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Cracking Microsoft Power BI: DA-100 Exam!

Recently, I cleared the Analyzing Data with Microsoft Power BI: DA-100 exam and added the Microsoft Data Analyst Associate Certification to…

Recently, I cleared the Analyzing Data with Microsoft Power BI: DA-100 exam and added the Microsoft Data Analyst Associate Certification to my skills bucket.

Photo by Adeolu Eletu on Unsplash
Photo by Adeolu Eletu on Unsplash

In this article, I will be sharing my personal experience with learning Power BI and clearing the DA-100 exam. I hope this would help the other aspirants. I would not be compromising the signed NDA, hence no questions will be disclosed in this article.

Power BI is one of the most used Business Intelligence and Data Visualization tools. In this data-driven world, this certification helps you showcase your data analytics skills.

About the Exam DA-100

Microsoft is now moving from tool-based certifications to role-based certifications like Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Data Scientist, Developer, and more.

Analyzing Data with Microsoft Power BI (DA-100) is the requirement for Microsoft Data Analyst Associate Certification. The cost of the exam is $165 USD. From June 2021, the validity of the certification has been reduced to 1 year. But it can be renewed online for free at Microsoft Learn.

The exam tests the knowledge of designing and building scalable data models, cleaning and transforming data, and enabling advanced analytic capabilities that provide meaningful business value through easy-to-comprehend data visualizations.

The exam is divided into 5 parts:

  • Prepare the data (20–25%)
  • Model the data (25–30%)
  • Visualize the data (20–25%)
  • Analyze the data (10–15%)
  • Deploy and maintain deliverables (10–15%)

Click here for detailed skills outline. The skills measured are continuously updated. So, do keep a check on the exam page.

It is an online exam of 180 minutes. The exam consists of two sections: MCQs and case studies. There are around 45-50 multiple choice questions in section 1 and around 4-5 questions each in 2-3 case studies. The maximum total score possible is 1000 and the passing score is 700. The result appears just after completing the exam.

Currently, Microsoft is offering the exam for $15 USD for job seekers impacted by COVID-19 and students.

Preparation for the Exam

Talking about my experience with Power Bi, I used the tool to complete a couple of mini academic projects. Apart from this, I didn’t really had any industrial experience before the exam. So I really had to pull my sucks up to clear the exam.

The best thing I found to prepare for the exam was the Official learning path provided by Microsoft. The learning path consists of detailed reading material for each topic and well-designed labs to practice the concepts. Believe me, you will not get bored reading this material. I also used to review few concepts on Youtube channels like Guy in a Cube and Curbal, for better clarity.

Additionally, I took the MICROSOFT POWER BI DA-100 EXAM: Advanced 2021 Practice Test course on Udemy. It consists of sample questions from different topics, solving them gives an idea of the real exam. Moreover, you can google dumps collection of questions posted on different websites, they are worth practising.

Some other important tips….

  • Before starting the exam, you will have to upload pictures of the surroundings. Be prepared for it.
  • The time provided is more than enough to complete the exam. So, don’t rush and read every question thoroughly without missing any minute detail.
  • Don’t be scared if you are weak in DAX, not much advanced DAX is assessed.
  • A section cannot be revisited after it is submitted. So, re-verify the answers before submitting.

In my final words, I would say, the Microsoft Official Document is the key!! Nobody can stop you to crack the exam if you completed the study material. I hope my experience would help the DA-100 aspirants. My best wishes are with everyone preparing for the exam 🙂

Feel free to comment, in case of any other queries.


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