The Microsoft Power Platform comprises a collection of low-code tools and services that empower organizations to create custom applications, automate workflows, analyze data, and construct intelligent chatbots. This encompassing platform consists of Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Virtual Agents.
To validate your knowledge and skills in using the Microsoft Power Platform, Microsoft offers the PL-900 exam, which is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate foundational knowledge of the Power Platform.
In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a cheat sheet for the Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900) exam. We’ll cover the key concepts and topics you need to know to pass the exam and become a certified Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals professional. Whether you’re new to the Power Platform or looking to improve your knowledge and skills, this cheat sheet will help you prepare for the PL-900 exam and advance your career.
Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals Glossary
- Power Platform – A set of Microsoft tools, both low-code and no-code, that allows users to develop customized business solutions without requiring advanced coding skills.
- Power Apps – A low-code app development platform that allows users to build custom applications without the need for traditional coding.
- Power Automate – A workflow automation tool that allows users to automate repetitive tasks and processes across various applications and services.
- Power BI – A business intelligence and data visualization application that permits users to establish connections with diverse data sources, analyze information, and generate interactive visualizations and reports.
- Common Data Service (CDS) – A cloud-based data storage and management service that allows users to securely store and manage data across various applications and services.
- Connector – A pre-built integration that allows Power Platform users to connect to various data sources and services.
- Canvas app – A type of Power App that allows users to design and customize the user interface and user experience of an application.
- Model-driven app – A type of Power App that uses the Common Data Service as a data source and provides a pre-built user interface.
- Flow – A workflow created in Power Automate that automates a specific business process or task.
- Gateway – A tool that allows on-premises data sources to securely connect to Power Platform services.
- Power Virtual Agents – A no-code tool that allows users to create chatbots and conversational AI applications.
- AI Builder – A tool that empowers users to incorporate AI and machine learning functionalities into their Power Apps and Power Automate workflows.
- Power Apps Portals – A tool that allows external users to access and interact with data stored in the Common Data Service.
- Power Apps Component Framework (PCF) – A framework that enables developers to produce personalized components suitable for use in Power Apps and Dynamics 365.
- Environment – A container that holds resources such as apps, flows, and data sources in the Power Platform.
- Solution – A package that contains one or more Power Apps, flows, or other resources that can be moved between environments or shared with others.
- Dataverse – A cloud-based data storage and management service that is the successor to the Common Data Service.
- Power Fx – A low-code formula language used in Power Apps and Power Automate that is based on Excel formulas.
- Power Platform Admin Center – A web-based console that allows Power Platform administrators to manage environments, users, security, and other settings.
- Power Platform Build Tools – A set of command-line tools used to automate the build and deployment of Power Platform solutions.
Preparation resources for the Microsoft (PL-900) exam
Microsoft offers a variety of official preparation resources for the PL-900 exam, which is the Power Platform Fundamentals certification exam. Here are some of the top resources:
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Learn is a free online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses, modules, and learning paths. Microsoft offers a dedicated learning path for the PL-900 exam, which includes modules covering the exam topics such as Power Platform overview, data and analytics, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Virtual Agents. The platform also provides hands-on labs and practical exercises to help learners gain practical experience in using Power Platform. You can access the PL-900 learning path here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/exams/pl-900
- Instructor-led training: Microsoft offers instructor-led training for the PL-900 exam. This training can be delivered in-person, online, or through a self-paced training program. The instructor-led training provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of the exam topics and offers practical exercises to reinforce the learning. You can find the instructor-led training options here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/pl-900
- Exam reference book: Microsoft also offers an official exam reference book for the PL-900 exam. This book covers all the exam objectives and provides learners with in-depth knowledge and practical examples of using Power Platform. You can purchase the book here: https://www.microsoftpressstore.com/store/exam-ref-pl-900-microsoft-power-platform-fundamentals-9780136878594
- Practice exams: Microsoft offers practice exams to help learners assess their readiness for the PL-900 exam. The practice exams simulate the actual exam environment and provide learners with instant feedback on their performance. You can access the practice exams here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/certification-exam-practice.aspx
Expert tips to pass the PL-900 Exam
- Review the exam objectives: Start by reviewing the exam objectives and ensure that you are familiar with all the topics covered. This will help you create a study plan and focus your efforts on the areas that need the most attention.
- Use Microsoft’s official study materials: Microsoft offers official study materials for the PL-900 exam, including an exam guide, training courses, and practice exams. These materials are designed to help you prepare for the exam and provide a solid foundation of knowledge.
- Practice with hands-on experience: The best way to learn and understand the Power Platform is to practice with it. Sign up for a Power Platform trial account and practice building apps, automating workflows, and creating reports.
- Join the Microsoft community: Joining the Microsoft community can provide you with valuable resources and information about the Power Platform. Participate in forums, attend events, and network with other professionals in the industry.
- Take practice exams: Taking practice exams will help you identify areas that need improvement and build your confidence. Microsoft offers official practice exams that mimic the actual exam experience.
- Use study aids: There are many study aids available, including flashcards, study guides, and video tutorials. Use these aids to reinforce your knowledge and help you remember key concepts.
- Manage your time: The PL-900 exam has a time limit of 60 minutes, so it’s important to manage your time effectively. During the exam, read the questions carefully and answer the easier questions first.
- Focus on key areas: While studying, focus on key areas such as Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, and the Common Data Service. These are the main components of the Power Platform and are likely to be heavily tested on the exam.
- Be confident: Finally, approach the exam with confidence. You have prepared and studied hard, so trust in your knowledge and abilities. Relax, take your time, and do your best.
Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900): Skills Enhancement
Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900) exam will help you work on your skills and get advanced in it. This includes:
- Firstly, you will be able to describe the Power Platform component such as Power Apps, Power BI and Microsoft Automate.
- Next, you will gain an understanding of the Power Platform elements, encompassing the Common Data Service, Connectors, and AI Builder.
- Thirdly, getting familiarity with the cross-cloud scenarios across M365, Dynamics 365, Microsoft Azure and 3rd party services.
- Then, you will learn to identify benefits and capabilities of Power Platform including the basic functionality and business value Power Platform components.
- lastly, understand and learning about implementing simple solutions with Microsoft Automate, Power BI, and Power Apps.
It’s important to note that Microsoft offers an exam learning pathway designed to assist in comprehending the concepts in a structured step-by-step manner. In the case of the PL-900 Exam, this learning path covers the business value and product capabilities of the Power Platform. These learning pathways are useful in improving your skills through the utilization of modules that consist of:
- Firstly, Basics of Power Platform
- Secondly, Introduction to Common Data Service and Power Apps
- Thirdly, Process for building an app solution and automated solution
- Fourthly, Introduction to Power Automate and Power BI
- Lastly, Building a simple dashboard
Quick Cheat Sheet for Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900)
Once you’ve gathered all the exam information, it’s essential to get ready by using preparatory materials. Examinations like this one can be quite challenging to pass without the right resources. Therefore, it’s crucial to exercise caution when selecting your materials, as they will significantly impact your exam performance. Mere memorization of theory won’t suffice, as the test evaluates a candidate’s practical job-related abilities. You need to possess a thorough grasp of how these concepts operate in real-world scenarios. Below is a compilation of valuable resources:
1. Understand the exam objectives
This guide primarily aims to offer a brief review of information you already possess. The crucial starting point is to familiarize yourself with the PL-900 exam objectives. Doing so not only eliminates confusion but also paves the way for more focused revisions. Furthermore, the exam objectives are instrumental in reinforcing your understanding of the modules and their corresponding subtopics. For the Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals (PL-900) exam, below we will learn about the important topics. This include:
Topic 1: Describe the business value of Microsoft Power Platform (20-25%)
1.1 Describe the business value of Microsoft Power Platform services
- Describe the value of Power Apps to build applications (Microsoft Documentation: What is Power Apps?, What are model-driven apps in Power Apps?)
- Describe the value of Power Automate to automate processes (Microsoft Documentation: Get started with Power Automate)
- Describe the value of Power BI to gain insights into data (Microsoft Documentation: Apply insights in Power BI, Find Insights in your reports)
- Describe the value of Power Pages to build websites (Microsoft Documentation: What is Power Pages?)
- Describe the value of Power Virtual Agents to create chatbots (Microsoft Documentation: Power Virtual Agents overview, Use variables)
- Describe the value of connectors to integrate services and data (Microsoft Documentation: Custom connectors)
- Describe the value of Microsoft Dataverse to organize business data (Microsoft Documentation: What is Microsoft Dataverse?)
- Describe the value of AI Builder to enhance apps and flows (Microsoft Documentation: Overview of AI Builder)
1.2 Describe the business value of extending business solutions by using the Microsoft Power Platform
- Describe how Microsoft Power Platform apps work together with Microsoft Dynamics 365 apps (Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft Power Platform integration with finance and operations apps)
- Describe how Microsoft Power Platform business solutions work together with Microsoft 365 apps and services
- Describe how Microsoft Power Platform apps work together
- Describe how Microsoft Power Platform works with Microsoft Teams (Microsoft Documentation: Power Apps and Microsoft Teams integration)
- Describe how Microsoft Power Platform business solutions can consume Microsoft Azure services
1.3 Describe Microsoft Power Platform administration and governance
- Describe the Microsoft Power Platform security model (Microsoft Documentation: Security concepts in Microsoft Dataverse, Security in Microsoft Dataverse)
- Describe environments (Microsoft Documentation: Environments overview)
- Describe where to perform specific administrative tasks including Microsoft Power Platform admin center and Microsoft 365 admin center (Microsoft Documentation: Administer Microsoft Power Platform, role of a Power Platform administrator)
- Describe how Microsoft Power Platform supports privacy and accessibility guidelines (Microsoft Documentation: Compliance and data privacy, Security and governance considerations)
Topic 2: Identify Foundational Components of the Microsoft Power Platform (10-15%)
2.1 Describe Microsoft Dataverse
- Describe the differences between traditional databases and Microsoft Dataverse (Microsoft Documentation: Dataverse is not a database, What is Power Apps?)
- Describe tables, columns, and relationships in Microsoft Dataverse (Microsoft Documentation: Table relationships)
- Describe business logic in Microsoft Dataverse (Microsoft Documentation: Apply business logic in Microsoft Dataverse)
- Describe dataflows for Microsoft Dataverse (Microsoft Documentation: What are dataflow?)
2.2 Describe Connectors
- Describe the components of a connector (Microsoft Documentation: Connectors overview)
- Describe standard and premium connectors (Microsoft Documentation: Connector reference overview, List of all Premium tier connectors, List of all Standard tier connectors)
- Identify use cases for custom connectors (Microsoft Documentation: Custom connectors)
Topic 3: Demonstrate the capabilities of Power BI (10-15%)
3.1 Identify basic Power BI components
- Describe Power BI Desktop and Power BI Service (Microsoft Documentation: Power BI service, Compare Power BI Desktop and the Power BI service)
- Compare and contrast dashboards, workspaces, reports, and paginated reports (Microsoft Documentation: What are paginated reports in Power BI?, When to use paginated reports in Power BI, Create and use the paginated report visual)
- Describe how to clean and transform data by using Power Query (Microsoft Documentation: Clean, transform, and load data in Power BI)
- Describe how AI Insights helps identify anomalies and trends in data
3.2 Build a basic dashboard by using Power BI
- Create a Power BI report by adding visualizations (Microsoft Documentation: Add visuals to a Power BI report (part 1), part 2)
- Create a Power BI dashboard (Microsoft Documentation: Create reports and dashboards in Power BI)
- Add visualizations to dashboards by using Q&A (Microsoft Documentation: Use Power BI Q&A to explore your data and create visuals)
- Consume Power BI reports and dashboards (Microsoft Documentation: Introduction to dashboards for Power BI designers)
Topic 4: Demonstrate the capabilities of Power Apps (20-25%)
4.1 Identify basic Power Apps capabilities
- Describe the differences between canvas apps and model-driven apps
- Describe use cases for and capabilities of canvas apps (Microsoft Documentation: Understand canvas-app forms, Canvas component overview)
- Describe use cases for and capabilities of model-driven apps (Microsoft Documentation: What are model-driven apps in Power Apps?)
4.2 Build a basic canvas app
- Connect to data sources by using connectors (Microsoft Documentation: Data sources in Power BI Desktop)
- Create an app from data (Microsoft Documentation: Create a canvas app with data from Microsoft Dataverse)
- Add controls to canvas app screens (Microsoft Documentation: Controls and properties in canvas apps, Add and configure controls in canvas apps)
4.3 Build a basic model-driven app
- Create a model-driven app from tables (Microsoft Documentation: Build your first model-driven app)
- Modify forms
- Create and modify views
Topic 5: Demonstrate the capabilities of Power Automate (15-20%)
5.1 Identify basic Power Automate components
- Describe use cases for cloud and desktop flows (Microsoft Documentation: Overview of the different types of flows, Introduction to desktop flows, Introduction to other types of desktop flows)
- Describe use cases for cloud flow templates
- Describe how Power Automate cloud flows use connector triggers and actions (Microsoft Documentation: Connectors overview, Get started with triggers)
- Describe Power Automate use cases for approvals, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, and Forms (Microsoft Documentation: Create and test an approval workflow with Power Automate, Get started with approvals)
- Describe the Power Automate apps including Power Automate for Desktop, Power Automate mobile, and the Power Automate portal
- Describe actions for Power Automate desktop flows (Microsoft Documentation: Introduction to desktop flows)
- Describe document processing in Power Automate (Microsoft Documentation: Use a document processing model in Power Automate)
5.2 Build a basic power automate flow
- Create a flow by using the instant, automated, or scheduled flow template (Microsoft Documentation: Introducing instant flows, Create a flow in Power Automate, Run flows on a schedule)
- Modify a flow (Microsoft Documentation: Edit desktop UI flows)
- Add flow steps to perform data operations (Microsoft Documentation: Use data operations, Perform data operations in Azure Logic Apps)
- Run a cloud flow (Microsoft Documentation: Watch your flows in action)
- Build a basic desktop flow by recording tasks
Topic 6: Describe complementary Microsoft Power Platform solutions (15–20%)
6.1 Describe the capabilities of Power Virtual Agents
- Describe use cases for Power Virtual Agents (Microsoft Documentation: Power Virtual Agents overview)
- Describe the purpose of topics, entities, and actions (Microsoft Documentation: Use entities and slot filling in Power Virtual Agents bots)
- Create topics from existing FAQs by using Suggest Topics (Microsoft Documentation: Create topics from existing online support content)
6.2 Describe the capabilities of Power Pages
- Describe use cases for Power Pages (Microsoft Documentation: What is Power Pages?, Power Pages capabilities)
- Describe use cases for templates (Microsoft Documentation: Use Word templates to create standardized documents)
- Describe how to share data externally
Describe the capabilities of AI Builder
- Describe use cases for AI Builder, including Sentiment Analysis and receipt processing
- Describe the lifecycle to create an AI Builder model (Microsoft Documentation: Administer AI Builder)
Start preparing using the Microsoft PL-900 Study Guide!
2. Microsoft Learning Platform
A valuable resource for your exam preparation is the Microsoft learning platform. However, it’s essential to start by visiting the official Microsoft website for the PL-900 Exam to obtain trustworthy information. You can easily find the Microsoft PL-900 exam course page, where you can access all the essential details about the PL-900 exam. On this page, you can explore the documentation library or Microsoft Docs, which provides insights into the business value and product capabilities of the Power Platform.
3. Instructor-led Training
Microsoft offers instructor-led training that delves into fundamental concepts essential for the PL-900 exam. This Microsoft PL-900 training course is specifically structured to assist you in your preparation for the PL-900 exam. It empowers you to enhance productivity by automating business processes, extracting business insights through data analysis, and improving efficiency by creating user-friendly app experiences. In this short course, you will learn about various capabilities of Power Platform including creating and building a Power BI Dashboard with automating a process with Microsoft Flow.
4. Using Reference Books
Books are the best-valued resources that come to mind for having better preparation. However, you can refer to any book according to your level of understanding and other requirements. The Microsoft PL-900 book includes:
- Exam Ref PL-900 Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals by Craig Zacker
5. Assess yourself with Practice Tests
Practice tests play a pivotal role in enhancing your exam readiness, as they allow you to evaluate both your strengths and weaknesses. Initiate the practice of taking PL-900 exam tests to not only improve your answering abilities but also to hone your time management skills. It’s advisable to commence Microsoft PL-900 practice tests after completing an entire topic, as this serves as a valuable review. Lastly, ensure diligent study to excel in the exam.
