PL 300-Exam Update: What to Know About Automatic Page Refresh

In this video, Angelica Choo Quan from Pragmatic Works discusses the automatic page refresh feature in Power BI, a key concept that has been added to the PL-300 certification exam. This feature allows Power BI reports connected to direct query sources to refresh data at configurable intervals, making it essential to understand for data analysts using Power BI.

Understanding Automatic Page Refresh

Automatic page refresh in Power BI enables reports connected to direct query sources to refresh data at set intervals. Angelica demonstrates how to configure this feature in Power BI Desktop and explains the two available options: fixed interval refresh and change detection.

Fixed Interval Refresh

This option allows Power BI users to refresh all visuals in the report based on a constant interval, ranging from 1 second to 30 minutes. The refresh rate should match how frequently the underlying data updates. Setting the refresh interval too low can create unnecessary query loads, especially if the data doesn't update that frequently.

Change Detection

The change detection option refreshes report visuals only when a specified data change is detected, rather than at a fixed interval. Users can configure a specific measure, such as profit or total sales, to trigger the refresh when changes in that measure are detected. Like with fixed intervals, the refresh rate for change detection should be set based on the actual frequency of data updates.

Best Practices for Configuring Automatic Page Refresh

• Ensure the refresh interval aligns with the actual data update frequency to avoid unnecessary processing or errors.
• For change detection, remember that only one measure can be used to trigger refreshes per report page.
• Consult with your Power BI administrator to ensure that the necessary tenant settings are enabled for using automatic page refresh.

Preparing for the PL-300 Exam

As part of the PL-300 Power BI Data Analyst certification exam, candidates are expected to understand and configure automatic page refresh. Angelica recommends reviewing the official Microsoft PL-300 study guide thoroughly to familiarize yourself with all key concepts, including page refresh and other Power BI features.

Conclusion

Automatic page refresh is a powerful feature for keeping Power BI reports up to date in real time. Understanding how to configure this setting is crucial for those preparing for the PL-300 exam. Be sure to review the official documentation and practice using both fixed interval

Don't forget to check out the Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform for more insightful content and training sessions on Power BI and other Microsoft applications. Be sure to subscribe to the Pragmatic Works YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks.