- Power BI Desktop is free, and Microsoft Learn has free learning paths for every part of Power BI.
- Our pick is the technical path: the data model and DAX basics, then Power Query for a star schema, and finally visuals and data storytelling.
- If you skip the technical path, learn at least Power Query, which puts your data into one table and repeats the same steps at the next refresh, and add data storytelling.
Contents 5 sections
- 01How to learn Power BI for free?
- 02The technical path, step by step
- 03The non-technical path
- 04The PL-300 certification: what does the exam test?
- 05FAQ
How to learn Power BI for free?
Power BI Desktop, the learning paths on Microsoft Learn, and Vojtěch Šíma's blog are all free. You start paying only when you want to share content.
Power BI Desktop is a free Windows app where you load and transform data, build the model and design reports. You download it from the Microsoft Store or the Download Center, and it runs on Windows 10 or later (get Power BI Desktop). You start paying for sharing: you share content with a Power BI Pro or Premium Per User license, or from a capacity (Power BI free and paid). The details are in the guide to Power BI pricing.
Microsoft Learn has free learning paths and modules for every step below, including exercises (Power BI learning paths).
You can ask about Power BI in Czech in the CZ&SK Data & Chill community on Discord. Vojtěch Šíma's blog covers Power BI, Power Query, the M language and Fabric in Czech. On Microsoft Fabric there's the Czech podcast Cesta do Fabricu.
The technical path, step by step
In our view, this is the order to learn Power BI in. For each step there's free material on Microsoft Learn and a matching Daatlers course.
1. Data model. A Power BI model is made of dimension tables, which you filter and group by, and fact tables, which get summed. Relationships between them carry filters from dimensions to facts. Microsoft recommends a star schema for Power BI models (star schema in Power BI, model relationships).
2. DAX basics. DAX is the formula language for measures and calculations in a semantic model (writing DAX formulas). A measure calculates over the model, so its result depends on how the model is built.
3. Power Query into a star. Power Query loads data from sources and transforms it. It saves the transformation steps as a query that runs again at every refresh (what is Power Query). In this step, the fact and dimension tables are built from the source systems' data (clean and transform data in Power BI).
4. Visuals and data storytelling. Choosing visuals, page layout, filters, navigation and bookmarks. Microsoft has a learning path on report design with visualization and storytelling techniques (design effective reports).
Daatlers courses for the steps of the technical path
| Step | Course | Length |
|---|---|---|
| The very basics of every step | Power BI in a Day | 1 day |
| Basics for everyday work | Power BI Fundamentals | 2 days |
| 1. Data model | Data Modeling | 2 days |
| 2. DAX | Advanced DAX | 2 days |
| 3. Power Query | Power Query M Language | 2 days |
| 4. Visuals | Report Design | 1 day |
The non-technical path
If you don't want to build models, in our view two things are enough.
Power Query. You put data from exports and files into one table, and Power Query remembers the transformation steps. At the next refresh it runs them again on the new data, so you don't repeat the work by hand. Power Query is in Excel too (automate data cleaning with Power Query).
Data storytelling. How to lay out a report, which visuals to choose and how to lead the reader to what matters (design effective reports).
The PL-300 certification: what does the exam test?
Power BI knowledge is tested by exam PL-300, which earns you the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification. The exam measures four areas: preparing data, modeling, visualizing and analyzing, and managing and securing Power BI. You need a score of at least 700 to pass. The certification is valid for a year and is renewed for free with an online assessment on Microsoft Learn (PL-300 study guide). Microsoft Learn also offers a free practice assessment (practice assessments).
For Microsoft Fabric, there are the DP-600 certification, Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate, and DP-700, Fabric Data Engineer Associate (DP-600, DP-700).
Our course PL-300 Exam Prep, 2 days, prepares you for the PL-300 exam.
FAQ
Is Power BI free?
Power BI Desktop, where reports are built, is free. Sharing reports is paid for with a Pro or Premium Per User license, or with a capacity. The guide to Power BI pricing covers it in detail.
Where do I start if I want to learn Power BI?
In our view, with the data model and DAX basics, then Power Query for fact and dimension tables, and finally visuals and data storytelling. Microsoft Learn has free material for every step.
What should I learn if I don't want to do the technical part?
In our view, Power Query, which puts your data into one table and repeats the same steps at every refresh, and data storytelling for designing the report.
Is there a free Power BI course?
The learning paths on Microsoft Learn are free. Vojtěch Šíma writes about Power BI on his blog, and Daatlers courses are paid.
Do I need the PL-300 certification?
You don't need the certification to work in Power BI. It tests your knowledge of preparing data, modeling, visualizing and managing Power BI, following Microsoft's study guide.
Where do you stand?
Power BI in a Day
€1,700per group, excl. VAT
One day for complete beginners: Power Query, the data model, visuals, DAX basics and sharing. At your company, in Brno or online.
