MS SQL Server Administration Practice Exam
MS SQL Server Administration Practice Exam
About MS SQL Server Administration Practice Exam
The MS SQL Server Administration Exam is designed for database administrators (DBAs) who manage, configure, secure, and optimize SQL Server environments. This exam assesses expertise in database design, security, backup and recovery, performance tuning, high availability, and automation. Candidates will be tested on their ability to implement best practices for database management, troubleshoot performance issues, and ensure data integrity and security. The exam also covers SQL Server deployment in on-premises and cloud environments, making it essential for professionals handling enterprise-level database solutions.
MS SQL Server Administration Exam – Course Outline
The MS SQL Server Administration Exam covers the following topic -
Module 1: Introduction to SQL Server Administration
- Overview of SQL Server Editions and Versions
- SQL Server Installation and Configuration
- System requirements
- Installation steps and best practices
- Configuration options
- Understanding SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
- SQL Server Architecture and Components
- Database Engine, SQL Server Agent, Full-Text Search
- Memory, CPU, and Disk IO Management
- SQL Server Services and Processes
Module 2: Database Design and Implementation
- Creating and Managing Databases
- Database File Types (MDF, NDF, LDF)
- Filegroups and storage considerations
- Database creation options (T-SQL vs. GUI)
- Database Objects
- Tables, Views, Indexes, Stored Procedures, Functions
- Constraints (Primary Key, Foreign Key, Unique, Check, Default)
- Partitioning and Compression
- Table and Index partitioning
- Data compression techniques
Module 3: SQL Server Security and User Management
- Authentication Modes (Windows vs. Mixed)
- User and Role Management
- Logins, Users, Server and Database Roles
- Permissions and access control
- Implementing Transparent Data Encryption (TDE)
- SQL Server Auditing and Compliance
- Server and Database Audits
- SQL Server Security Best Practices
- Data Masking and Row-Level Security (RLS)
Module 4: Backup and Recovery Strategies
- SQL Server Backup Types
- Full, Differential, Transaction Log Backups
- Copy-Only and Tail-Log Backups
- Point-in-Time Recovery Techniques
- SQL Server Restore Operations
- Restore database with Recovery/NoRecovery
- Piecemeal Restores
- High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HADR) Solutions
- Database Mirroring
- Log Shipping
- Always On Availability Groups
Module 5: Performance Tuning and Optimization
- Monitoring SQL Server Performance
- Dynamic Management Views (DMVs)
- Performance Monitoring Tools (SQL Profiler, Extended Events)
- Query Optimization Techniques
- Execution Plans, Index Tuning, Query Store
- Indexing Strategies
- Clustered vs. Non-Clustered Indexes
- Index Fragmentation and Rebuilding
- Understanding Locking and Blocking
- Deadlock detection and prevention
- Isolation Levels and Transaction Management
- TempDB Optimization
Module 6: SQL Server Agent and Automation
- Configuring SQL Server Agent Jobs
- Creating and Managing SQL Server Jobs and Alerts
- Using SQL Server Maintenance Plans
- Automating Database Maintenance Tasks
- Rebuilding Indexes
- Updating Statistics
- Database Integrity Checks (DBCC CHECKDB)
- SQL Server Integration with PowerShell
Module 7: Replication and Data Synchronization
- Understanding SQL Server Replication
- Snapshot, Transactional, and Merge Replication
- Configuring and Managing Replication
- Change Data Capture (CDC) and Change Tracking
- Data Synchronization and Conflict Resolution
Module 8: High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HADR)
- SQL Server Clustering (Windows Server Failover Clustering - WSFC)
- Always On Availability Groups
- Log Shipping and Database Mirroring
- Disaster Recovery Planning and Testing
Module 9: SQL Server Monitoring and Troubleshooting
- Using SQL Server Logs and Error Handling
- Monitoring with SQL Server Profiler and Extended Events
- Deadlock Analysis and Resolution
- SQL Server Performance Dashboard Reports
- Hardware and Resource Bottleneck Troubleshooting
Module 10: Cloud-Based SQL Server Administration
- Deploying SQL Server on Azure
- Azure SQL Database vs. SQL Server on Virtual Machines
- Managing Backups and Security in Azure SQL
- Scaling and Performance Considerations in Cloud Environments
