MS-55316: Administering a SQL Database

This instructor-led course equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to administer SQL Server and Azure SQL database infrastructure. The training is especially useful for professionals who manage, maintain, or support SQL Server databases in enterprise environments.

During this course, you will gain a deep operational understanding of how SQL Server works, how to secure and manage users and permissions, and how to protect and recover data. Through hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios, you will also learn how to automate database administration tasks, monitor database systems, and troubleshoot common issues. This course combines theoretical concepts with practical tools you will use daily as a SQL Server database administrator.

«The instructor is very skilled; he knows what he's talking about and is very good at answering questions along the way. He doesn't use the PowerPoint that much, which is a big plus for me because it shows that he knows the material he's teaching very well.» Course attendee

  Key takeaways

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

  • Authenticate and authorize users and database roles
  • Secure SQL Server using encryption, auditing, and agent security
  • Manage backups, restores, and recovery strategies
  • Automate database administration tasks
  • Monitor SQL Server performance, alerts, and notifications
  • Use PowerShell for managing SQL Server
  • Trace access and import/export data effectively
  • Troubleshoot SQL Server infrastructure issues

Prerequisites

Recommended but not mandatory:

  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system fundamentals
  • Working knowledge of Transact-SQL (e.g., equivalent to DP-080)
  • Understanding of relational database concepts and design is beneficial

Target audience

This course is relevant for:

  • Database Administrators
  • Database Support Engineers
  • Systems Engineers working with SQL Server
  • IT professionals working with database infrastructure
  • Developers who need to manage or support SQL Server Databases

SQL Server security

You start by learning how SQL Server handles authentication and authorization. This section explains how logins, users, and roles work together, and how to secure access to databases in enterprise environments.

Server and database roles

This topic focuses on managing server-level and database-level roles. You learn how to assign permissions correctly, follow the principle of least privilege, and avoid common security misconfigurations.

Encryption and auditing

You gain an understanding of how to protect sensitive data using encryption technologies and how auditing can be used to track access, changes, and compliance-related events in SQL Server.

Backup and recovery strategies

This section explains SQL Server recovery models and backup types in detail. You learn how to plan, implement, and test backup and restore strategies to ensure data availability and business continuity.

Automating SQL Server tasks

You learn how to automate recurring administrative tasks using SQL Server Agent. This includes creating jobs, schedules, alerts, and notifications to support stable and predictable database operations.

Monitoring and alerts

This topic focuses on monitoring SQL Server health and performance. You learn how to configure alerts, respond to performance issues, and proactively identify problems before they impact users.

PowerShell for SQL Server administration

You are introduced to using PowerShell to manage SQL Server environments. This section covers how scripting can simplify administration, improve consistency, and support automation at scale.

Extended events and tracing

You learn how to capture and analyze activity using Extended Events. This includes tracing performance issues, troubleshooting complex problems, and understanding workload behavior.

Performance monitoring and tuning

This section explains how to analyze performance metrics, identify bottlenecks, and apply tuning techniques to improve database performance and stability.

Troubleshooting SQL Server

You learn a structured approach to troubleshooting common SQL Server issues, including connectivity problems, performance degradation, and configuration errors.

Importing and exporting data

The course concludes with techniques for importing and exporting data between systems. You learn how to use built-in SQL Server tools to move data efficiently and safely.

Practical information

  • Duration: 5 days
  • Price: 30,000 NOK
  • Language: English course material and instructor
  • Format: Available as open and in-company courses

FAQ

Who should take this course?
This course is ideal for professionals who administer, manage and maintain SQL Server databases as part of their daily responsibilities.

Is this course suitable for beginners?
It is more suitable for those with basic SQL Server and T-SQL knowledge. Beginners with little to no experience should consider foundational SQL training first.

Is this a hands-on course?
Yes, this course includes practical labs and real-world exercises.

Will this course help me prepare for certification?
While not directly tied to a formal certification exam, it supports skills valuable for roles such as Microsoft Database Administrator.

What software environment is used in the course?
Course environments are based on Microsoft SQL Server and may include Azure SQL components depending on delivery format.

Can this course be tailored for in-company delivery?
Yes. Glasspaper offers this course as both open enrollment and tailored in-company sessions.