SQL Database Administration Certified Professional SC-SQLDACP

SQL Database Administration Certified Professional SC-SQLDACP

The SQL Database Administration Certified Professional certification validates a comprehensive set of advanced-level skills required to install, configure, secure, maintain, and optimize Microsoft SQL Server environments. This certification is designed for professionals responsible for the daily operations and long-term stability of SQL Server instances and databases.

1. SQL Server Installation and Configuration

• Installing and configuring SQL Server instances, including standalone and clustered deployments.
• Managing SQL Server services and startup parameters.
• Configuring server settings using SQL Server Configuration Manager and system stored procedures.
• Adjusting server memory, CPU allocation, storage settings, and maximum connection limits.
• Installing service packs, cumulative updates, and hotfixes.

2. Database Maintenance and Monitoring

• Scheduling and executing routine maintenance tasks, including index rebuilds, statistics updates, and integrity checks ( DBCC CHECKDB ).
• Monitoring database health using tools such as SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), Activity Monitor, and Extended Events.
• Implementing alerts and notifications using SQL Server Agent.
• Managing transaction logs and file growth through autogrowth settings and file size management.

3. Backup and Recovery

• Designing and implementing comprehensive backup strategies, including full, differential, and transaction log backups.
• Automating backup operations using SQL Server Agent jobs and maintenance plans.
• Performing point-in-time restores using the RESTORE DATABASE command.
• Validating backup integrity and conducting regular recovery drills.
• Understanding and applying appropriate recovery models: Simple, Full, and Bulk-Logged.

4. Security and Access Control

• Creating and managing logins, users, roles, and permissions.
• Enforcing security at the server, database, and object levels using GRANT , REVOKE , and DENY .
• Applying security best practices, including the principle of least privilege and strong password policies.
• Managing contained databases and auditing user and login activity.
• Implementing data encryption features:
  • Transparent Data Encryption (TDE)
  • Always Encrypted
  • Column-level encryption

5. Performance Tuning and Optimization

• Analyzing and tuning slow queries using execution plans and indexing strategies.
• Leveraging tools such as Query Store, Dynamic Management Views (DMVs), and Extended Events for diagnostics.
• Managing index lifecycle: creation, monitoring usage, handling fragmentation.
• Optimizing memory usage, tempdb behavior, and storage configuration.
• Monitoring and addressing bottlenecks via wait statistics, CPU usage, and I/O performance metrics.

6. High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HADR)

• Understanding and implementing core HADR features:
  • Database Mirroring
  • Log Shipping
  • Failover Clustering
• Configuring and maintaining Always On Availability Groups for high availability and redundancy.
• Designing and validating basic disaster recovery plans.
• Regularly testing failover and recovery scenarios to ensure business continuity.

7. Automation and Scripting

• Creating and managing SQL Server Agent jobs, job steps, schedules, and alerts.
• Writing custom maintenance and administration scripts using T-SQL and PowerShell.
• Automating patching, monitoring, and deployment workflows.
• Utilizing tools like sqlcmd and SSMS for scripted operations.

8. System Metadata and Troubleshooting

• Querying system views( sys.* , dm_* ) for diagnostics, reporting, and insights.
• Troubleshooting common issues including blocking, deadlocks, and connection timeouts.
• Analyzing SQL Server logs and Windows Event Viewer for root cause analysis.
• Understanding and resolving tempdb contention and concurrency issues.

This certification confirms a high level of expertise in Microsoft SQL Server administration, preparing professionals to manage enterprise-grade database environments with confidence, resilience, and performance in mind.