We had the pleasure of sitting down with Kayode Ojo, a recent Microsoft Certified Data Analyst (MCDA), who achieved an impressive 85.5% on his first attempt. Kayode takes us through his journey from tackling the tricky registration process as a Nigerian to preparing strategically and ultimately acing the exam.
In this interview, Kayode walks us through the step-by-step process of registering for the MCDA exam without running into payment issues. He also reveals his top study resources and strategies that helped him succeed, offering practical tips for aspiring data analysts. Whether you’re just starting your data journey or gearing up for the exam, Kayode’s insights will give you a head start.
Interviewer: Let’s start from the beginning. How long had you been working as a Data Analyst before deciding to pursue the MCDA certification?
Kayode: I have been working as a Data Analyst for a little over a year before I decided to pursue the MCDA Certification to boost my credibility in the industry
Interviewer: How does one register for the MCDA exam in Nigeria?
Kayode: Registering for the exam from Nigeria can be tricky because Microsoft does not allow direct payment with Nigerian debit or credit cards. However, you can purchase an exam voucher from Mindhub, which costs $83. Here’s how:
- Visit Mindhub: Search for the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) exam voucher.
- Check for Availability: Ensure that the voucher is valid for Nigeria or a redeemable region.
- Use a Dollar Card: Since Nigerian-issued naira cards won’t work, you can use a virtual dollar card from services like Chipper Cash, Payday, or Grey.
- Receive Your Voucher Code: After payment, Mindhub will send a voucher code via email.
- Schedule on Pearson VUE: Go to Pearson VUE, enter your voucher code, and book your exam. You can choose to take it at a test center or remotely on your PC. I did mine at a test center.
Interviewer: That’s a solid guide! Once registered, can you walk us through how you prepared for the exam?
Kayode: I used a mix of structured courses, practice questions, and hands-on experience with Power BI. Additionally, I had the opportunity to join the MCDA prep classes at Dataleum, and I must say, it was an incredibly valuable experience. Not only did the classes provide a clear, structured learning path, but they also broke down complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons, making the material much more approachable.
Furthermore, the support from instructors and fellow learners kept me motivated and on track, which made a huge difference in my preparation. As a result, I felt more confident and ready for the exam.
Some of the best resources I found helpful include:
- Microsoft Learn (https://learn.microsoft.com/): Microsoft’s official learning path for PL-300.
- CertyIQ (https://certyiq.com/): This platform has excellent practice questions. Some questions require payment for full access.
- MeasureUp (https://www.measureup.com/): A premium source for practice exams.
- YouTube Tutorials: Channels like Alex The Analyst, Leila Gharani, and Guy in a Cube provide detailed Power BI explanations.
Interviewer: Those are excellent resources! Now, we’d like to know what the exam experience was like.
Kayode: The exam lasted 120 minutes and had 40-50 questions in different formats, including:
- Multiple-choice questions
- Case studies
- Drag-and-drop exercises
- Yes/No questions
Time management is crucial. I made sure to read the instructions carefully for each section and tackled the easier questions first before moving on to more challenging ones.
Interviewer: That’s a smart approach! Any proven success tips for people planning to take the MCDA exam?
Kayode: Definitely! Here are my top tips:
- Practice Regularly: Use CertyIQ and MeasureUp to get used to the exam format.
- Gain Hands-on Experience: Build dashboards and reports in Power BI to solidify your knowledge.
- Sort Out Payment Early: Since buying the voucher can be tricky, handle that at least a week before you plan to schedule your exam.
- Stay Calm: Read each question carefully, and don’t rush your answers.
Interviewer: Those are fantastic tips! One last question, does Dataleum offer any support for exam preparation?
Kayode: Yes! The Data Analytics course with Dataleum includes foundational and practical knowledge in Microsoft Power BI, the major tool/software covered in the exam. There is also additional support and tailored training (MCDA prep) to help people who ace the Microsoft certification exam.
Interviewer: Amazing! Thanks for sharing your experience, Kayode. Do you have any last words for our readers?
Kayode: My pleasure! Passing the MCDA exam is achievable with proper preparation and the right resources. If you’re in Nigeria and you plan to take the exam, I hope that when you follow these steps, you will have an easy registration process and get certified in no time.
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