Earlier, we were introduced to Microsoft Power BI and explored some of the foundational training available. For third and final instalment, let’s explore some of the certification options available to you.
Power BI – Certification Options
There are a range of certification options available, and I’ve summarised them below. It’s important to note that there is not an expectation that you will do all three certifications. We all have different roles and aspirations so pick the Power BI certifications that are right for you and where you want to go.
Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900):
The Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals certification is a great place to start and whilst wider than just Power BI can really open your eyes to the art of the possible. This will help you understand the business value and product capabilities of the Microsoft Power Platform. This will include the ability to create simple Power Apps, connect data with Dataverse, build a Power BI Dashboard, automate processes with Power Automate, and build a chatbot with Power Virtual Agents.
You can access the content for self-study at https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/power-plat-fundamentals/ . However, if you’d prefer – then check out one of the great virtual training days offered by Microsoft. The UK variants are here > https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/events/training-days/ . This is also available through our network of amazing learning partners.
Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300):
Until recently, this was badged as DA-100. The Power BI Data Analyst delivers actionable insights by leveraging available data and applying domain expertise. The Power BI data analyst collaborates with key stakeholders across verticals to identify business requirements, cleans and transforms the data, and then designs and builds data models by using Power BI. The Power BI Data Analyst provides meaningful business value through easy-to-comprehend data visualizations, enables others to perform self-service analytics, and deploys and configures solutions for consumption.
You can access the content for self-study via the exam page for this certification at https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/exams/pl-300. This is also available through our network of amazing learning partners.
Azure Enterprise Data Analyst Associate (DP-500):
This is the newest certification in this area and is in beta release at the time of writing this.
From the Microsoft Exam page (https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/exams/dp-500): Candidates for the Azure Enterprise Data Analyst Associate certification should have subject matter expertise in designing, creating, and deploying enterprise-scale data analytics solutions.
Responsibilities for this role include performing advanced data analytics at scale, such as cleaning and transforming data, designing, and building enterprise data models, incorporating advanced analytics capabilities, integrating with IT infrastructure, and applying development lifecycle practices. These professionals help collect enterprise-level requirements for data analytics solutions that include Azure and Power BI. They also advise on data governance and configuration settings for Power BI administration, monitor data usage, and optimize performance of the data analytics solutions.
Azure enterprise data analysts collaborate with other roles, such as solution architects, data engineers, data scientists, AI engineers, database administrators, and Power BI data analysts.
Candidates for this exam should have advanced Power BI skills, including managing data repositories and data processing in the cloud and on-premises, along with using Power Query and Data Analysis Expressions (DAX). They should also be proficient in consuming data from Azure Synapse Analytics and should have experience querying relational databases, analysing data by using Transact-SQL (T-SQL), and visualizing data.
The self-study content is not available currently but will be added in the future. This training will also be available via our network of Learning Partners once out of beta.
Power-BI Self-Study Resources:
For those looking at learning through self-study there is an amazing array of content available on the internet and a quick search will reveal a myriad of professionals/SMEs offering videos, tutorials and other resources to help you on your journey.
We’re not going to review them all here – but if you find any that are useful then why not post them in the comments section? Instead, I wanted to draw attention to just a few resources for you to consider and/or bookmark:
Data Analyst Learning Pathway (www.learning-pathways.co.uk)
Check out the home page and the library of self-guided material available to download in PDF format. A handy collection of links to help you build your knowledge from Fundamentals through to role-based certification. Content is predominately taken from Microsoft Learn and Microsoft Documentation.
Microsoft Documentation:
The home for Microsoft documentation and learning for developers and technology professionals.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/power-bi
Microsoft Learn:
Microsoft Learn is a free, online training platform that provides interactive learning for Microsoft products and more. Our goal is to help you become proficient on our technologies and learn more skills with fun, guided, hands-on, interactive content that’s specific to your role and goals
Browse over 100 Power BI related modules > https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/learn/browse/?expanded=power-platform&products=power-bi
The role of Data Analyst is crucial to an organisations ability to derive value and make strategic decisions based on an ever-growing library of data. As our ability to weave technology into everyday life continues to grow, so will the tools and technologies used to visualise/understand the data that it generates.
Given this, whilst I hope the last three articles have helped you get started (or develop your skills further), remember that this is the just the start of your journey. Never stop learning…. take time to keep your skills current and to share with those that are keen to learn.