what you really use. Cloud services are billed on a consumption basis, so you avoid buying hardware up front that may sit idle, which is why cloud can cost less than an on-site datacenter.

Free network bandwidth is wrong because data transfer is generally not free of charge. Constrained functionality is wrong, since cloud providers usually offer a wide range of services, and limited capability is not a cost advantage anyway. Services only in one specific area is wrong because cloud services are typically offered across many regions.

Rule to remember: when a question asks why cloud is cheaper, look for consumption-based, pay-as-you-go pricing rather than a restriction or a free resource.

Example 3

Question: Dynamics 365 Field Service is used by a corporation. The inspections function needs to be used by service technicians. You draft inspection logs that include the right queries and checklists. What should you do next?

1. Connect the service task types to the inspection records.
2. Connect the work orders to the inspection records.
3. To the service accounts, add the inspection records.
4. Each resource booking that calls for an inspection should also include the inspection records.

Answer: A. Connect the service task types to the inspection records.

Explanation:

The correct answer is to connect the service task types to the inspection records. In Field Service, an inspection is attached to a service task type. When that task type is used on a work order, the technician gets the matching inspection with its queries and checklists.

Connecting inspections to work orders directly is wrong because work orders are the jobs, and the inspection reaches them through their tasks. Adding them to service accounts is wrong because accounts describe the customer, not the work performed. Adding them to each resource booking is wrong because bookings handle scheduling and would need repeating for every booking.

Rule to remember: link reusable templates at the task-type level so they apply everywhere that task is used.

How to use these practice tests

Start with the official skills outline for Exam PL-300 on Microsoft Learn and read it next to the four content areas in the table above. Mark each area as comfortable, shaky or unfamiliar, and be honest about it.

Work through the topic sets in order of weakness, not in the order listed. Take a set, then read every explanation, including those for questions you got right, because a correct guess teaches you nothing. Write down the rule behind each miss, such as when to use DirectQuery rather than Import, and revisit that list before each new session.

Practise in Power BI Desktop alongside the questions. Load a small dataset, shape it in Power Query, build relationships, write a few DAX measures and publish a report to a workspace. Hands-on work makes scenario questions much easier to read.

Our questions are written by us and are not real exam questions, so use them to find gaps rather than to predict your result. Near test day, run a mixed set under the 100-minute limit, then spend your remaining time on the areas that still cost you points. Check the Pearson VUE rules for your delivery option before you book.

Sources & last verified

1. Microsoft (Microsoft Learn / Microsoft Credentials); exams delivered by Pearson VUE — time limit, exam fee, validity (official source). “You will have 100 minutes to complete this assessment.” Verified Oct 26, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
2. Microsoft (Microsoft Learn / Microsoft Credentials); exams delivered by Pearson VUE — passing score, other (official source). “A score of 700 or greater is required to pass.” Verified Oct 28, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
3. Microsoft (Microsoft Learn / Microsoft Credentials); exams delivered by Pearson VUE — retake fee (official source). “You must pay to retake the exam (if applicable.)” Verified Oct 26, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.
4. Microsoft (Microsoft Learn / Microsoft Credentials); exams delivered by Pearson VUE — renewal (official source). “You can take the renewal assessment any time during your six-month eligibility window, via Microsoft Learn. Once you pass, your certification will be extended one…” Verified Oct 26, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.
5. pearsonvue.com — delivery (official source). “In most cases, yes. Microsoft states that candidates can usually choose between a local test center and an online proctored exam, depending on availability for…” Verified Oct 26, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.