Quick Answer
The answer is to use the Split Column by Delimiter transformation with a comma. This is correct because Power Query’s Split Column feature is designed to parse a single text column into multiple columns by identifying a consistent separator—in this case, the comma between the last name and first name in the ‘FullName’ column. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this task tests your understanding of data shaping in the Power Query Editor, a core skill for cleaning and transforming raw data before loading it into a data model. A common trap is attempting to use the Extract or Replace Values functions, which modify content rather than divide columns; remember that splitting is about separation, not alteration. For a quick memory tip, think “comma cuts columns”—when you see a delimiter like a comma, Split Column is your go-to tool for creating distinct fields from a single string.
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. 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 table with a column 'FullName' that contains names in the format 'Last, First'. You need to split this column into 'LastName' and 'FirstName' columns. Which Power Query transformation should you use?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Pivot the FullName column.
Why wrong: Pivot transforms rows into columns, not split.
Split Column by Delimiter using comma.
This splits the column into two columns.
Group By the FullName column and aggregate.
Why wrong: Group By is for aggregation.
Extract first characters using 'Extract' transformation.
Why wrong: Extract does not split into separate columns.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Split Column by Delimiter using comma.
Option B is correct because the 'Split Column by Delimiter' transformation in Power Query is specifically designed to divide a single text column into multiple columns based on a specified delimiter, such as a comma. In this case, the 'FullName' column contains names in the 'Last, First' format, so splitting by a comma delimiter will correctly separate the last name and first name into two distinct columns.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Pivot the FullName column.
Why it's wrong here
Pivot transforms rows into columns, not split.
Split Column by Delimiter using comma.
Why this is correct
This splits the column into two columns.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Group By the FullName column and aggregate.
Why it's wrong here
Group By is for aggregation.
Extract first characters using 'Extract' transformation.
Why it's wrong here
Extract does not split into separate columns.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates might confuse 'Split Column by Delimiter' with 'Extract' or 'Pivot', thinking that extracting the first few characters or pivoting the column could achieve the same result, but only the delimiter-based split correctly handles the variable-length 'Last, First' format.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the 'Split Column by Delimiter' operation uses the Text.Split function in M language, which parses each cell value at every occurrence of the delimiter and expands the resulting list into new columns. A subtle behavior is that by default, Power Query splits at each delimiter occurrence, but you can choose to split only at the leftmost or rightmost delimiter, which is useful when names might contain multiple commas (e.g., 'Doe, John, Jr.'). In a real-world scenario, you may need to trim extra spaces after splitting, as the comma delimiter often leaves leading spaces in the first name.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Prepare the data — This question tests Prepare the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Split Column by Delimiter using comma. — Option B is correct because the 'Split Column by Delimiter' transformation in Power Query is specifically designed to divide a single text column into multiple columns based on a specified delimiter, such as a comma. In this case, the 'FullName' column contains names in the 'Last, First' format, so splitting by a comma delimiter will correctly separate the last name and first name into two distinct columns.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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