Microsoft Learn: Power BI training (PL-300 path)

What it is

Microsoft Learn is Microsoft's free training site. Its Power BI hub groups short modules into learning paths, and the main ones follow the order an analyst actually works in: get started with Microsoft data analytics (getting, cleaning and transforming data with Power Query in Power BI Desktop), model data with Power BI (relationships, calculations and DAX), and build Power BI visuals and reports. Modules mix reading with hands-on exercises in Power BI Desktop.

Is it worth your time?

Yes, for anyone choosing Power BI. It is free, written by the people who build the product, and kept up to date as Power BI changes each month. It is not the most exciting format, so pair it with your own dataset: after each module, repeat the steps on data you care about.

Before you start: the practical catches

• Power BI Desktop is free but Windows only. Microsoft's system requirements list Windows 10 or later. On a Mac you need a Windows virtual machine or a Windows PC, or you should consider Tableau or Python instead (source: Microsoft Learn, "Download Power BI Desktop", as of 2026-09).
• Publishing to the Power BI service needs a work or school email. Microsoft states that consumer addresses such as Gmail or Hotmail cannot sign up directly (source: Microsoft Learn, "Sign up or purchase Power BI as an individual", as of 2026-09). For a portfolio, you can share the .pbix file, screenshots and a short write-up on GitHub instead.
• Never publish real company or client data to a public link. Use public datasets for portfolio work.

The PL-300 certification

The learning paths map to exam PL-300, which leads to the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate credential. The exam covers preparing data, modelling data, visualising and analysing data, and managing and securing Power BI. It is 100 minutes, proctored, and the certification must be renewed every 12 months through a free online assessment. Microsoft sets the exam price by country, so check the official exam page for your region before booking (as of 2026-09). A free practice assessment is available on the certification page.

Is the exam worth paying for? It can help when you have no analyst experience and are applying to companies that use Microsoft tools, but a portfolio of two or three solid reports usually says more. Take the free practice assessment first.

Time needed

The core learning paths take a few weeks part time. Budget extra time for practising DAX, which is where most people slow down.

Common questions

Do I need Excel first? Basic spreadsheet skills help a lot: Power Query and DAX feel familiar if you know tables, filters and formulas.

Is the training really free? Yes. Only the exam costs money.