SQL Server Certified Foundation SC-SQLCF

SQL Server Certified Fundamentals

Certification Code: SC-SQLCF

The SQL Server Certified Fundamentals(SC-SQLCF) certification validates essential skills required for working with Microsoft SQL Server at an entry level. It is ideal for aspiring database professionals who are beginning their journey in relational database management, focusing on data definition, manipulation, querying, and basic performance optimization.

1. Database and Table Creation

• Understanding core relational database concepts, schema structures, and data modeling basics.
• Creating and managing databases using the CREATE DATABASE statement.
• Designing and defining tables with appropriate data types and constraints: PRIMARY KEY , FOREIGN KEY , NOT NULL , DEFAULT .
• Modifying table structures using ALTER TABLE .
• Deleting tables using DROP TABLE with awareness of data loss implications.

2. Data Definition Language (DDL)

• Using DDL commands( CREATE , ALTER , DROP ) to define and modify databases, tables, columns, and indexes.
• Applying data integrity constraints such as CHECK , UNIQUE , DEFAULT , NOT NULL , and key-based constraints.
• Understanding the role of schemas, object ownership, and namespace organization.

3. Data Manipulation Language (DML)

• Inserting data using INSERT INTO .
• Modifying records with UPDATE , including conditional filters via WHERE .
• Removing data from tables using DELETE .
• Executing basic transactions with BEGIN , COMMIT , and ROLLBACK to ensure data consistency and rollback capabilities.

4. Querying Data with SELECT

• Writing basic to intermediate SELECT statements to retrieve and filter data.
• Applying filters using WHERE , sorting with ORDER BY , and limiting rows with TOP .
• Utilizing built-in functions like LEN() , GETDATE() , ISNULL() , CAST() , and CONVERT() .
• Performing table joins ( INNER , LEFT , RIGHT ) to combine data across multiple tables.
• Applying aggregation functions: COUNT , SUM , AVG , MIN , MAX .
• Grouping results using GROUP BY and filtering grouped data using HAVING .
• Creating column aliases and computed columns for enhanced readability.

5. Indexes and Performance Basics

• Creating basic indexes with CREATE INDEX to improve query speed and efficiency.
• Understanding the differences between clustered and non-clustered indexes.
• Exploring index metadata and assessing performance impact.
• Managing indexes by dropping or rebuilding them as needed.

6. Understanding SQL Server Tools and Environment

• Navigating SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) for database administration and development.
• Exploring databases, tables, and objects through the Object Explorer.
• Working with query windows, executing scripts, and managing query results.
• Investigating system metadata using views such as sys.* and INFORMATION_SCHEMA .

This certification establishes a foundational understanding of Microsoft SQL Server, ensuring candidates are equipped with the knowledge to define, manipulate, and query data efficiently within a relational database system.