PL-300 Prepare the data Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are valid database data source types for Power BI?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates may incorrectly assume that SharePoint Online List is a valid data source type due to its frequent use, but in the context of this question, only database types like Azure SQL and Oracle are considered. They also confuse file formats (JSON) and non-native connectors (MongoDB) with officially listed source types.
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
✓
Azure SQL Database
Azure SQL Database (A) is a valid Power BI data source because Power BI Desktop and the Power BI service include a native Azure SQL Database connector that uses the SQL protocol/TDS to query it directly. Oracle database (E) is also valid because Power BI ships with a dedicated Oracle connector (requiring the Oracle Data Provider for .NET, ODP.NET) to import or use DirectQuery against Oracle. SharePoint Online List (B) is not a database data source type—it is a cloud list service accessed via the SharePoint Online List connector, not a database. JSON file (C) is a flat/semi-structured file source consumed through the JSON connector, not a database. MongoDB (D) is a NoSQL document store and is not one of Power BI's built-in database connectors (it would require an ODBC driver or third-party tool), so it is not a valid database data source type here.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Azure SQL Database
Why this is correct
Azure SQL Database is a first-party relational database service in Microsoft Azure with a native Power BI connector. It supports both Import mode and DirectQuery mode through the SQL Server or Azure SQL Database connector, and it authenticates with SQL credentials or Microsoft Entra ID. Because it is an officially maintained connector, it qualifies as a valid data source type in Power BI.
- ✗
SharePoint Online List
Why it's wrong here
SharePoint Online List is a service connector that pulls data from web-based lists or libraries rather than from a database or file system. Although Power BI can import list items, this connector belongs to the online services category and depends on SharePoint APIs and permission contexts, so it is not considered a primary data source type for DirectQuery or direct import in the same way database connectors are.
- ✗
JSON file
Why it's wrong here
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data-interchange format, not a database engine or managed data platform. Power BI does provide a JSON connector and can parse JSON files or endpoints, but a file format alone is not classified as a distinct data source type because it lacks native capabilities like query folding or DirectQuery. It is an import-only option, not a recognized database or service source.
- ✗
MongoDB
Why it's wrong here
MongoDB is a NoSQL document database that does not have a first-party Power BI connector, so it cannot be used as a natively supported data source type. Connecting to MongoDB requires a custom connector, ODBC driver, or third-party bridge, which adds configuration complexity and often disables features like DirectQuery and query folding. Therefore, it is not listed among Power BI's official supported data source types.
- ✓
Oracle database
Why this is correct
Oracle database is an enterprise-grade relational database management system supported by Power BI through a dedicated Oracle connector. This connector appears in the official database category of the Get Data experience and supports both Import and DirectQuery modes. Because Oracle is a recognized database technology with a first-party connector, it qualifies as a valid Power BI data source type.
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