The answer is to import both sources into Power BI and create relationships. This is correct because importing data into Power BI’s in-memory VertiPaq engine enables compressed storage and rapid query execution, while DirectQuery would force the on-premises SQL Server to process every query live, introducing network latency and performance overhead that undermines optimization. On the PL-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of when to choose Import over DirectQuery for performance—a common trap is assuming DirectQuery is always faster for live data, but it actually degrades performance with on-premises sources due to round-trip delays. A key memory tip: “Import for speed, DirectQuery for freshness—but never mix on-premises with DirectQuery if you want performance.”
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.
You are building a Power BI semantic model that combines sales data from an on-premises SQL Server database and a cloud-based CRM system. The CRM system returns data in a de-normalized format with multiple fact tables. You need to design the model to minimize data duplication and improve query performance. What should you do?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Import both sources into Power BI and create relationships.
Option B is correct because importing both sources into Power BI and creating relationships between tables allows the Power BI engine to optimize queries in-memory. Option A is wrong because DirectQuery would incur performance overhead with on-premises data. Option C is wrong because combining at the source doesn't reduce duplication and may be complex. Option D is wrong because exporting the CRM data to a single Excel file introduces manual steps and data staleness.
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.
✗
Export the CRM data to Excel and import that Excel file along with the SQL Server data.
Why it's wrong here
Excel is not an efficient intermediate format and adds manual steps.
✗
Create a SQL Server view that joins both sources and import the view.
Why it's wrong here
This shifts the join to the source, but doesn't utilize Power BI's in-memory engine.
✗
Use DirectQuery for both sources to keep data in their original databases.
Why it's wrong here
DirectQuery on both sources can cause performance issues and network latency.
✓
Import both sources into Power BI and create relationships.
Why this is correct
Import mode stores data in-memory for fast queries and allows relationship creation.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
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 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 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.
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: Import both sources into Power BI and create relationships. — Option B is correct because importing both sources into Power BI and creating relationships between tables allows the Power BI engine to optimize queries in-memory. Option A is wrong because DirectQuery would incur performance overhead with on-premises data. Option C is wrong because combining at the source doesn't reduce duplication and may be complex. Option D is wrong because exporting the CRM data to a single Excel file introduces manual steps and data staleness.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. You are building a Power BI report that uses a DirectQuery connection to a SQL Server database. You need to reduce the amount of data transferred to Power BI when users interact with visuals. What should you do?
easy
A.Increase the query timeout setting
✓ B.Apply filters in Power Query to reduce rows
C.Disable query reductions
D.Load all data into the Power BI model
Why B: Option B is correct because applying filters in Power Query reduces the number of rows retrieved from the SQL Server database before the data is transferred to Power BI. With a DirectQuery connection, queries are sent to the source each time a visual is interacted with, so reducing the row count at the query level minimizes network traffic and improves report performance.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
Question Discussion
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This PL-300 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PL-300 exam.
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