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Bharti Goel
- September 21, 2022
We all have heard of Data Analytics Certification by Microsoft and the PL-300 exam conducted to get a certificate. It has not been long since DA-100, Analysing Data with Microsoft Power BI, was renamed PL-300, Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst. In this blog, we will understand the PL-300 exam and what is the difference between the PL-300 and DA-100 exams.
According to verified sources, the Microsoft Certified Data Analyst Associate course was renamed to the Microsoft Certified Power BI Data Analyst Associate course, on the 28th of February, 2022.
Also, the exam DA- 100, Analysing Data with Microsoft Power BI, was retired on the 31st of March, 2022, and its replacement exam, PL- 300, Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst was released on the same day.
The DA- 100, Analysing Data with Microsoft Power BI exam and The PL- 300, Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst exam are similar to each other but are not completely the same.
DA- 100, Analysing Data with Microsoft Power BI exam usually focuses on the in-depth understanding of the workings of Microsoft’s Power BI whereas the PL- 300, Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst exam focuses on the important factors of Microsoft’s Power BI.
Here is a table listed below that will tell you the main difference between The DA- 100, Analysing Data with Microsoft Power BI exam and The PL- 300, Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst exam. This is based upon the weightage that every individual topic is being given.
Difference Between the DA-100 Exam and PL-300 Exam
| TOPIC | DA-100 | PL-300 |
| Prepare the Data | 20% – 25% | 15% – 20% |
| Model of the Data | 25% – 30% | 30% – 35% |
| Visualize the Data | 20% – 25% | 25% – 30% |
| Analyse the Data | 10% – 15% | ————– |
| Deploy and Maintain | Deliverables 10% – 15% | Assets 20% – 25% |
Thus, according to the table above, it can be seen that even if there is not much change in the syllabus, there is still a considerable change in the weightage of every topic.
Also, the topic ‘Analyse the Data’ was a separate topic of the DA-100 exams, but now is included in the ‘Visualise the Data’ module in the syllabus of the PL-300 exam.
That was all about the difference between these two exams.
However, if you wish to prepare for the PL-300 Exam and want to know all about it in detail, then luckily, you are at the right place!
Complete guide to PL-300 exam
1. Mode of exam
The PL-300 certification examination is an online exam, which means it is conducted on online platforms by Microsoft. You can easily take this exam in the comfort of your home.
2. Modules included in PL-300 exam
This exam has four modules in total and they are:
- Prepare the data
- Model of the data
- Visualize the data
- Deploy and Maintain Assets
3. The format and the number of questions in PL-300 exam
There are about a total of forty to sixty questions, which are in the form of multiple-choice questions and multiple-response questions as well. A candidate must answer a certain number of questions from each level to jump to another level.
If a candidate cannot answer 4 questions at the basic level, they will face a 5th question at the basic level and cannot advance to the intermediate level until they answer the basic-level questions.
4. Duration
The duration of the PL-300, Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst exam is approximately 180 minutes, that is, 3 hours in total.
5. Passing score or criteria
The examinee needs to score at least 700 points (scaled score) out of 1000 points in the PL-300 exam to qualify for it.
Along with a minimum of 700 points, the candidate also needs to clear every individual section to qualify for the PL-300 examination.
6. The result format and the result declaration time
The result format of this exam contains
a. A numeric score that shows the overall performance of the examinee
- A bar graph depicting the performance made on each skill taken
- A pass or fail status clarifies whether the candidate has cleared the exam or not
The result is declared within 24 hours after the examinee successfully submits it.
7. Validity
The exam is valid for one year from the date of the result declaration.
8. Fee for PL-300 exam
Candidates who wish to sit for this examination must pay a fee of INR 4800 (please check the current fee on the MS Site).
9. Retake policy
A candidate who, unfortunately, could not clear the examination can reappear for it 5 times in one year. Out of those 5 times, the candidate can take the second attempt within 24 hours after the result declaration. Whereas, candidates must wait 14 days between each remaining attempt. They can also take a second attempt after another 14 days.
The candidate must re-register (paying a fee) to sit for the re-exam in addition to understanding the retake policy.
10. Renewal exam
Once a candidate successfully clears the examination, the certificate is valid for one year from the date of the result declaration. After one year, when the certificate expires, the candidate needs to sit for a renewal examination, which is in the form of an online assessment on Microsoft Learn.
However, the renewal assessment asks candidates only about the latest technological changes, making it shorter than the original examination. Also, Microsoft does not charge any fee for renewing your certificate.
Conclusion
This blog covers all the considerable changes made in the DA-100 examinations when they were renamed PL-300. You can also check the necessary information if you are planning to prepare for this exam. In case you need to take a complete course on Power BI, including Mock PL-300, you can try our certificate courses on this.
What if I want to prepare for an Interview?
Please refer to the blog mentioned below. This covers Power BI Interview Questions & Answers for each level.
Power BI Interview Questions and Answers: The Complete Guide 2025 Edition
FAQ – PL-300 Exam
1. How many attempts are allowed for the PL-300 exam in a year?
Candidates can attempt the exam up to five times in one year, with a 14-day gap required between most attempts.
2. Is the PL-300 exam considered difficult?
The difficulty level is moderate. It requires both theoretical understanding and practical skills in Power BI. Regular hands-on practice and mock exams can make it much easier to clear.
3. Does Microsoft provide study material for the PL-300 exam?
Yes, Microsoft Learn offers free, updated modules covering every topic in the syllabus, along with practice exercises to build real-world experience.
4. Can I renew my PL-300 certification online for free?
Yes, the renewal exam is completely free and can be taken online through Microsoft Learn. It only covers updates and new Power BI features.
5. Where can I prepare for this exam with structured training and mock tests?
Edu4Sure offers specialised corporate training programs for the PL-300 exam that include mock tests, project-based learning, and guided practice to help you pass the certification confidently.
LOOKING FOR TRAINING ON POWER BI? PLEASE CONNECT WITH US AT PARTNER@EDU4SURE.COM OR SIMPLY CALL US AT 9555115533
