Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate Certification
The Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate certification validates your ability to prepare, model, and visualise data using Microsoft Power BI. It’s ideal for professionals who transform raw data into actionable insights that drive informed business decisions.
What is Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate?
The Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification demonstrates proficiency in designing and managing data analytics solutions with Power BI.
It shows your ability to prepare, model, visualise, and analyse data effectively to help businesses make data-driven decisions.It also highlights expertise in deploying and maintaining scalable data models within the wider Microsoft Power Platform ecosystem.
This certification guide was written by our team of data experts.
What topics does a Microsoft Data Analyst Associate certification cover?
This certification covers the end-to-end process of transforming and interpreting data using Power BI. Key topic areas include:
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Data preparation and cleansing
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Data modelling and relationships
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Data visualisation and reporting
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Performance optimisation and governance
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Configuring workspaces and datasets in Power BI Service
How do I earn a Microsoft Data Analyst Associate certification?
To achieve the certification, candidates must pass the Exam PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst. The process involves:
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Completing a formal training course, like Design and Manage Analytics Solutions Using Power BI (PL-300).
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Gaining practical experience building Power BI reports and dashboards.
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Scheduling and passing the PL-300 exam through Microsoft’s exam provider (Pearson VUE or Certiport).
Upon passing the exam, you’ll earn the Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate credential.
What are the pre-requisites of a Microsoft Data Analyst Associate certification?
There are no formal prerequisites for the PL-300 exam. However, candidates are expected to have:
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A solid understanding of data repositories and data processing (both on-premises and in the cloud).
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Experience using Power BI Desktop and the Power BI Service.
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Familiarity with fundamental concepts of data modelling, relationships, and data visualisation principles.
Which roles require a Microsoft Data Analyst Associate certification?
The certification is highly relevant for professionals such as:
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Data Analysts who transform raw data into interactive reports and dashboards.
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Business Intelligence Developers who are responsible for designing and maintaining analytics solutions.
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Data Engineers and Database Professionals who support and optimise data pipelines feeding Power BI models.
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Business Managers and Consultants seeking to leverage analytics for strategic decision-making.
Is the Microsoft Data Analyst Associate worth it?
This certification is widely recognised across industries that rely on business intelligence and data-driven decision-making. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for data analysts in the UK is around £42,000–£55,000 per year, with certified professionals often commanding higher pay.
Microsoft certifications are valued by employers for their practical focus and alignment with enterprise technologies such as Power BI, Azure, and Excel. Demand for Power BI expertise continues to grow, with over 60,000 UK job listings in 2025 referencing Power BI proficiency.
Prepare for Microsoft Data Analyst Associate with our course
This course provides an all-encompassing journey into data analysis, Power BI, and Microsoft Fabric, equipping participants with the skills needed to transform raw data into actionable insights.
Prepare for the Microsoft Data Analyst Associate exam
What is the exam structure of Microsoft Data Analyst Associate?
The certification is awarded by passing the Exam PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst. The exam typically includes 40–60 questions in multiple-choice, case study, and drag-and-drop formats.
You’ll be tested on five key domains:
- Prepare the data (15–20%)
- Model the data (30–35%)
- Visualise and analyse the data (25–30%)
- Deploy and maintain deliverables (20–25%)
The exam is available in multiple languages and must be completed within 100–120 minutes. Candidates receive a scaled score out of 1,000, with 700 as the passing mark.
What study resources are available for Microsoft Data Analyst Associate?
You can prepare for this certification using:
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An official training course: Design and Manage Analytics Solutions Using Power BI (PL-300)
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Microsoft’s official certification overview and learning paths: Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate
Does a Microsoft Data Analyst Associate certification expire?
Microsoft certifications are valid for one year from the date of achievement. You can renew your certification annually by completing a free online assessment through Microsoft Learn before the expiration date. This helps you stay current with the latest Power BI features and industry practices.
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