Power BI - DAX and Visualisation

Course Overview

Move beyond basic dashboards by mastering DAX and building truly interactive Power BI reports.
Take your Power BI skills to the next level by learning how to write dynamic DAX formulas and create professional, interactive reports. This course builds on foundational Power BI knowledge, focusing on calculations, data analysis, and enhanced visualisation. Learners will gain the skills needed to design reports that are both visually effective and analytically robust. This is essential for analysts and business users who want to move beyond basic dashboards and deliver actionable insights.

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Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:
• Analysts and business users already familiar with Power BI Desktop
• Users with experience in Power Query and Data Modelling – these will not be covered in this course
• Ideally, participants will already have completed our Introduction to Power BI course

Required Knowledge:
Basic to intermediate experience with Power BI Desktop
• Understanding of Power Query and Data Modelling concepts
• Familiarity with creating simple visualisations and reports
• Completion of an introductory Power BI course or equivalent practical experience

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What You Will Learn

DAX Fundamentals
• Understand measures vs calculated columns
• Learn essential DAX syntax and structure
• Create dynamic calculations using:
 – IF (logical functions)
 – TEXT, DATE & TIME functions
 – Time Intelligence (YTD, MTD, PREVIOUSMONTH)
 – RELATED and CALCULATE
 – ITERATOR functions – SUMX, AVERAGEX
• Apply best practices for readable, scalable DAX

Advanced Visualisation Techniques
• Use a broader set of visuals: Table, Matrix, KPI, Gauge, Donut, Area, Maps
• Implement Top N filters and Cards
• Design with Conditional Formatting for impact
• Use Drill Up/Down, Drillthrough, and Edit Interactions
• Build report navigation with Bookmarks and Buttons

Report Publishing & Design
• Apply corporate visualisation standards
• Use layout and design best practices
• Export reports or publish to the Power BI Service (free tier only)

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Exclusions:

This course does not cover:
• Custom visuals from AppSource
• R/Python or AI visuals
• Power BI Service Pro features (e.g., sharing, workspaces)

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Key Learning Outcomes

At the end of this training, you should know how to:
• Write simple to intermediate DAX measures and calculated columns
• Understand and apply key DAX functions including CALCULATE, RELATED, and ITERATOR functions
• Use Time Intelligence functions for dynamic date-based reporting
• Design professional-level reports with enhanced interactivity
• Implement advanced features like Drillthrough, Bookmarks, and Conditional Formatting
• Apply best practices for readable, scalable reports

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Delivery Format

This is a classroom-based course. Each participant will have access to a fully equipped workstation with Microsoft Power BI Desktop installed. The instructor will guide the course using live demonstrations, practical exercises, and real-time feedback.
Training Environment Includes:
• Individual PCs with Microsoft Power BI Desktop
• Course materials and online notes
• Comfortable classroom setting conducive to learning

Participants are not required to bring their own laptop.

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Recommended Progression Pathway

After completing this course, learners should consider:
• Power BI Desktop – Advanced: DAX, Modelling & Performance Optimisation
• Power BI Service: Sharing, Workspaces, and Governance
• Excel Advanced Analytics with Power Query & Power Pivot

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Learner Support

Participants will have indefinite online access to all practice files and notes at https://www.dti.ie. Email support will also be offered on items covered during this course at support@dti.ie.