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.