What Is the Power BI Certification, and How Do You Get It?

Key takeaways

Microsoft Power BI certification verifies your expertise in working with Power BI and preparing, modeling, visualizing, and analyzing data.

• Data shows the business intelligence software market will likely reach $81.5 billion in 2033, with Microsoft as a key leader in the industry [1]. 

• Microsoft offers training resources, including study guides, videos, and practice tests, to help you prepare for the certification exam. 

• After earning this certification, you can begin or advance your career in various roles, including data analyst, data scientist, and business intelligence professional. 

Learn more about Power BI certification, including topics on the exam, prerequisites, and the types of jobs it helps prepare you for. If you’re ready for more formal instruction to prepare for getting certified, consider enrolling in the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate. This beginner-friendly eight-course series can help you prepare for the certification exam while building job-ready skills. You'll have an opportunity to learn how to leverage all of Power BI's features, and build skills like advanced analytics, data security, and data collection. 

Does Microsoft offer Power BI certification?

Yes. Additionally, according to Grand View Research, the business intelligence software market is expected to reach $81.5 billion in 2033, with Microsoft as a key leader in the industry [1]. In 2026, Gartner also named Microsoft a Magic Quadrant leader for its Analytics and Business Intelligence platforms, underscoring Power BI's industry leading position [2].

If you work in a role that involves data analysis, visualization, or reporting, you may use Power BI. It’s an excellent tool to collect, process, and present data and reveal valuable insights about customer behavior, inventory, revenue, and more. To help you deepen your understanding of the platform and demonstrate your competency using it, Microsoft offers several courses related to Power BI, including the Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification. Earning this credential demonstrates your ability to build and scale data models, clean data sets, and implement meaningful analytics methodologies into your company’s data [3].

How much does it cost to get Power BI certified? Power BI certification cost details

You can expect to pay $165 to take the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification exam [3]. You can renew your certification for free by taking an online assessment. Additionally, you may be eligible to get a discounted rate after completing the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera. 

Who should get the Power BI certification?

If you are currently working in or pursuing a job that requires analyzing and visualizing data, getting the Power BI certification can be a helpful step in your career in roles as a data analyst, scientist, technology professional, and business intelligence. If your employer already uses Microsoft products, adding a Power BI certification can expand your skill set.

Technically, you don't need any certifications to work with Power BI if you can demonstrate that you're adept at handling its various analytics and visualization functions. However, the technical skills you acquire by earning the Power BI certification may help you stand out when you apply for positions in the IT or data analytics industries.

How to get certified: Power BI certification cost and requirements

To get the Power BI certification, you must pass Exam PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst. The exam has no formal requirements or prerequisites, making it a beginner-friendly place to start if you want to enter the data analytics and business intelligence industry.

Microsoft recommends reviewing the exam study guide and watching videos to prepare for the test. The company also offers a practice opportunity through Windows Sandbox and a free practice test on its website. When you're ready, schedule the exam through Pearson VUE, which offers online and in-person exam options, and pay the $165 fee [3]. The exam is available in multiple languages, including Chinese, Spanish, and French. A passing score is 700 or higher.

Read more: Business Intelligence Tools You Need to Know

What's on the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst exam?

The Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst exam measures your ability to prepare the data, model the data, visualize and analyze the data, and manage and secure Power BI. Microsoft regularly updates the exam, most recently on April 20, 2026 [3]. The following offers the current breakdown of the skills measured on the exam [4]:

• Prepare the data: Between 25 percent and 30 percent of the questions are in this domain. Topics covered include procuring data from data sources before transforming and cleaning it. You may see questions about choosing data sets, resolving inconsistencies in the data, and more.

• Model the data: This section comprises 25 to 30 percent of the exam. Questions in this domain cover designing and implementing a data model, using DAX to create model calculations, and optimizing model performance. In this section, you may need to use your knowledge of statistics.

• Visualize and analyze the data: About 25 to 30 percent of the exam covers topics in this domain. It includes creating and enhancing reports to identify patterns in the data, implementing AI visuals, formatting data visualizations, and designing reports that users can view on mobile devices.

• Manage and secure Power BI: This section makes up between 15 percent and 20 percent of the exam. Here, you will demonstrate your ability to create dashboards and manage assets and workspaces.

Training for the Power BI exam

To prepare for the Power BI exam, Microsoft recommends that you engage with its study materials, such as exam prep videos, study guides for the specific exam, and practice assessments. You can also enroll in alternative online courses from various university programs to improve your Power BI skills. However, if you choose this route, look for Microsoft-affiliated coursework and training.

Microsoft offers instructor-led courses and self-paced modules designed to support your learning style. The course structures break down the material on the exam step-by-step so you can target different areas and focus on the areas where you need to improve.

Once you have reviewed your study materials, you can take a practice test and assess if you feel prepared for the real exam. By taking a practice exam, you give yourself an excellent opportunity to identify your areas of strength and growth opportunities, making your exam preparation more efficient and focused. 

What jobs can you get with the Power BI certification?

This credential can help pave the way forward in various careers, from software development to management analysis. Power BI is an in-demand skill among many employers, particularly in the data analytics and business intelligence industries. Below are examples of jobs you can get with a Power BI certification and their average annual earnings. 

*All salary data comes from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as of September 2026. 

• Software developer: $132,930

• Software quality assurance analyst: $108,460

• Management analyst: $101,860

• Computer and information systems manager: $175,140

• Information security analyst: $129,180

• Financial analyst: $103,570

• Computer systems analyst: $105,850

• Computer network architect: $134,050

• Database architect: $137,030

• Database administrator: $126,760

Explore our free career-building resources

Keep pace with emerging trends and in-demand skills, and get career guidance while browsing our Career Resource Hub. Additionally, consider checking out the following:

• Watch on YouTube: Why Power BI Skills are Essential for HR, Finance, and Business Intelligence

• Bookmark for later: Power BI Terms and Definitions

• Read in Career Chat: Business intelligence analysts explained: duties + skills

Whether you want to prepare for Power BI certification, develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses from over 350 leading universities and organizations.