The correct approach is to use Power Query in Power BI Desktop to import both the on-premises SQL Server database and the cloud-based Salesforce instance, then merge or append queries as needed. This method is correct because Power Query serves as the universal data transformation engine within Power BI Desktop, capable of connecting to disparate sources—whether on-premises or cloud—and shaping them into a unified model. By importing all data into memory, you enable the creation of a star schema with distinct fact and dimension tables, which is essential for optimal performance and DAX relationships. On the PL-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of data connectivity and modeling workflows, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose DirectQuery or live connections for hybrid sources. Remember that for combining on-premises and cloud data into a star schema, Power Query import mode is your single source of truth—think of it as the "glue" that merges worlds. Memory tip: "Import to unify, DirectQuery to amplify" only when sources are homogeneous.
PL-300 Model the data Practice Question
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of model the data. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A Power BI developer needs to model data from two sources: an on-premises SQL Server database and a cloud-based Salesforce instance. The developer wants to create a star schema in Power BI. Which approach should the developer use to combine the data?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use Power Query in Power BI Desktop to import both sources and merge/append queries as needed.
Option B is correct because Power Query in Power BI Desktop is the appropriate tool to import data from both an on-premises SQL Server database and a cloud-based Salesforce instance, allowing the developer to merge or append queries as needed to shape the data into a star schema. This approach supports combining disparate sources into a single import model, which is essential for creating a star schema with fact and dimension tables. Using Power Query ensures that all data is loaded into memory, enabling fast query performance and full modeling capabilities.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use DirectQuery for both sources and create relationships in the model.
Why it's wrong here
DirectQuery is an option but not the only approach.
✓
Use Power Query in Power BI Desktop to import both sources and merge/append queries as needed.
Why this is correct
Power Query can import from multiple sources and shape data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use Power BI dataflows to ingest both sources and then reference them in a dataset.
Why it's wrong here
Dataflows are an additional layer but not required.
✗
Create a composite model using DirectQuery for SQL Server and Import for Salesforce.
Why it's wrong here
Composite models are for different storage modes, not necessarily for combining sources.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think a composite model (Option D) is the best approach for combining on-premises and cloud sources, but the question specifically asks for creating a star schema, which is most easily achieved by importing all data into a single in-memory model using Power Query, avoiding the limitations and complexity of mixed storage modes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Power Query uses the M language to perform data transformation and combination operations, such as Merge (SQL-style joins) and Append (union), which are executed during the data refresh process. When importing data, Power Query retrieves all rows from the source and stores them in the VertiPaq in-memory column store, enabling high-speed aggregations and complex relationships in the star schema. In contrast, DirectQuery mode translates DAX queries into native SQL queries sent to the source, which cannot combine data from two different sources in a single query without a composite model that uses a local copy for one source.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Model the data — This question tests Model the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Power Query in Power BI Desktop to import both sources and merge/append queries as needed. — Option B is correct because Power Query in Power BI Desktop is the appropriate tool to import data from both an on-premises SQL Server database and a cloud-based Salesforce instance, allowing the developer to merge or append queries as needed to shape the data into a star schema. This approach supports combining disparate sources into a single import model, which is essential for creating a star schema with fact and dimension tables. Using Power Query ensures that all data is loaded into memory, enabling fast query performance and full modeling capabilities.
What should I do if I get this PL-300 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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