- A
Configure dynamic data masking on the Azure SQL Database.
Dynamic data masking obfuscates data at the database level for certain users, so Power BI will receive masked data.
- B
Use row-level security (RLS) in Power BI to hide sensitive columns.
Why wrong: RLS filters rows, not columns; it cannot hide or obfuscate specific columns.
- C
Transform the data in Power Query by replacing sensitive values with a placeholder.
You can use Power Query to obfuscate data before it enters the data model.
- D
Use Microsoft Purview sensitivity labels to mask data.
Why wrong: Sensitivity labels classify and protect data but do not mask values.
- E
Apply column-level security in Power BI Desktop.
Why wrong: Power BI does not have native column-level security; you would need to create separate tables or use RLS with measures.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to use Azure SQL Database Dynamic Data Masking (DDM) and to transform the data in Power Query by replacing sensitive values with a placeholder. DDM works at the database level, automatically obfuscating sensitive columns like Social Security Numbers for unauthorized users when Power BI queries the source, making it a server-side, zero-touch solution for the report layer. The second approach, transforming data in Power Query, applies obfuscation client-side during data loading, giving you full control over the masking logic within the Power BI environment. On the PL-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of where data masking occurs—server-side versus client-side—and the key distinction that DDM requires no changes to the Power BI model, while Power Query transformations do. A common trap is assuming that report-level filters or visuals alone can obfuscate data, but they only hide it, not mask it at the source. Memory tip: think “DB masks at the source, PQ masks at the load.”
PL-300 Prepare the data Practice Question
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of prepare the data. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 preparing data from an Azure SQL Database. You need to ensure that sensitive columns (e.g., Social Security Numbers) are obfuscated in Power BI reports. Which TWO of the following approaches can you use? (Choose 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
Configure dynamic data masking on the Azure SQL Database.
Option A is correct because Azure SQL Database Dynamic Data Masking (DDM) obfuscates sensitive data at the database query level, so when Power BI connects to the database, the masked values are automatically returned for unauthorized users. This is a server-side approach that does not require changes to the Power BI report or data model.
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.
- ✓
Configure dynamic data masking on the Azure SQL Database.
Why this is correct
Dynamic data masking obfuscates data at the database level for certain users, so Power BI will receive masked data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use row-level security (RLS) in Power BI to hide sensitive columns.
Why it's wrong here
RLS filters rows, not columns; it cannot hide or obfuscate specific columns.
- ✓
Transform the data in Power Query by replacing sensitive values with a placeholder.
Why this is correct
You can use Power Query to obfuscate data before it enters the data model.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use Microsoft Purview sensitivity labels to mask data.
Why it's wrong here
Sensitivity labels classify and protect data but do not mask values.
- ✗
Apply column-level security in Power BI Desktop.
Why it's wrong here
Power BI does not have native column-level security; you would need to create separate tables or use RLS with measures.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse Row-Level Security (RLS) with column-level masking, not realizing that RLS only filters rows and cannot hide or obfuscate column values, while column-level security in Power BI requires Premium features and object-level security (OLS), not a standard Desktop capability.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Dynamic Data Masking works by applying masking rules to columns in the database schema, such as 'default' (full mask), 'email', or 'custom string' masks, and the masking is enforced at the SQL Server query layer. When Power BI imports or queries the data via DirectQuery, the masked values are returned based on the database user's permissions, not the Power BI user's identity. In contrast, Power Query transformations (Option C) are applied client-side during data loading, which permanently obfuscates the data for all report viewers, making it a simple but effective approach for static masking.
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.
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
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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PL-300 question test?
Prepare the data — This question tests Prepare the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure dynamic data masking on the Azure SQL Database. — Option A is correct because Azure SQL Database Dynamic Data Masking (DDM) obfuscates sensitive data at the database query level, so when Power BI connects to the database, the masked values are automatically returned for unauthorized users. This is a server-side approach that does not require changes to the Power BI report or data model.
What should I do if I get this PL-300 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
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