Quick Answer
The answer is that Alice is the dataset owner. This is the most likely reason row level security is not working, because in Power BI, RLS filters are only enforced for users who access the dataset through a report or dashboard in the service; dataset owners and users with Build permissions bypass all RLS restrictions and see the full dataset. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this concept tests your understanding that RLS is a presentation-layer security measure, not a data-layer one—it does not restrict the owner or anyone with write permissions. A common trap is assuming RLS applies universally, but it only activates when a non-owner views content via a published report. Remember the memory tip: “Owner sees all, RLS is for the rest.”
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of manage and secure power bi. 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.
Your organization uses row-level security (RLS) in Power BI. You have a table 'Sales' with a column 'Region'. You define a role 'RegionManagers' with the filter: [Region] = "North". A user named Alice is a member of this role. However, when Alice views a report that uses this dataset, she sees all regions. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
The dataset uses DirectQuery mode, which does not support RLS.
Why wrong: DirectQuery supports RLS.
Alice is the dataset owner.
Dataset owners bypass RLS.
The filter must use USERNAME() or USERPRINCIPALNAME() function.
Why wrong: Static filters are valid.
RLS is only applied in Power BI Desktop, not in the service.
Why wrong: RLS is applied in the service.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Alice is the dataset owner.
RLS is applied only when the user accesses the dataset through a report or dashboard in the service, but if the user has the 'Build' permission or is an owner of the dataset, they can bypass RLS. Option D is correct because dataset owners see all data regardless of RLS. Option A is wrong because RLS works in both DirectQuery and Import. Option B is wrong because RLS works in the service. Option C is wrong because you must use 'username()' or 'userprincipalname()' in DAX, but the filter as written is static and valid.
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.
The dataset uses DirectQuery mode, which does not support RLS.
Why it's wrong here
DirectQuery supports RLS.
Alice is the dataset owner.
Why this is correct
Dataset owners bypass RLS.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The filter must use USERNAME() or USERPRINCIPALNAME() function.
Why it's wrong here
Static filters are valid.
RLS is only applied in Power BI Desktop, not in the service.
Why it's wrong here
RLS is applied in the service.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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
Identify which PL-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Manage and secure Power BI — This question tests Manage and secure Power BI — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Alice is the dataset owner. — RLS is applied only when the user accesses the dataset through a report or dashboard in the service, but if the user has the 'Build' permission or is an owner of the dataset, they can bypass RLS. Option D is correct because dataset owners see all data regardless of RLS. Option A is wrong because RLS works in both DirectQuery and Import. Option B is wrong because RLS works in the service. Option C is wrong because you must use 'username()' or 'userprincipalname()' in DAX, but the filter as written is static and valid.
Identify which PL-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 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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