The correct choice is to configure the Effective identity settings on the dataset. This is because when you establish a live connection to Azure Analysis Services, the Power BI service must pass the viewing user’s identity through to the source model to enforce row-level security (RLS) defined in Analysis Services itself. Without this configuration, the dataset would use a static service principal or stored credentials, breaking user-specific data filtering. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of how live connections differ from DirectQuery or import modes—specifically that RLS for live connections is managed at the Analysis Services layer, not in Power BI. A common trap is confusing Effective identity with single sign-on (SSO), but SSO applies to SQL Server sources, not Azure Analysis Services live connections. Remember the memory tip: “Live to AS? Use Effective identity to pass the user’s pass.” This ensures the underlying data is queried using the user’s identity, preserving security and context.
PL-300 Manage and secure Power BI Practice Question
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of manage and secure power bi. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
You have a Power BI workspace that contains a dataset with a live connection to Azure Analysis Services. You need to configure the dataset so that when a user views a report in the Power BI service, the underlying data is queried from the Azure Analysis Services model using the user's identity. What should you configure in the Power BI dataset settings?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure the 'Effective identity' settings on the dataset.
Option B is correct because when using a live connection to Azure Analysis Services, the 'Effective identity' setting in Power BI allows you to pass the viewing user's identity to the source, enabling row-level security defined in Azure Analysis Services. Option A is wrong because single sign-on (SSO) is for data sources like SQL Server, not for Analysis Services live connections. Option C is wrong because the 'Use current user's credentials' is not available for live connections; it's for direct query mode. Option D is wrong because RLS in Power BI is separate from Analysis Services RLS; for live connections, RLS is defined in Analysis Services.
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.
✗
Enable single sign-on (SSO) for the dataset.
Why it's wrong here
SSO is not applicable for live connections to Analysis Services; it's for data sources like SQL Server.
✗
Set the authentication method to 'Use current user's credentials'.
Why it's wrong here
This option is not available for live connections; it's for direct query.
✗
Define row-level security (RLS) roles in Power BI Desktop.
Why it's wrong here
RLS for live connections must be defined in Azure Analysis Services, not in Power BI Desktop.
✓
Configure the 'Effective identity' settings on the dataset.
Why this is correct
Effective identity passes the viewing user's identity to Azure Analysis Services for RLS.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PL-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Manage and secure Power BI — This question tests Manage and secure Power BI — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the 'Effective identity' settings on the dataset. — Option B is correct because when using a live connection to Azure Analysis Services, the 'Effective identity' setting in Power BI allows you to pass the viewing user's identity to the source, enabling row-level security defined in Azure Analysis Services. Option A is wrong because single sign-on (SSO) is for data sources like SQL Server, not for Analysis Services live connections. Option C is wrong because the 'Use current user's credentials' is not available for live connections; it's for direct query mode. Option D is wrong because RLS in Power BI is separate from Analysis Services RLS; for live connections, RLS is defined in Analysis Services.
What should I do if I get this PL-300 question wrong?
Identify which PL-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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