PL-900 Practice Question: Demonstrate the capabilities of Power Automate
A Power Automate maker is building a cloud flow that must read data from an on-premises SQL Server and write results to a SharePoint Online list. The maker needs to understand which components are required to connect to the on-premises data source. Which two components are required? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that generic network connectivity such as VPN or VNet peering replaces the on-premises data gateway, when the gateway is the specific required bridge for Power Automate.
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
✓
A SQL Server connection configured in the flow to use the gateway
Connecting a cloud flow to an on-premises SQL Server requires both a registered on-premises data gateway and a connection that is configured to use that gateway with valid credentials. The gateway provides the network path, while the connection provides authentication and connector configuration. Networking features such as VNet peering or VPN tunnels are not part of the Power Automate connectivity model for this scenario.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
A SQL Server connection configured in the flow to use the gateway
Why this is correct
Even with a gateway installed, the flow needs a connection that specifies the gateway and the SQL Server credentials. The SQL Server connector's connection must be associated with the gateway so that Power Automate routes queries through it. Without this connection configuration, the flow cannot authenticate to the database, making this component necessary.
- ✗
A virtual network peering between the tenant and the on-premises network
Why it's wrong here
Virtual network peering is an Azure networking feature used to connect Azure virtual networks. Power Automate's on-premises connectivity relies on the data gateway, not on VNet peering. Configuring peering would not by itself allow the cloud flow to reach the SQL Server and is not a required component for this scenario.
- ✗
A site-to-site VPN tunnel between the maker's laptop and Azure
Why it's wrong here
A site-to-site VPN is a network-level solution and is not a Power Automate component. The platform abstracts connectivity through the on-premises data gateway, so makers do not configure VPN tunnels per flow. Requiring a VPN tunnel would be unnecessary and would not integrate with the connector's authentication model for this scenario.
- ✗
A Power BI data gateway in personal mode
Why it's wrong here
A Power BI gateway in personal mode is designed for individual Power BI refresh scenarios and cannot be shared with Power Automate flows. It also does not support the same connector and sharing capabilities as the standard on-premises data gateway. Using it would not provide the required connectivity for a multi-user Power Automate flow.
- ✓
An on-premises data gateway installed and registered
Why this is correct
An on-premises data gateway acts as a bridge between cloud services such as Power Automate and on-premises data sources. It must be installed on a machine within the on-premises network and registered with the tenant. Without a registered gateway, the cloud flow cannot reach the on-premises SQL Server, so this component is required for the scenario.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Microsoft exam blueprint
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