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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Microsoft
Exam Format
180 min
40-60
700
Associate
Registration
$165 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
Validity
2 years
Pass renewal assessment; Take the replacement exam PL-300; Earn higher-level certification
DA-100 Exam Topics and Domains
DA-100 is organized into 4 weighted domains. Expect to work with Power BI Service, DAX, Power Query Editor, Model view, and more.
1
Prepare the Data
20%
Get data from different data sources
Identify and connect to data sourcesChange data source settingsSelect a storage mode
- Connect to various data sources using appropriate connectors
- Configure data source settings for optimal performance
- Choose the right storage mode based on requirements
Profile the data
Identify data anomaliesExamine data structures
- Use data profiling tools to assess data quality
- Identify and resolve data anomalies
- Understand data distribution and patterns
Clean, transform, and load the data
Resolve inconsistencies and data quality issuesApply user-friendly naming conventions
- Clean and transform data using Power Query
- Apply data transformation best practices
- Optimize data loading performance
2
Model the Data
35%
Design a data model
Define the tablesConfigure table and column propertiesDesign and implement role-playing dimensions
- Design efficient data models using best practices
- Configure relationships and properties appropriately
- Implement dimensional modeling concepts
Develop a data model
Create calculated tablesCreate calculated columnsCreate measures
- Create and optimize DAX calculations
- Understand context and its implications
- Implement business logic using DAX
Create measures by using DAX
Use DAX to build complex measuresUse CALCULATE to manipulate filtersImplement time intelligence
- Master advanced DAX patterns
- Implement time intelligence calculations
- Optimize measure performance
Optimize model performance
Remove unnecessary rows and columnsIdentify poorly performing measures
- Optimize data model performance
- Use performance analysis tools
- Implement performance best practices
3
Visualize the Data
30%
Create reports
Add visualization items to reportsChoose an appropriate visualization typeFormat and configure visualizations
- Create effective report layouts
- Select appropriate visualizations for data
- Apply formatting best practices
Create dashboards
Set mobile viewManage tiles on a dashboardConfigure data alerts
- Create and manage dashboards
- Configure mobile layouts
- Set up data alerts and notifications
Enrich reports for usability
Configure bookmarksCreate custom tooltipsConfigure and use visual interactionsConfigure drill-through and drilldown
- Enhance report interactivity
- Implement navigation patterns
- Improve user experience
4
Deploy and Maintain Deliverables
15%
Manage datasets
Configure a dataset scheduled refreshConfigure row-level securityProvide access to datasets
- Configure and manage dataset refresh
- Implement security measures
- Manage dataset access and permissions
Create and manage workspaces
Create and configure a workspacePublish reports to a workspaceConfigure workspace permissionsDistribute reports and dashboards
- Create and manage workspaces effectively
- Configure appropriate permissions
- Implement distribution strategies
How do I earn this certification?
Passing DA-100 earns the Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate certification. It sits in the Data & AI track.
Current Level Exams
Next Level Options
- DP-500 - Designing and Implementing Enterprise-Scale Analytics Solutions Using Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Power BI
- AI-102 - Designing and Implementing a Microsoft Azure AI Solution
- DP-300 - Administering Microsoft Azure SQL Solutions
Alternative Paths
- DP-100 - Designing and Implementing a Data Science Solution on AzureAdvanced analytics and machine learning focus
- DP-203 - Data Engineering on Microsoft AzureData pipeline and engineering skills
- PL-400 - Microsoft Power Platform DeveloperExtend Power BI with Power Platform development
- SC-900 - Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity FundamentalsData governance and security foundation
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for DA-100 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- RETIRED
- Last content update: 2022-02-28
- Announcement date: 2021-12-02
Updates
- Microsoft Fabric GA Core component of modern Power BI architecture • Release date: 2023-11-15
- Copilot in Power BI GA New AI-assisted development paradigm • Release date: 2024-03-01
- Direct Lake GA New storage mode replacing Import/DirectQuery patterns • Release date: 2023-11-15
- TMDL (Tabular Model Definition Language) Preview Code-first development for semantic models • Release date: 2025-01-15
- Power BI User Data Functions Preview Write-back capabilities in Power BI • Release date: 2025-01-15
Who should take this exam?
- Understanding of core data concepts
- Knowledge of Power BI Desktop
- Experience with data visualization concepts
- Basic understanding of cloud concepts
- Familiarity with Microsoft Azure services