Quick Answer
The answer is a push dataset. This connection type is correct because it is specifically designed for real-time data scenarios where information is continuously pushed into Power BI via APIs, such as from Azure Stream Analytics. Unlike Import or DirectQuery, a push dataset supports automatic, incremental updates without requiring a scheduled refresh, making it the only viable option for maintaining a live, streaming dashboard. On the PL-900 exam, this concept tests your understanding of Power BI’s data connectivity modes, often appearing in scenario-based questions that contrast push datasets with Import (static snapshots) and DirectQuery (query-based, not real-time push). A common trap is assuming DirectQuery works for streaming, but it only queries a source on demand, not continuously. To remember: think “push” as in “pushing data in real time,” like a live feed—if the data is streaming in, you need a push dataset to catch it.
This PL-900 practice question tests your understanding of demonstrate capabilities of 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.
A company has a Power BI dashboard that displays real-time data from Azure Stream Analytics. Which connection type should they use?
Import
Why wrong: Import mode loads data on a schedule, not real-time.
DirectQuery
Why wrong: DirectQuery queries the source but is not designed for high-frequency streaming.
Composite model
Why wrong: Composite models mix import and DirectQuery, not real-time.
Push dataset
Push datasets allow real-time data ingestion via API.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Push dataset
Push datasets are designed for real-time streaming scenarios where data is pushed into Power BI via APIs, such as from Azure Stream Analytics. Unlike Import or DirectQuery, Push datasets support automatic refresh of streaming data without requiring a scheduled refresh, making them ideal for real-time dashboards.
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.
Import
Why it's wrong here
Import mode loads data on a schedule, not real-time.
DirectQuery
Why it's wrong here
DirectQuery queries the source but is not designed for high-frequency streaming.
Composite model
Why it's wrong here
Composite models mix import and DirectQuery, not real-time.
Push dataset
Why this is correct
Push datasets allow real-time data ingestion via API.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse DirectQuery with real-time capabilities, but DirectQuery is for querying large datasets on demand, not for ingesting streaming data pushed from Azure Stream Analytics.
Detailed technical explanation
Push datasets use the Power BI REST API to ingest data row by row into an in-memory dataset, which is then automatically refreshed in the dashboard. Azure Stream Analytics can be configured to output directly to a Power BI push dataset via its built-in Power BI output sink, enabling sub-second latency for real-time visualizations. This approach bypasses the need for a gateway or scheduled refresh, but it has a maximum ingestion rate of 1 MB per second and a dataset size limit of 10 GB for streaming datasets.
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
Demonstrate capabilities of Power BI — This question tests Demonstrate capabilities of Power BI — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Push dataset — Push datasets are designed for real-time streaming scenarios where data is pushed into Power BI via APIs, such as from Azure Stream Analytics. Unlike Import or DirectQuery, Push datasets support automatic refresh of streaming data without requiring a scheduled refresh, making them ideal for real-time dashboards.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This PL-900 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-900 exam.
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