Microsoft SQL Server DBA 2012 Assessment Test

A Microsoft SQL Server DBA 2012 Assessment Test evaluates candidates' knowledge and skills related to managing and administering SQL Server 2012 databases. This includes tasks related to database design, performance tuning, security, backup and recovery, and other critical DBA functions.

A Microsoft SQL Server DBA Assessment Test evaluates candidates for:

1. SQL Server Architecture:

• Overview: Understanding the architecture of SQL Server 2012, including its components and services (e.g., Database Engine, SQL Server Agent, Integration Services).
• Databases and Objects: Knowledge of SQL Server databases, tables, views, indexes, and other database objects.

2. Installation and Configuration:

• Installation: Skills in installing SQL Server 2012, including setting up server instances and configuring features.
• Configuration: Knowledge of configuring SQL Server settings, including memory, CPUs, and network protocols.

3. Database Management:

• Database Creation: Understanding how to create and configure databases, including setting database options and managing filegroups.
• Maintenance: Skills in performing routine database maintenance tasks, such as updating statistics and rebuilding indexes.

4. Backup and Recovery:

• Backup Types: Knowledge of different backup types (full, differential, transaction log) and their purposes.
• Backup Procedures: Skills in creating and managing backup schedules and performing backups.
• Recovery: Understanding how to restore databases from backups, including point-in-time recovery and using recovery models (simple, full, bulk-logged).

5. Performance Tuning and Optimization:

• Performance Monitoring: Familiarity with tools and techniques for monitoring SQL Server performance (e.g., SQL Profiler, Dynamic Management Views).
• Query Optimization: Skills in optimizing SQL queries for better performance, including using indexes, query plans, and execution plans.
• Database Tuning: Knowledge of techniques for tuning database performance, such as index maintenance and partitioning.

6. Security and Permissions:

• Security Management: Understanding of SQL Server security features, including authentication and authorization.
• Permissions: Skills in managing user accounts and permissions, including roles, schemas, and object-level permissions.
• Encryption: Knowledge of data encryption techniques, including Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and encryption at rest.

7. High Availability and Disaster Recovery:

• High Availability: Understanding of high availability features, such as Failover Clustering and Database Mirroring.
• AlwaysOn Availability Groups: Familiarity with AlwaysOn Availability Groups for high availability and disaster recovery.
• Disaster Recovery Planning: Skills in developing and implementing disaster recovery plans, including failover procedures and testing.

8. SQL Server Agent and Jobs:

• SQL Server Agent: Knowledge of SQL Server Agent for scheduling and automating administrative tasks.
• Jobs and Alerts: Skills in creating and managing SQL Server jobs, alerts, and operators.

9. Data Import and Export:

• Import/Export Tools: Understanding of tools and techniques for importing and exporting data (e.g., SQL Server Import and Export Wizard, BCP).
• Data Transformation: Knowledge of data transformation processes and using Integration Services (SSIS) for ETL tasks.

10. Troubleshooting and Diagnostics:

• Troubleshooting: Skills in diagnosing and resolving common issues related to SQL Server, such as performance problems and connectivity issues.
• Diagnostics Tools: Familiarity with diagnostic tools and techniques, including SQL Server logs and event viewers.

11. SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS):

• SSMS Usage: Proficiency in using SQL Server Management Studio for managing databases, running queries, and performing administrative tasks.
• Advanced Features: Knowledge of advanced SSMS features, such as SQL Server Profiler and Database Engine Tuning Advisor.

12. Best Practices:

• DBA Best Practices: Understanding of best practices for SQL Server administration, including backup strategies, security management, and performance optimization.
• Documentation: Knowledge of the importance of documentation for DBA tasks, including maintaining records of configurations, changes, and procedures.

Assessment Formats:

• Multiple-Choice Questions: To test theoretical knowledge of SQL Server 2012 concepts, features, and best practices.
• Practical Exercises: To assess hands-on skills in managing SQL Server databases, including performing backups, optimizing queries, and configuring security.
• Case Studies: To evaluate the application of DBA skills in real-world scenarios, including troubleshooting, performance tuning, and implementing high availability solutions.

This assessment ensures that candidates have the necessary skills to effectively manage SQL Server 2012 environments, from initial setup and configuration to performance optimization and disaster recovery.