This post is a part of the PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Exam Prep Hub; and this topic falls under these sections:
Manage and secure Power BI (15–20%)
   --> Create and manage workspaces and assets
      --> Identify when a gateway is required

Below are 10 practice questions (with answers and explanations) for this topic of the exam.
There are also 2 practice tests for the PL-300 exam with 60 questions each (with answers) available on the hub.

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Practice Questions

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Question 1

You publish a Power BI report that imports data from an on-premises SQL Server and want to schedule daily refreshes in the Power BI service. What is required?

A. No additional configuration
B. A Power BI app
C. An on-premises data gateway
D. A premium capacity workspace

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Scheduled refresh from an on-premises data source requires a gateway to securely connect Power BI service to the local SQL Server.

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Question 2

A dataset uses Azure SQL Database in Import mode with scheduled refresh enabled. Is a gateway required?

A. Yes, because scheduled refresh is enabled
B. Yes, because Import mode is used
C. No, because the data source is cloud-based
D. No, because the dataset is small

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Azure SQL Database is a cloud data source that Power BI can access directly, so no gateway is needed.

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Question 3

You create a Power BI report using DirectQuery to an on-premises SQL Server. When users view the report in the Power BI service, what is required?

A. A gateway
B. A scheduled refresh
C. Import mode
D. Power BI Premium

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:
DirectQuery sends queries at report view time. A gateway is required for on-premises sources.

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Question 4

Which scenario does NOT require a Power BI gateway?

A. Importing data from SharePoint Online
B. DirectQuery to an on-premises database
C. Refreshing an on-premises dataflow
D. Live connection to on-premises SSAS

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:
SharePoint Online is a cloud-based service and does not require a gateway.

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Question 5

A report combines data from Azure Data Lake Storage and an on-premises file share. What is true?

A. No gateway is required because one source is cloud-based
B. A gateway is required for the on-premises source
C. A gateway is required for both sources
D. Gateways are not supported for mixed data sources

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Any on-premises data source used in the Power BI service requires a gateway, even in hybrid datasets.

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Question 6

While working in Power BI Desktop, you connect to an on-premises SQL Server and refresh data locally. Is a gateway required?

A. Yes, always
B. Yes, if Import mode is used
C. No, gateways are only needed in the Power BI service
D. No, if DirectQuery is used

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Power BI Desktop connects directly to local data sources. Gateways are only required after publishing to the Power BI service.

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Question 7

You want to refresh a Power BI dataflow that connects to an on-premises Oracle database. What is required?

A. Power BI Premium
B. A gateway
C. A paginated report
D. An app workspace

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Dataflows that use on-premises data sources require a gateway to refresh in the Power BI service.

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Question 8

Which connection type always requires a gateway when the data source is on-premises?

A. Import with manual refresh
B. Import with scheduled refresh
C. DirectQuery
D. Both B and C

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
Scheduled refresh and DirectQuery both require a gateway for on-premises data sources.

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Question 9

A report uses a Live connection to an on-premises Analysis Services model. What is required?

A. A dataset refresh schedule
B. A gateway
C. Import mode
D. A certified dataset

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Live connections to on-premises Analysis Services require a gateway for real-time queries.

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Question 10

Which factor is the most important when deciding if a gateway is required?

A. Dataset size
B. Data refresh frequency
C. Location of the data source
D. Number of report users

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Gateway requirements are based on whether the data source is accessible from the cloud or located on-premises.

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Exam Tips

• On-premises + Power BI service = Gateway
• Cloud sources do not require gateways
• DirectQuery and Live connections still require gateways
• Desktop-only work never requires a gateway

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