This post is a part of the PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Exam Prep Hub; and this topic falls under these sections:
Prepare the data (25–30%)
   --> Get or connect to data
      --> Choose between DirectQuery and Import

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

Question 1

A Power BI report must deliver the fastest possible visual response. The dataset is moderate in size and refreshed once per day. Which connectivity mode should you choose?

A. DirectQuery
B. Live connection
C. Import
D. Composite model

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Import mode stores data in memory, providing the fastest performance and full modeling capabilities.

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Question 2

A report must show up-to-the-minute transaction data from a large operational database. Data must remain in the source system. What is the best option?

A. Import
B. DirectQuery
C. Live connection
D. Power BI dataflow

✅ Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
DirectQuery retrieves data directly from the source in real time and avoids importing large datasets.

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Question 3

Which limitation is most commonly associated with DirectQuery?

A. No scheduled refresh support
B. Reduced modeling and DAX capabilities
C. Inability to use row-level security
D. Inability to connect to SQL Server

✅ Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
DirectQuery limits certain modeling features, including calculated tables and some DAX expressions.

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Question 4

A dataset contains a small product lookup table and a very large fact table that updates continuously. What is the most appropriate solution?

A. Import both tables
B. Use DirectQuery for both tables
C. Use a composite model
D. Use a live connection

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Composite models allow importing small static tables while using DirectQuery for large, frequently updated tables.

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Question 5

Which factor has the greatest impact on report performance when using DirectQuery?

A. Number of visuals on the page
B. Power BI Desktop version
C. Performance of the source system
D. Dataset refresh frequency

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
DirectQuery sends queries to the source system, so performance depends heavily on the source’s ability to handle queries.

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Question 6

When is Import mode generally not recommended?

A. When modeling flexibility is required
B. When dataset size exceeds practical memory limits
C. When reports need fast interactivity
D. When refresh can occur on a schedule

✅ Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Very large datasets may exceed memory constraints, making Import impractical.

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Question 7

Which statement about data freshness is true?

A. Import mode always shows real-time data
B. DirectQuery requires scheduled refresh
C. Import mode relies on dataset refresh
D. DirectQuery stores data in memory

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Import mode displays data as of the last refresh, while DirectQuery retrieves data at query time.

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Question 8

A Power BI report must support complex DAX measures and calculated tables. Data updates hourly and does not need real-time accuracy. What should you choose?

A. DirectQuery
B. Import
C. Live connection
D. Streaming dataset

✅ Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Import mode supports full DAX and modeling flexibility and is appropriate when real-time data is not required.

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Question 9

Which scenario is the best candidate for DirectQuery?

A. Monthly financial reporting
B. Historical trend analysis
C. Real-time inventory monitoring
D. Static reference data

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Real-time or near-real-time monitoring scenarios are ideal for DirectQuery.

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Question 10

Why might a Power BI Data Analyst avoid DirectQuery unless necessary?

A. It cannot connect to cloud data sources
B. It disables report sharing
C. It can negatively impact performance and modeling flexibility
D. It does not support security

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
DirectQuery introduces performance dependencies on the source system and limits modeling features, making Import preferable when possible.

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Exam Readiness Check ✅

You’re well prepared for this PL-300 objective if you can:

• Identify real-time vs scheduled refresh needs
• Balance performance vs flexibility
• Recognize large-scale data scenarios
• Explain why DirectQuery is chosen—not just when

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