Quick Answer
The answer is Excel workbook, SQL Server database, and a SharePoint folder, as these are all valid data sources that can be imported into Power BI Desktop. Power BI Desktop includes native connectors for each, allowing direct import via the Get Data experience—Excel workbooks are imported as tables or from named ranges, SQL Server databases support T-SQL queries with Windows or SQL Server authentication, and SharePoint folders enable loading of files like CSV or Excel from a document library. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between first-class connectors and less common sources like Hadoop or SAP HANA, which often appear as traps. A common mistake is assuming any file type works universally, but Power BI requires a dedicated connector for structured imports. Remember the memory tip: "ESS" for Excel, SQL, and SharePoint—three core sources you can always trust.
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.
Which THREE are data sources that can be imported into Power BI Desktop?
SQL Server database
Supported relational source.
CSV file
Common text source.
PDF file
Why wrong: Not a direct data source.
Excel workbook
Common data source.
Word document
Why wrong: Not supported.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
SQL Server database
A is correct because Power BI Desktop includes native connectors for SQL Server databases, allowing direct import of data via T-SQL queries or table selection. This is a first-class data source in the Get Data experience, supporting Windows and SQL Server authentication.
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.
SQL Server database
Why this is correct
Supported relational source.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
CSV file
Why this is correct
Common text source.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
PDF file
Why it's wrong here
Not a direct data source.
Excel workbook
Why this is correct
Common data source.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Word document
Why it's wrong here
Not supported.
Common exam traps
Microsoft often tests the misconception that PDF and Word documents are importable data sources in Power BI Desktop, when in reality only structured data sources like databases, CSV, and Excel are natively supported for import.
Detailed technical explanation
Power BI Desktop uses the Power Query engine to connect to data sources via M functions. For SQL Server, it generates a native query using the Sql.Database function, which can push down filters and aggregations to the server for performance. CSV files are read via the Csv.Document function, which auto-detects delimiters and data types. Excel workbooks are accessed through the Excel.Workbook function, which parses sheets and named ranges. Understanding these underlying M functions helps troubleshoot connection issues and optimize refresh times.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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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: SQL Server database — A is correct because Power BI Desktop includes native connectors for SQL Server databases, allowing direct import of data via T-SQL queries or table selection. This is a first-class data source in the Get Data experience, supporting Windows and SQL Server authentication.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
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. Which TWO of the following are valid data source types for Power BI?
easyWhy A: Azure SQL Database is a supported data source in Power BI, allowing direct import or DirectQuery connectivity via the SQL Server connector. This enables real-time or scheduled data refresh from a cloud-based relational database, leveraging T-SQL queries for data transformation.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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.
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