Conquering DAX 2019 [FastTrack] is a comprehensive, instructor-led program designed for professionals who want to master the Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) language used in Microsoft Power BI, Power Pivot for Excel, and SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) Tabular models. This course focuses on building deep, practical understanding of DAX so learners can confidently handle complex analytical scenarios.
DAX is the foundation of advanced analytics in Power BI. While many users can create basic measures, challenges often arise when dealing with evaluation contexts, filters, time intelligence, hierarchies, and many-to-many relationships. This course addresses those challenges by explaining not just how DAX works, but why it behaves the way it does.
Over three intensive days, participants move from fundamental DAX concepts to advanced modeling and calculation techniques. The course combines structured explanations with extensive lab exercises, ensuring learners can immediately apply concepts to real-world reporting and analytical problems.
What learners will gain from this course:
A complete understanding of DAX syntax, functions, and behavior
The ability to write accurate measures and calculated columns
Confidence in handling evaluation contexts and filter logic
Skills to implement time intelligence calculations correctly
Techniques to manage complex data models, including hierarchies and many-to-many relationships
Practical experience solving real analytical scenarios using DAX
Key learning areas include:
DAX Fundamentals
Data types, calculated columns, measures, variables, and error handling
Core aggregation, mathematical, and relational functions
Table Functions and Filtering
Filtering tables, ignoring filters, mixing filters, and using table variables
Understanding DISTINCT, ALLSELECTED, RELATEDTABLE, and relationship behavior
Evaluation Contexts
Filter context versus row context
Common context-related errors and how to avoid them
How relationships affect calculations
CALCULATE and Iterators
Using CALCULATE to modify filter context
Applying iterators such as MINX, MAXX, and RANKX
Understanding scope and context transitions
Time Intelligence
Running totals, year-over-year comparisons, and moving averages
Semi-additive measures and period-based calculations
Advanced Modeling Scenarios
Hierarchies and parent-child relationships
Static and dynamic segmentation
Handling many-to-many relationships effectively
The course is reinforced through multiple hands-on lab exercises that mirror real business problems, such as ranking customers, calculating performance trends, segmenting data, and correcting model inaccuracies.
This course is suitable for Power BI users, Excel Power Pivot users, and BI developers who already understand basic data modeling and want to significantly improve their analytical capabilities. By the end of the programme, learners will be able to design reliable, scalable, and high-performance DAX calculations that support advanced business intelligence solutions.
Training Course Modules
Module 1: Introduction to DAX
What is DAX?
DAX data types
Calculated columns
Measures
Aggregation functions
Counting values
Conditional functions
Handling errors
Using variables
Mathematical functions
Relational functions
Module 2: Table Functions
Introduction to table functions
Filtering a table
Ignoring filters
Mixing filters
DISTINCT Function
How many values for a column?
ALLSELECTED function
RELATEDTABLE function
Tables and relationships
Tables with one row and one column
Table variables
Module 3: Evaluation Contexts
Introduction to evaluation contexts
Filter context
Row context
Context errors
Filtering a table
Using RELATED in a row context
Ranking by price
Evaluation contexts and relationships
Filters and relationships
Module 4: CALCULATE Function
Introduction to CALCULATE function
CALCULATE function examples
CALCULATE function recap
What is a filter context?
KEEPFILTERS function
CALCULATE operators
Use one column only in a compact syntax
Variables and evaluation contexts
Module 5: Iterators
Working with iterators
MINX and MAXX functions
Useful iterators
RANKX function
ISINSCOPE function
Module 6: Time Intelligence in DAX
What is time intelligence?
Time intelligence functions
DATEADD function
DATESINPERIOD function
Running total
Mixing time intelligence functions
Semi-additive measures
Calculation over weeks
Module 7: Hierarchies in DAX
What are hierarchies?
FILTER and CROSSFILTER function
Percentages over hierarchies
Parent-child hierarchies
Module 8: ALLSELECTED and Shadow Filter Contexts
ALLSELECTED function revisited
Shadow filter contexts
Module 9: Segmentation
Static segmentation
Circular dependency in calculated tables
Dynamic segmentation
Module 10: Many-to-many Relationships
How to handle many-to-many relationships
Bidirectional filtering
Expanded table filtering
Comparison of the different techniques
Stop copy-pasting DAX and start understanding it — for real.
Learn the structure, logic, and flow behind every formula that powers your Power BI model.
Master the building blocks of time intelligence, evaluation context, and CALCULATE like a pro.
Course Overview
DAX is powerful — but it’s not easy to master. Whether you’re a Power BI user, Power Pivot fan, or working with SSAS Tabular models, your success depends on your ability to use DAX confidently.
This 3-day instructor-led course offers a comprehensive, fast-paced learning experience focused entirely on the DAX standard. You’ll go from understanding the core building blocks of calculated columns and measures to working with evaluation contexts, filters, time intelligence, segmentation, and many-to-many relationships.
With practical labs and guided walkthroughs, you’ll write your own DAX from scratch and tackle common real-world challenges in data modeling and business logic design.
Learning Objectives
Mastering calculated columns, measures, and variables
Writing and debugging table functions (FILTER, ALL, DISTINCT, etc.)
Understanding row and filter contexts
Using CALCULATE and KEEPFILTERS effectively
Leveraging iterators: RANKX, MINX, MAXX
Applying DAX for time intelligence (YTD, YOY, MTD, running totals)
Creating hierarchical calculations and parent-child relationships
Implementing static and dynamic segmentation
Managing many-to-many relationships with bidirectional filters
Writing clean, modular code using variables and advanced expressions
Who Should Attend
Power BI developers and Power Pivot users ready to master DAX
Analysts who use calculated columns and measures but want clarity and control
Anyone building or maintaining tabular models in SSAS or Power BI
Professionals writing their own business logic for complex dashboards
Prerequisites
Experience with Power BI Desktop, Power Pivot, or SSAS Tabular
Familiarity with relationships and basic DAX formulas (SUM, COUNT, etc.)
Course Modules
Module 1: Introduction to DAX
Learn core functions, data types, error handling, and calculated column basics.
Module 2: Table Functions
Filter tables, apply DISTINCT, use table variables, and explore relationships.
Module 3: Evaluation Contexts
Master filter vs. row context, context transition, and relationship-driven logic.
Module 4: CALCULATE Function
Learn how CALCULATE reshapes context — with KEEPFILTERS, operators, and examples.
Module 5: Iterators
Understand and use MINX, MAXX, RANKX, ISINSCOPE, and nested iteration.
Module 6: Time Intelligence in DAX
Use DATEADD, DATESINPERIOD, semi-additive measures, and time-based KPIs.
Module 7: Hierarchies in DAX
Work with nested filters, crossfilter, and parent-child hierarchies.
Module 8: ALLSELECTED and Shadow Filter Contexts
Distinguish between ALL, ALLEXCEPT, ALLSELECTED and learn hidden context traps.
Module 9: Segmentation
Build static and dynamic segmentations using parameter tables and logic flows.
Module 10: Many-to-Many Relationships
Learn filtering techniques, bidirectional logic, expanded tables, and performance tuning.
Professional Outcomes
Completing this course supports advancement into roles such as Power BI Technical Consultant, Data Modeling Specialist, or DAX Optimization Expert — ideal for enterprise BI environments.
Certification Details
No specific exam for this course
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course suitable for DAX beginners?
It’s designed for intermediate users. Beginners should first take a foundational Power BI course.
Will I write DAX formulas during the course?
Yes. Each module includes hands-on labs, including scenario-based challenges.
Does this course teach Power BI visuals or storytelling?
No. It’s focused entirely on data modeling and DAX logic — not dashboard design.
Is this the latest DAX version?
Yes. It is fully aligned to DAX.
Does this course cover relationship logic and shadow context?
Yes. It includes evaluation context theory, ALLSELECTED behavior, and advanced filtering.
Is this course HRDC claimable?
Yes. Fully HRDC claimable for eligible Malaysian employers.
Can I run this as an internal workshop for my BI team?
Yes. GemRain offers private, corporate sessions both online and on-site.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. All attendees receive a GemRain certificate upon completion.