Power BI certifications

Top 5 Power BI certifications and courses to take in 2023

ByDailyTech

Are you eager to elevate your Power BI expertise and elevate your data analysis proficiency? Look no further! We’ve meticulously curated a selection of the top 5 Microsoft Power BI certification courses you should absolutely consider for 2023.

Power BI is one of the highest-paying digital skills you can learn, a remarkable tool that empowers you to dissect and visualize data within minutes, unlocking actionable insights and elevating decision-making processes for your business.

These courses cater to a diverse range of skill levels, offering a wealth of insights and hands-on experience. From fundamental principles to advanced methodologies, these courses encompass a broad spectrum of subjects, ensuring an inclusive array of options.

By enrolling in any of these courses, you’ll delve into the intricacies of Power BI’s capabilities, acquire the art of crafting visually captivating and informative dashboards, and master the art of transforming raw data into meaningful, actionable insights.

What is Microsoft Power BI?

Microsoft Power BI stands as the foremost business intelligence platform, boasting a staggering user base that has surged past 115 million users and continues to expand. It has emerged as the preferred data solution for enterprises across the globe. In the year 2020 alone, the Power BI market commanded a formidable presence, accounting for over $20 billion, with projections indicating a doubling of this figure by 2026. The appetite for Power BI is substantial and on an upward trajectory.

Now, what’s the enigma behind Microsoft Power BI’s remarkable triumph? It hinges on a trifecta of strengths: robust security measures, seamless integration of diverse technologies within a single convenient hub, and user-friendly implementation. These attributes combine to render it an unequivocal choice for numerous enterprises.

At its core, Microsoft Power BI constitutes an assemblage of software services, applications, and connectors, working in tandem to transform disparate data sources into cohesive, visually captivating, and interactive insights. It effortlessly connects to a diverse array of data sources, empowering users to construct compelling data visualizations with unparalleled potency.

Why Should You Learn Microsoft Power BI?

There are compelling reasons to pursue Power BI certification, even if you’re not currently in the midst of a job search.

For starters, it presents an exceptional opportunity to delve deeper into the realm of Power BI. The process of preparing for and undertaking the certification exam compels you to truly grasp the intricacies of Power BI, subsequently enhancing your efficiency and efficacy in your role.

Furthermore, possessing a Power BI certification on your curriculum vitae enhances your desirability to potential employers. It substantiates your possession of the sought-after skills they seek and underscores your commitment to advancing your professional journey. Even if job-hunting isn’t a present pursuit, the future is unpredictable, and you might consider exploring new opportunities later on.

Lastly, obtaining certification could translate into a salary enhancement. Typically, certified Power BI professionals earn more than their non-certified counterparts. It’s worthwhile to discuss with your employer whether they’d be willing to cover the cost of your certification exam.

Whether you’re striving to refine your Power BI expertise, heighten your appeal to prospective employers, or secure a more substantial remuneration, certification offers a valuable avenue. Fortunately, there exists a plethora of certification options at your disposal.

Best Microsoft Power BI Certifications in 2023

  1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Enterprise Data Analyst Associate
    • Certification Exam: DP-500
    • Focus Area: Azure
    • Role: Data Analyst
    • Skill Level: Intermediate
  2. Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
    • Certification Exam: PL-300
    • Focus Area: Microsoft Power Platform
    • Role: Data Analyst
    • Skill Level: Intermediate
  3. Microsoft Certified: Power Platform App Maker Associate
    • Certification Exam: PL-100
    • Focus Area: Dynamics 365
    • Role: Business Analyst
    • Skill Level: Intermediate
  4. Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate
    • Certification Exam: PL-200
    • Focus Area: Microsoft Power Platform
    • Role: Business Analyst
    • Skill Level: Intermediate
  5. Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Solution Architect Expert
    • Certification Exam: PL-600
    • Focus Area: Dynamics 365
    • Role: Developer
    • Skill Level: Advanced

These certifications are tailored to various roles and proficiency levels within the data analysis, business analysis, and solution architecture fields, with a specific emphasis on utilizing the Microsoft Power Platform and related technologies.

5 Best Power BI Courses for 2023

Navigating the Microsoft Power BI courses can be overwhelming. Here, we present a curated selection of 5 top-tier choices that stand out from the rest:

1. edX’s Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Power BI

Ideal for newcomers, students, researchers, marketing analysts, data analysts, and financial professionals, this course is tailored for beginners and comes at no cost. Over a span of four weeks, participants can proceed at their own pace through a comprehensive curriculum focused on data analysis and visualization within the Power BI framework.

The course covers:

  1. Identifying and Handling Data Sets: Participants will become skilled at recognizing different types of data sets and how to manage them effectively.
  2. Importing and Preparing Power BI Data: The course equips students with the ability to import data into Power BI and skillfully prepare it for analysis.
  3. Creating and Sharing Power BI Reports: Participants will gain the expertise to craft impactful Power BI reports, complete with visualizations, and the know-how to seamlessly share these insightful dashboards.

2. Simplilearn’s Power BI Certification Course

Perfectly suited for business professionals, data analysts, and individuals immersed in data-centric roles, this Power BI Certification Course is designed for those with an intermediate level of experience. It’s tailored to elevate your prowess in creating impactful Power BI reports, analyzing data, and delving into practical real-world scenarios. The course offers flexibility with two options: self-paced or an engaging online boot camp experience.

Key Details:

  • Experience Level: Intermediate
  • Cost: $799 (Self-Paced), $999 (Online Bootcamp)
  • Duration: Six hours of comprehensive learning
  • Certificate: A professionally recognized course certificate upon completion

Course Highlights:

  1. Desktop Software Mastery: Participants will delve into the intricacies of Power BI’s desktop software, unraveling its capabilities and functionalities.
  2. Data Aggregation Proficiency: The course hones your skills in aggregating and manipulating data, a vital aspect of data analysis and reporting.
  3. Constructing Reports and Dashboards: Gain expertise in building visually captivating reports and dashboards that effectively convey insights.

3. Datacamp’s Introduction to Power BI

Ideal for newcomers eager to embark on their Power BI journey, this course is tailored to beginners with minimal experience. Best of all, it comes at no cost.

With approximately six hours of coursework at your disposal, this learning opportunity packs in 19 informative videos and 56 interactive exercises. Emphasizing practical application, the curriculum dives into real-world scenarios, ensuring a hands-on learning experience that resonates.

By completing this course, participants will gain the following insights:

  1. Initiating Your Power BI Exploration: Lay the foundation for your Power BI journey, grasping the essentials of how to kick-start your engagement with the platform.
  2. Crafting Visual Representations of Data: Dive into the art of data visualization through reports, mastering the art of translating raw data into visually captivating insights.
  3. Harnessing the Power of DAX Queries: Delve into the intricacies of Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) queries, a pivotal aspect of Power BI’s analytical prowess.

4. Udemy’s Microsoft Power BI – A Complete Introduction

Ideal for individuals eager to embark on their Power BI journey from square one, this course is tailored to beginner analysts seeking to harness the potential of Microsoft Power BI. With an affordable price tag of $19.99, it offers an accessible entry point into the world of data analysis and visualization.

Throughout the course, participants will gain comprehensive insights into the effective utilization of Microsoft Power BI for business analysis. The curriculum spans the entire spectrum, guiding students through the processes of data aggregation, collection, and reporting. Moreover, it delves into the array of tools available within the Power BI platform, empowering learners with a holistic understanding of its capabilities.

5. Microsoft’s Learn Power BI

Tailored to cater to individuals spanning the spectrum from beginners to intermediates and even experts, this resource-rich Power BI learning center offered by Microsoft serves as an ideal platform for delving deep into the intricacies of Power BI. The best part? It’s absolutely free of cost, making high-quality learning accessible to all.

Whether you’re just starting out, have some intermediate skills, or even consider yourself an expert, this learning center has something to offer. It accommodates individuals with varying experience levels, rendering it an inclusive hub for Power BI enthusiasts at every stage of their journey.

Microsoft’s Power BI learning center serves as a comprehensive hub for acquiring in-depth insights into harnessing the potential of Power BI. It’s important to note that while it doesn’t culminate in a specific certification, it excels in providing robust preparatory content. With a host of training collections focusing on the Power BI platform, learners are in for a rich and educational experience.

Is Power BI the same as Excel?

Power BI and Excel share numerous similarities when it comes to their features and the way data is displayed or linked to external data sources. While Excel boasts user-friendliness, Power BI holds a distinct advantage, particularly in terms of enhanced visualization.

Excel serves as a platform for data organization, transformation, and mathematical computations. Conversely, Power BI was initially developed as a business intelligence and data visualization solution tailored for enterprises. Excel does have constraints regarding the volume of data it can effectively handle.

Is Power BI difficult to learn?

Can picking up Power BI be a bit challenging? While Power BI is generally regarded as user-friendly, there are complexities tied to becoming proficient with the tool. Among these, mastering Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) stands out as a notable hurdle. DAX, an acronym for Data Analysis Expressions, emerged from Microsoft’s 2009 release, evolving from the MDX language primarily used for data cubes.

How long does it take to learn Power BI?

How much time does it take to become proficient in Power BI? The learning curve for Power BI varies based on your prior familiarity with data manipulation and business intelligence principles, as well as your skill level with spreadsheet applications. In general, experts suggest that grasping the fundamentals of this software could take as little as four weeks.

Can I learn Power BI by myself?

Is it feasible to self-learn Power BI? Dedicate time to exploring Power BI Desktop. Familiarize yourself with the user interface, gain a sense of navigation, and acquaint yourself with the diverse functionalities. Delve into basic Data Modeling and DAX Formulas: Establish a solid understanding of Data Modeling, which forms the bedrock of Power BI. Master the techniques of importing and transforming data from a variety of sources.