This module introduces you to the Power BI environment and walks you through the essential connection types for working with various data sources. Through both theoretical explanation and hands-on exercises, you'll learn how to connect to local and cloud-based datasets using the most commonly used methods.

What You’ll Learn – Theory

• Power BI Interface Overview
  Navigate the workspace with confidence. Understand key panels, menus, and workflow tools.
• Connection Types Explained
  • Import Mode: Learn how to load and store data within your Power BI file for optimal performance.
  • DirectQuery Mode: Understand real-time queries to source systems and when to use this method.
  • Live Connection: Explore seamless connections to Analysis Services and pre-built data models.
• Exploring Connectors
  Get an overview of the extensive connector library Power BI offers for local, cloud, and web data sources.

Hands-On – Practical Exercises

• Local Connections:
  Practice importing datasets from common file types such as Excel and CSV.
• Cloud Connections:
  Learn how to securely connect to cloud services including:
  • Google Analytics
  By the end of this module, you'll understand the impact of each connection type on performance and data refresh schedules—and you’ll be ready to start building your first reports.

Learn to clean, shape, and structure your data using Power Query, then build a solid data model with clear relationships to power your reports. This module gives you the essential skills to prepare data for meaningful analysis.

What You’ll Learn – Theory

• How to use Power Query for cleaning and transforming raw data
• Concepts of calculated columns and data types
• Fundamentals of data modeling in Power BI
• Understanding relationship types: one-to-many, many-to-many, active/inactive, one-way/two-way
• Best practices for building reliable data models

Hands-On – Practical Exercises

• Transform data using real-world examples: replace values, change types, fill missing data
• Use Power Query to shape tables and create calculated columns
• Build a data model and configure relationships manually
• Work with different types of relationships and test their behavior in reports

Unlock the power of DAX—Power BI’s formula language—for custom metrics, filters, and time-based analysis. Learn to write calculations that respond dynamically to user interactions and slicers.

What You’ll Learn – Theory

• What DAX is and why it’s essential for analytics
• Introduction to calculation contexts: row, filter, and query
• How the CALCULATE function modifies context for advanced logic

Hands-On – Practical Exercises

• Create an automatic date reference table using CALENDAR and CALENDARAUTO
• Use DAX to solve real reporting tasks with date and filtering functions
• Apply CALCULATE to reshape filters and enable context-sensitive metrics

Visualization

Learn how to present data clearly and interactively using Power BI’s powerful visual tools. Discover the best practices for building insightful dashboards using built-in and custom visuals.

What You’ll Learn – Theory

• Core principles of effective visual design
• Overview of standard and marketplace visuals
• Choosing the right chart types: tables, cards, KPIs, slicers, and filters

Hands-On – Practical Exercises

• Build visuals using built-in and custom visuals
• Apply dynamic formatting and create custom tooltips
• Design interactive navigation with bookmarks

Forecasting

Explore how to use forecasting tools in Power BI to predict trends and model future scenarios. Learn to enhance decision-making with data-driven projections and interactive simulations.

What You’ll Learn – Theory

• Types of forecasting available in Power BI Desktop
• When and how to apply each forecasting method

Hands-On – Practical Exercises

• Build forecasts using What-If parameters
• Generate insights with the Q&A visual
• Create interactive forecast visuals in reports

Put your skills to the test by building a complete Power BI dashboard from scratch. Receive personalized feedback and get clear guidance on next steps in your analytics journey.

What You’ll Learn – Theory

• Review of key concepts across data connection, transformation, modeling, DAX, and visualization
• Understanding analyst competencies and areas for growth

Hands-On – Practical Exercises

• Create a full interactive dashboard using real-world data
• One-on-one review and feedback with an instructor
• Complete an analyst skill checklist and get personalized next-step recommendations

Wrap up the course by presenting your team dashboard project and celebrating your achievement. Gain presentation experience and leave with a certificate of completion.

• Present your group dashboard project to peers and instructors
• Participate in a collaborative review session
• Attend the certificate ceremony and celebrate your success