Instructions and covered skills
Read each question carefully before selecting an answer. Focus on the stated model, filters, and calculation requirements. Do not assume that a visual total behaves like a sum of visible rows unless the formula supports that behavior. Work in a quiet setting and turn off notifications before starting. Avoid rushing through DAX function names that appear similar but alter context differently. Review each selection for alignment with the requested reporting outcome.
Key Areas
This test covers the DAX measure patterns used to produce dependable Power BI reports. Candidates should understand how measures are evaluated in the filter context supplied by visuals, slicers, page filters, report filters, and model relationships. They should be able to distinguish this context from row context and recognize when iterator functions such as SUMX, AVERAGEX, and COUNTX evaluate an expression once for each row of a table.
Strong performance requires practical use of CALCULATE to modify filters, including removing filters with REMOVEFILTERS, retaining existing filters with KEEPFILTERS, and applying targeted conditions through filter arguments. The assessment also addresses relationship-aware calculations, including when RELATED, RELATEDTABLE, USERELATIONSHIP, and CROSSFILTER are appropriate. Candidates should understand how active and inactive relationships affect a measure result.
Date-based reporting is another key area. This includes using a marked date table, creating period comparisons, calculating year-to-date values, and handling common functions such as DATEADD, SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR, TOTALYTD, and DATESYTD. Candidates should also understand why time calculations depend on a complete, contiguous calendar table related to the relevant fact date.
The test evaluates measure design for ratios, totals, conditional logic, and blank handling. Important concepts include DIVIDE, VAR, RETURN, ISINSCOPE, HASONEVALUE, SELECTEDVALUE, COALESCE, and the difference between a calculated column and a measure. It also considers methods for making totals reflect intended business logic rather than merely repeating a row-level expression.
Recommended Preparation
Prepare by building measures in a small star-schema model containing a sales fact table, product and customer dimensions, and a dedicated calendar table. Practice placing the same measure in cards, tables, matrices, and charts while changing slicer selections. Inspect how the result changes at detail rows, subtotals, and grand totals. Write alternative formulas for the same metric and explain which filters each formula preserves, replaces, or removes. Validate period comparisons against a known set of dates, including months with no transactions. Finally, use descriptive measure names, variables, and formatted DAX so that calculation intent can be reviewed and maintained by others.