Preparing for the PL-300 Certification: Exam Overview

Summary

In this introductory video, Angelica Dominic from Pragmatic Works presents a comprehensive overview of the PL-300 Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate exam. She covers the exam structure, question types, duration, scoring, and the new open-note feature allowing access to Microsoft Learn. The video explains both online and in-person testing procedures, outlines the four functional groups assessed, and details retake, rescheduling, and certification renewal policies. Angelica also highlights additional learning resources, including free sessions, a full 9-hour course, and an upcoming live boot camp. Viewers are encouraged to engage and suggest topics for future videos in the series.

Takeaways

• 😀 The PL-300 exam has 40–60 questions, varying slightly depending on the exam form.
• 😀 Question types include multiple choice (single/multiple answers), drag-and-drop, and build list/reorder questions.
• 😀 Exam duration is approximately 120 minutes, including check-in and introductory practice questions.
• 😀 A passing score of 700 is required on a 1–1000 scaled scoring system.
• 😀 The exam is now open-note, allowing access to Microsoft Learn documentation during the test, but relying solely on it is not recommended.
• 😀 You can take the exam online via OnVUE or in person at a testing facility, with strict security and ID requirements for both options.
• 😀 The exam covers four functional groups: Prepare Data, Model Data, Visualize and Analyze Data, and Deploy and Maintain Assets, with the first three weighted ~25–30% each and the last ~15–20%.
• 😀 Retake policies: first retake after 24 hours, second through fifth retake after 14 days, and after five attempts, wait 12 months from the first attempt.
• 😀 Certification renewal is required annually for the PL-300, free of charge, and involves a shorter open-note assessment accessible 6 months before expiration.
• 😀 Preparation resources include free YouTube sessions, a 9-hour comprehensive course on Pragmatic Works, and an upcoming live bootcamp starting early 2024.
• 😀 Future videos in the series will focus on one functional group at a time, covering concepts, example questions, and Power BI solutions, with viewers encouraged to comment on areas they want help with.

Q & A

Who is presenting the PL-300 exam preparation series?

Angelica Dominic, a trainer at Pragmatic Works, is presenting the series.

What is the primary goal of the PL-300 exam preparation series?

The goal is to help viewers prepare for the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate (PL-300) exam and understand how to earn and maintain the certification.

How many questions are typically on the PL-300 exam?

The PL-300 exam typically has between 40 and 60 questions, depending on the exam form.

What types of questions can candidates expect on the PL-300 exam?

Candidates can expect multiple-choice questions (single or multiple answers), drag-and-drop or reorder questions, and build-list questions with more answer choices than required.

What is the duration of the PL-300 exam?

The exam duration is approximately 120 minutes, which includes time for check-in and practice questions.

What score is required to pass the PL-300 exam?

A scaled score of 700 or higher out of 1,000 is required to pass the exam. This does not directly correspond to 70% of questions being correct.

What is the open-note feature on the PL-300 exam?

Microsoft Learn documentation is accessible during the exam via a split-screen, but it is meant to assist with specific questions and cannot replace preparation due to time constraints.

What are the four functional groups tested on the PL-300 exam?

The four functional groups are: 1) Prepare the Data, 2) Model the Data, 3) Visualize and Analyze the Data, and 4) Deploy and Maintain Assets.

What are the retake and cancellation policies for the PL-300 exam?

For retakes: 1st retake requires 24 hours wait, 2nd–5th retakes require 14 days wait, and after 5 attempts, a 12-month wait is required. Rescheduling or canceling must be done at least 24 hours before the exam to avoid losing fees.

How does certification renewal work for the PL-300 exam?

The PL-300 certification must be renewed annually via a short, open-note assessment on Microsoft Learn. Renewal is free and can be started 6 months before expiration.

What are the recommended exam preparation resources mentioned in the video?

Recommended resources include a free 90-minute PL-300 prep video on YouTube, a full 9-hour comprehensive course on Pragmatic Works On-Demand Learning platform, and an upcoming live PL-300 review bootcamp in early 2024.

What should candidates do to ensure a secure online testing environment?

Candidates should use a private, secure room with no distractions, remove extra monitors, show the room via photos or camera tour, present a government-issued ID, and keep their face visible to the proctor during the exam.