Advanced Power BI Data Analysis Training Course

Duration 5 days 10 modules · 33 contact hours
Level Advanced Certificate on completion
Who attends Business Intelligence Analysts, Data Analysts and others
Fee from USD 1,100 KSh 95,000 for Kenyan organisations
Where 52 cities + online See dates by city
Next start 16 Nov 2026 Course code SD-BI-151

Before you join: Participants should already be comfortable creating basic Power BI reports, importing data, building simple relationships and writing straightforward measures.

Dates & prices

Two start dates a month in every city, and live online on weekdays or weekends. Fees are per participant; classroom fees include tuition, materials, lunch and refreshments, and the certificate.

Suggest a date or city

Showing the next six months. Later dates, other cities and private deliveries for your team are available on request.

Course overview

Power BI reports can become difficult to trust when source data is poorly shaped, relationships are ambiguous, measures return inconsistent totals, and pages bury the decision under visual clutter. Advanced analysts need more than attractive dashboards: they need semantic models that reconcile to source systems, DAX measures that behave correctly under filters, and reports that guide managers from headline indicators to underlying drivers. These requirements are common in banking risk reporting, public-sector performance management, retail sales analysis, NGO programme monitoring and corporate finance.

This course develops the advanced Power BI skills required to build governed, high-performing analytical solutions. Participants prepare data with Power Query, design star-schema semantic models, write and debug DAX measures, create time-intelligence calculations, and apply dynamic analysis techniques such as field parameters, disconnected tables and calculation groups. The course also covers visual design, accessibility, row-level security, workspaces, deployment pipelines, refresh reliability and performance tuning with DAX Studio and VertiPaq Analyzer.

Teaching combines short technical briefings with instructor-led demonstrations, structured case work, group analysis and individual build activities using realistic reporting scenarios. Participants examine model design choices, diagnose slow reports, test security roles and translate reporting requirements into defined measures and acceptance criteria. They leave with a reusable Power BI solution design pack containing a semantic model blueprint, DAX measure pattern library, performance checklist and workplace application plan. The five-day programme is available in classroom settings in 50+ cities or live online, with approximately 32.5 contact hours from 08:30 to 16:30 each day. Participants receive a certificate of completion.

The course suits experienced Excel, Power BI or business intelligence users who already create reports and now need stronger modelling, calculation, governance and performance capabilities.

What you will be able to do

  • Design star-schema semantic models with appropriate relationships, grain and storage modes
  • Transform and validate source data using Power Query M, parameters and query folding
  • Write maintainable DAX measures using CALCULATE, iterators, variables and filter modifiers
  • Build time-intelligence, ranking, segmentation and dynamic measure calculations
  • Create decision-focused report pages using visual hierarchy, accessibility and guided interactions
  • Implement row-level security, workspace permissions and governed report distribution
  • Diagnose model and DAX performance using Performance Analyzer, DAX Studio and VertiPaq Analyzer
  • Produce a Power BI solution design and release plan with acceptance criteria

Benefits of attending

For you

  • Reusable DAX measure patterns for financial, operational and performance reporting
  • Stronger credibility when explaining figures, filters and model assumptions to stakeholders
  • Practical methods for diagnosing slow refreshes, oversized models and inefficient measures
  • Ability to design governed reports with security, accessibility and clear interaction paths
  • A workplace plan for improving an existing Power BI model or dashboard

For your organisation

  • More consistent metrics through shared semantic models and controlled DAX definitions
  • Faster report response and refresh performance through structured optimisation methods
  • Reduced manual spreadsheet reporting through reusable Power BI data preparation pipelines
  • Better access control through row-level security, workspace roles and app audiences
  • Clearer reporting requirements, acceptance criteria and release controls for BI delivery

Course modules

10 modules over 5 days

Participants can select suitable Power BI storage, connectivity and semantic model approaches for a reporting requirement.

  • Power BI semantic model architecture: sources, storage modes, relationships and reports
  • Import, DirectQuery, Dual and Direct Lake storage mode selection
  • Data source credentials, privacy levels and gateway requirements
  • Query folding implications for SQL, OData and cloud connectors
  • Composite models and shared semantic models for governed reuse
  • Star schema requirements before loading operational and analytical data

Participants can build repeatable Power Query transformation pipelines that produce validated analytical tables.

  • Power Query M transformations for typed, repeatable data preparation pipelines
  • Profile columns to identify nulls, errors, outliers and type conflicts
  • Merge, append and group operations for conformed analytical tables
  • Parameters and reusable functions for controlled source and period changes
  • Reference queries, staging layers and query dependencies for maintainability
  • Incremental refresh policy configuration using RangeStart and RangeEnd parameters

Participants can create dimensional models with predictable filter behaviour and reconciled business logic.

  • Fact, dimension and bridge tables mapped from business processes
  • Define grain before creating relationships, measures or calculated columns
  • One-to-many, many-to-many and inactive relationships controlled with filter direction
  • Role-playing dates and surrogate keys for stable reporting logic
  • Hide technical fields and organise display folders for report authors
  • Validate model behaviour through filter propagation and reconciliation checks

Participants can write maintainable DAX measures by controlling row context, filter context and evaluation logic.

  • DAX measure syntax, variables and formatting for maintainable calculations
  • Row context, filter context and context transition distinguished precisely
  • CALCULATE and filter modifiers applied to controlled measure evaluation
  • Iterators including SUMX and AVERAGEX for row-level aggregations
  • Measures versus calculated columns selected by storage and calculation requirements
  • Debug DAX using variables, card visuals and intermediate measures

Participants can apply advanced DAX patterns for dynamic, comparative and relationship-dependent analysis.

  • Virtual tables created with SUMMARIZECOLUMNS, VALUES and ADDCOLUMNS
  • Ranking, segmentation and contribution calculations using RANKX and DIVIDE
  • Relationship overrides managed through USERELATIONSHIP, CROSSFILTER and TREATAS
  • Dynamic measure selection built with disconnected tables and SWITCH
  • Conditional visual calculations using ISINSCOPE, HASONEVALUE and SELECTEDVALUE functions
  • Calculation groups introduced for reusable time and format logic

Participants can build and validate period-based measures aligned to business and fiscal calendars.

  • Calendar tables marked and extended with fiscal and working-day attributes
  • Year-to-date, prior-year and rolling-period measures using DATESYTD and DATEADD
  • Same-period comparisons adjusted for incomplete months and sparse data
  • Rolling 13-month and 12-week windows defined with DATESINPERIOD
  • Period-to-date calculations aligned to fiscal calendars and reporting cut-offs
  • Validate time measures against controlled finance and operational totals

Participants can design accessible report pages that communicate performance, exceptions and drivers clearly.

  • Visual selection matched to comparison, composition, distribution and relationship questions
  • Report page layouts structured through visual hierarchy and reading patterns
  • Accessible colour, contrast, labels and alt text following WCAG principles
  • Conditional formatting and reference lines expose exceptions and performance thresholds
  • Small multiples, sparklines and decomposition trees support focused investigation
  • Design mobile layouts and tooltips for decision-ready report consumption

Participants can configure guided report interactions and secure distribution for defined user groups.

  • Slicers, drillthrough and report page tooltips configured for guided analysis
  • Bookmarks, buttons and selection panes create controlled report states
  • Field parameters provide user-selected dimensions and measures without duplicated pages
  • Drill-down hierarchies and custom sort orders preserve analytical meaning
  • Row-level security roles tested with USERPRINCIPALNAME and role-viewing procedures
  • Publish apps, audiences and workspace permissions for governed distribution

Participants can diagnose Power BI performance issues and prepare validated content for controlled release.

  • Performance Analyzer isolates slow visuals, queries and rendering bottlenecks
  • DAX Studio server timings identify expensive formula and storage-engine operations
  • VertiPaq Analyzer identifies high-cardinality columns and oversized model structures
  • Reduce model size through cardinality control, aggregations and disabled load
  • Refresh schedules, gateway clusters and failure notifications support reliable availability
  • Deployment pipelines promote validated content across development, test and production

Participants can specify a governed Power BI improvement initiative with requirements, controls and release criteria.

  • Business questions translated into measures, dimensions, refresh and security requirements
  • Requirements traceability matrix links decisions to source fields and owners
  • Data quality checks define completeness, validity, timeliness and reconciliation thresholds
  • Report acceptance criteria specify calculations, interactions, access and performance targets
  • Release checklist covers documentation, endorsement, support ownership and change control
  • Personal application plan prioritises a workplace dashboard or model improvement

Exercises and examples are adapted to each cohort's sectors and roles.

What you take back to work

  1. Star-schema semantic model blueprint
  2. Power Query transformation checklist
  3. Advanced DAX measure pattern library
  4. Power BI performance diagnostic checklist
  5. Report security and publishing checklist
  6. Workplace Power BI improvement plan

Who should attend

  • Business Intelligence Analysts — need stronger modelling, DAX and report performance skills
  • Data Analysts — need to turn operational data into trusted management reporting
  • Power BI Developers — need governed deployment, security and optimisation methods
  • Finance Analysts — need reliable time intelligence, variance analysis and reconciled measures
  • Reporting Managers — need to set standards for reusable analytical products
  • Data and Digital Managers — need to oversee secure, maintainable Power BI delivery

Skills and tools covered

Semantic model designPower Query transformationAdvanced DAX calculationsReport visual designPower BI governancePerformance optimisation

Tools and standards

Power BI Desktop, Power Query, DAX Studio, VertiPaq Analyzer

How the course runs

Training methodology

The programme uses short instructor briefings followed by demonstrations, case analysis, group exercises and individual build activities in Power BI. Participants work with realistic reporting situations involving sales performance, financial variance, service delivery and operational exceptions. Technical sessions focus on model decisions, Power Query transformations, DAX behaviour, visual design and performance diagnosis. Guided simulations cover security testing, publishing and release controls. The final application planning session converts course methods into a defined improvement plan for a participant's own report or semantic model.

Requirements and prerequisites

Participants should already be comfortable creating basic Power BI reports, importing data, building simple relationships and writing straightforward measures. Familiarity with Excel formulas, relational data concepts and business reporting is expected. Some experience of Power Query or DAX is helpful because the course moves quickly into advanced modelling and calculation patterns. Participants should be able to work with tables containing sales, finance, operational or programme data. Programming, SQL development, data science, Azure administration and prior use of DAX Studio are not required.

A typical training day

08:30 – 10:30First session
10:30 – 10:45Refreshment break
10:45 – 12:30Second session
12:30 – 13:30Lunch and networking
13:30 – 15:00Third session
15:00 – 15:15Refreshment break
15:15 – 16:30Workshop and daily review

Live online deliveries follow the same structure in East Africa Time, with shorter screen blocks and longer breaks.

What the fee includes

  • Instruction by a practitioner facilitator
  • Full course workbook and materials
  • Exercise files, templates and case studies
  • Refreshments and lunch on classroom deliveries
  • Certificate of completion
  • Post-course application plan

Frequently asked questions

Participants should already be able to import data, create basic visuals and use simple measures. The course assumes familiarity with tables, relationships and routine business reporting, but it does not require programming or SQL development.

Bring a laptop capable of running the current Power BI Desktop application, plus a charger. Participants may also bring a non-sensitive example of a report, data model or reporting issue for use during application planning.

It is designed for analysts, BI developers, finance professionals, reporting managers and data specialists who already use Power BI. It is not a first-time introduction to dashboard creation or basic data visualisation.

Basic courses focus on importing data, creating visuals and publishing simple reports. This course concentrates on semantic model design, advanced DAX, performance tuning, security, governance and controlled deployment.

Participants can assess an existing dashboard or semantic model using the course checklists and diagnostic methods. The application plan identifies a specific improvement, such as correcting a DAX calculation, reducing model size or formalising row-level security.

Each day runs from 08:30 to 16:30 and provides about 6.5 contact hours, for approximately 32.5 contact hours overall. Time is divided between technical instruction, demonstrations, case work, group activities, individual build work and application planning.

Questions about this course?

Ask about dates, fees, group bookings or running it for your team. Our training team replies by email.

Ask on WhatsApp info@skillsetdevelopment.com

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