The correct step is to configure the data source credentials in the Power BI service under dataset settings. This is because the JSON deployment artifact only defines the refresh schedule and dataset parameters, but credentials are intentionally excluded from such files due to their sensitive nature. When a Power BI dataset refresh fails with a missing credentials error after deployment, it indicates that the authentication details were never stored or updated in the Power BI service itself, not that the JSON is malformed. On the PL-900 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the separation between deployment configuration and runtime authentication—a common trap is assuming credentials can be embedded in JSON files. Remember the memory tip: “JSON schedules, service secures”—the artifact handles timing, but the service holds the keys.
PL-900 Demonstrate the capabilities of Power BI Practice Question
This PL-900 practice question tests your understanding of demonstrate the capabilities of power bi. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. The JSON represents a Power BI dataset refresh configuration. After deployment, the refresh fails with an error indicating that the data source credentials are missing. Which step must be taken to resolve the issue?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure the data source credentials in the Power BI service under dataset settings
The error indicates that the data source credentials are missing in the Power BI service, not in the JSON configuration. The JSON only defines the refresh schedule and dataset parameters; credentials must be configured separately in the Power BI service under dataset settings because they are sensitive and not stored in deployment artifacts. Option B is correct because you must manually enter or update the credentials in the Power BI service to authenticate against the data source.
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.
✗
Add the credentials to the JSON configuration and redeploy
Why it's wrong here
Credentials are not stored in the JSON; they are configured in the service.
✓
Configure the data source credentials in the Power BI service under dataset settings
Why this is correct
Credentials must be set in the service for scheduled refresh.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Set the data source privacy level to Organizational
Why it's wrong here
Privacy levels affect query folding, not missing credentials.
✗
Change the connection string to use SQL Server authentication
Why it's wrong here
The connection string is valid; the issue is missing credentials, not the authentication type.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume the JSON configuration can include all deployment details, but Power BI intentionally separates credentials from deployment artifacts to enforce security, so the error points to a missing manual configuration step in the service.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Power BI dataset refresh uses a gateway or cloud connection to access on-premises or cloud data sources. The credentials are stored encrypted in the Power BI service and are tied to the data source definition; they are never serialized into JSON deployment files to prevent exposure. In real-world CI/CD pipelines, credentials must be configured post-deployment via the Power BI REST API or manually in the service, as the JSON only handles schedule and parameter settings.
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 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
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.
Demonstrate the capabilities of Power BI — This question tests Demonstrate the capabilities of Power BI — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the data source credentials in the Power BI service under dataset settings — The error indicates that the data source credentials are missing in the Power BI service, not in the JSON configuration. The JSON only defines the refresh schedule and dataset parameters; credentials must be configured separately in the Power BI service under dataset settings because they are sensitive and not stored in deployment artifacts. Option B is correct because you must manually enter or update the credentials in the Power BI service to authenticate against the data source.
What should I do if I get this PL-900 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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Question Discussion
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