Introduction:
Power BI is Microsoft’s business intelligence tool that helps turn raw data into powerful insights through stunning visualizations and interactive dashboards. It seamlessly integrates with Excel, SQL, Azure, and other Microsoft services, making it ideal for organizations already using the Microsoft ecosystem. With a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface and support for advanced DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) formulas, Power BI is perfect for everyone from beginners to data analysts looking to make informed decisions backed by data.
Key Use Cases:
Publisher:
Microsoft
Access & Licensing:
Power BI offers a free desktop version (Power BI Desktop) on the Microsoft store, which can be downloaded here. Power BI Pro and Power BI Premium are paid licenses that are more appropriate for enterprise-level needs. Power BI is included in the Microsoft Fabric suite of data services. It is not currently licensed by Sacramento State for campus-wide use.
Description:
Developed by Microsoft, this self-paced learning path offers structured modules covering all core Power BI features. It is ideal for beginners and professionals preparing for the PL-300 certification exam.
Key Aspects Covered:
Cost: Free
Certificate: Yes, earn a free badge/certificate upon module or learning path completion
Description:
A well-structured, video-based course led by experienced instructors. It teaches the end-to-end workflow in Power BI and is great for business students and early-career professionals.
Key Aspects Covered:
Certificate: Yes – Certificate of completion available
Cost: Free with trial or university login
Description:
One of Udemy’s best-selling Power BI courses. This project-based course walks through real business cases and provides downloadable datasets and templates.
Key Aspects Covered:
Certificate: Yes – Certificate of completion provided
Cost: Paid (Often discounted to $10–$15)
Description:
Run by Microsoft employees and Power BI experts, Guy in a Cube is a trusted YouTube channel offering weekly content ranging from beginner tutorials to advanced data modeling techniques.
Key Aspects Covered:
Certificate: No – No formal certification provided
Cost: Free
Description:
This interactive browser-based course is perfect for hands-on learners. It combines theory with short exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning without any software installation required.
Key Aspects Covered:
Certificate: Yes – Certificate after course completion
Cost: Paid (Free trial available)
Description:
A full-length Power BI course available on YouTube, designed for beginners. Once completed, learners can claim a certificate through the Great Learning Academy platform.
Key Aspects Covered:
Certificate: Yes – Certificate available via Great Learning Academy
Cost: Free
