HomePower BI from scratch: prepare, model and communicate data

Power BI course for UK learners: from source data to a report

Build useful reports from source to distribution, understanding each transformation, relationship, measure and visual.

  • Power Query and ETL
  • Star schema and DAX
  • Design, service and RLS
Analyst working with a Power BI business report on a Windows computer

At a glance

A useful Power BI learning order is Power Query, the data model, DAX measures and report design. This pathway is part of KINTAVOR’s full Data Analyst course. You build and check your work in Power BI Desktop; you need your own compatible Windows environment and any required licences.

Professional Data Analyst · £83.24 · 12 calendar months

Online, self-paced written lessons and practical activities. 14 modules, 56 lessons, 120 practice activities and four portfolio projects.

Microsoft licences, Windows and the official PL-300 exam are not included.

Enrol in the full Data Analyst course

Read UK dates correctly before building the dashboard

A value such as 04/05/2026 is ambiguous until you know the source convention. In Power Query, check the data type and regional interpretation during import; changing the display format later does not repair a date that was read incorrectly. Microsoft documents how locale affects conversion.

For a report presented in pounds, label the currency and scale, such as GBP or £ thousands. Test one month and a small group of transactions against the source before relying on the full dashboard. This is a suggested checking routine, not a claim that every supplied dataset contains UK trading data.

  • Confirm the intended day, month and year with a known example
  • Check totals before and after a join or relationship
  • Document the filter context used by each important measure

Power Query before DAX

A stable model starts with profiled sources, correct types and reproducible steps. Learn to replace, split, group, pivot, unpivot, merge and append without hiding errors.

You also distinguish duplicate and reference queries, parameters, and when to convert a table into a fact or dimension.

  • Column profiling
  • Traceable transformations
  • Practical introduction to M

Model data so that filters behave predictably

Granularity defines what a row represents. From there, you choose keys, cardinality, filter direction and a calendar dimension.

A star schema reduces ambiguity and improves performance. Role-playing dimensions and unnecessary calculated columns are also covered.

DAX with context and tests

Measures progress from aggregations to CALCULATE, FILTER, variables, time intelligence, running totals and semi-additive measures. Each result is checked against a small table.

A full DAX engine is not simulated in PHP. The platform validates the expression and reasoning; final execution takes place in Power BI Desktop.

Accessible reports and controlled distribution

Work on visual hierarchy, charts, filters, bookmarks, tooltips, drillthrough, mobile, contrast, keyboard use and performance.

Power BI Service, gateways, apps, permissions and RLS distinguish free features from features that may require a licence or capacity.

A process you can repeat for every challenge

Understanding, implementing and checking are parts of the same task.

  1. 01

    Connect

    Examine types, nulls and distribution.

  2. 02

    Transform

    Record reproducible steps.

  3. 03

    Model

    Control relationships and filters.

  4. 04

    Publish

    Test performance and access.

Frequently asked questions

Specific answers about this learning pathway.

Does Power BI Desktop work on macOS?

There is no complete native version. The main practice activities require the student to have access to compatible Windows.

Do I need Power BI Pro?

Desktop covers much of the local practice. Publishing, collaboration or Copilot may require an account, licence or capacity.

Are PBIX files provided?

Unverified PBIX files are not included. Data, instructions, measures, wireframes and solutions are provided to build them locally.

Does it replace the PL-300 exam?

No. It includes an independent pathway; the official exam is booked and paid for separately.

Is this a separate Power BI purchase?

No. This pathway is included in the complete Professional Data Analyst course at £83.24 for 12 calendar months. Software licences and the official PL-300 exam are separate.

Primary sources and further reading

Source links checked on 15 September 2026. Official software requirements and exam objectives can change; use the linked publisher pages when planning your study.

Build your analysis skills in one connected course

£83.24 once for 12 calendar months of access to the complete Professional Data Analyst course. No automatic renewal.

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MYSERVEAI TECHNOLOGIES SL. is an independent educational platform. It is not affiliated with, authorised, sponsored or endorsed by Microsoft. Microsoft, Power BI and PL-300 are trademarks of their respective owners and are used solely descriptively.

Editorial lead: KINTAVOR editorial team · Educational product management · Content updated: 2026-09-15.