- A
SharePoint list
SharePoint list is a valid Power Query data source allowing data import from SharePoint.
- B
SQL Server Analysis Services database
Why wrong: SQL Server Analysis Services database is a valid Power BI data source, but it typically uses a live connection that bypasses Power Query transformations, so it is not considered a Power Query data source for this question.
- C
Power BI dataset
Why wrong: Power BI dataset creates a live connection that does not use Power Query, so it is not a Power Query data source.
- D
Microsoft Entra ID
Why wrong: Microsoft Entra ID is an identity and access management service, not a data source.
- E
Excel workbook
Excel workbook is a standard Power Query data source that can be imported.
Question 941 of 966
PL-300 Power Query data sources Practice Question
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of prepare the data. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: power Query data sources. 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.
Which TWO of the following are valid data sources for Power Query in Power BI Desktop? (Select exactly two.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SharePoint list
The correct answers are A and E. SharePoint list is a valid data source for Power Query in Power BI Desktop, allowing data import from SharePoint lists. Excel workbook is also a valid source, enabling data import from Excel files. Option B (SQL Server Analysis Services database) is a valid data source for Power BI but when connected via the Analysis Services connector, it typically creates a live connection (DirectQuery) that bypasses Power Query transformations, so it is not considered a Power Query data source in the context of this question. Option C (Power BI dataset) creates a live connection that also bypasses Power Query. Option D (Microsoft Entra ID) is an identity service, not a data source.
Key principle: Power Query data sources
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
SharePoint list
Why this is correct
SharePoint list is a valid Power Query data source allowing data import from SharePoint.
Related concept
Power Query data sources
- ✗
SQL Server Analysis Services database
Why it's wrong here
SQL Server Analysis Services database is a valid Power BI data source, but it typically uses a live connection that bypasses Power Query transformations, so it is not considered a Power Query data source for this question.
- ✗
Power BI dataset
Why it's wrong here
Power BI dataset creates a live connection that does not use Power Query, so it is not a Power Query data source.
- ✗
Microsoft Entra ID
Why it's wrong here
Microsoft Entra ID is an identity and access management service, not a data source.
- ✓
Excel workbook
Why this is correct
Excel workbook is a standard Power Query data source that can be imported.
Related concept
Power Query data sources
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap is that candidates may consider SSAS as a Power Query source because it appears in the 'Get Data' list, but the Analysis Services connector typically uses a live connection that bypasses Power Query transformations, whereas SharePoint list and Excel workbook are import-based sources that fully utilize Power Query.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Power Query uses the Analysis Services connector to communicate with SSAS via the XMLA protocol (for tabular) or OLE DB for OLAP (for multidimensional). When connecting to a Power BI dataset, Power Query actually uses the same XMLA endpoint but the connection is read-only and does not allow data transformation in the traditional Power Query sense—it is a live connection that bypasses the Power Query engine. The Excel workbook connector (Option E) is one of the most common data sources, using the ACE OLEDB provider or the Open XML SDK to read data from .xlsx, .xls, or .xlsm files.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Power Query data sources
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
Power Query data sources
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.
Review power Query data sources, then practise related PL-300 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Prepare the data — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Prepare the data practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All PL-300 questions
966 questions across all exam domains
- →
Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
PL-300 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related PL-300 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Prepare the data practice questions
Practise PL-300 questions linked to Prepare the data.
Deploy and maintain assets practice questions
Practise PL-300 questions linked to Deploy and maintain assets.
Model the data practice questions
Practise PL-300 questions linked to Model the data.
Visualize and analyze the data practice questions
Practise PL-300 questions linked to Visualize and analyze the data.
Manage and secure Power BI practice questions
Practise PL-300 questions linked to Manage and secure Power BI.
PL-300 fundamentals practice questions
Practise PL-300 questions linked to PL-300 fundamentals.
PL-300 scenario practice questions
Practise PL-300 questions linked to PL-300 scenario.
PL-300 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise PL-300 questions linked to PL-300 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free PL-300 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PL-300 question test?
Prepare the data — This question tests Prepare the data — Power Query data sources.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SharePoint list — The correct answers are A and E. SharePoint list is a valid data source for Power Query in Power BI Desktop, allowing data import from SharePoint lists. Excel workbook is also a valid source, enabling data import from Excel files. Option B (SQL Server Analysis Services database) is a valid data source for Power BI but when connected via the Analysis Services connector, it typically creates a live connection (DirectQuery) that bypasses Power Query transformations, so it is not considered a Power Query data source in the context of this question. Option C (Power BI dataset) creates a live connection that also bypasses Power Query. Option D (Microsoft Entra ID) is an identity service, not a data source.
What should I do if I get this PL-300 question wrong?
Review power Query data sources, then practise related PL-300 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Power Query data sources
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 →
Keep practising
More PL-300 practice questions
- You are developing a Power BI report to analyze sales performance. The data model includes a 'Sales' fact table with a '…
- You are a Power BI developer for a financial services company. The company has a large transactional database in Azure S…
- A company has a Power BI dataset that includes a table 'Orders' with columns: OrderID, CustomerID, OrderDate, ShipDate,…
- A company has a Power BI report that uses a DirectQuery dataset from an Azure SQL Database. Users report that the report…
- A Power BI report contains a table visual that displays employee names and their total sales. The data model includes an…
- You are preparing a Power BI dataset from a SQL Server data source. The source table has a datetime column 'OrderDate' t…
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.