DP-500 Question #97: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

Question

Which of the two scenarios from the list below can be implemented using DirectQuery mode in Power BI? (Choose two) A. When a report needs to be refreshed frequently based on the user interaction B. When a report needs more than one-million rows with Power Pro license C. When you require automatic data/time hierarchy for your data model D. When your data source is not able to keep frequent additional query loads E. When your data source is either Oracle or SQL Server databases

Explanation

This question tests knowledge of when DirectQuery mode is appropriate in Power BI versus Import mode. DirectQuery queries the source live on every interaction rather than loading data into an in-memory model.

Approach. A is correct because DirectQuery sends a query to the data source on every user interaction (filter, slicer, visual click), making it ideal for reports that must reflect near-real-time data without scheduled refreshes. B is correct because DirectQuery never imports data into Power BI's in-memory engine, so it bypasses the dataset size limits (e.g., the 1 GB compressed limit for Pro licenses); all rows stay in the source system and are queried on demand. C is incorrect because automatic date/time hierarchy is only supported in Import mode - DirectQuery disables that feature. D is incorrect because DirectQuery increases query load on the source (every interaction fires a query), so a source that already struggles with load would perform worse, not better. E is partially true (Oracle and SQL Server are supported DirectQuery sources) but being on those platforms is not itself a reason to choose DirectQuery - Import mode also supports them, so this is not a scenario that requires DirectQuery.

Concept tested. Power BI DirectQuery mode - its valid use cases (real-time data needs, large datasets exceeding import limits) and its limitations (no auto date/time hierarchy, increased source query load, not all features supported).

Reference. Microsoft Learn: 'Use DirectQuery in Power BI Desktop' - docs.microsoft.com/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-use-directquery

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