MS SQL Server 2005/2008 Assessment Test

An MS SQL Server 2005/2008 Assessment Test evaluates a candidate's proficiency in managing and administering Microsoft SQL Server databases from those versions. It typically covers a range of topics including database design, performance tuning, security, backup and recovery, and troubleshooting specific to SQL Server 2005 and 2008.

A MS SQL Server 2005/2008 Assessment Test evaluates candidates for:

1. Database Installation and Configuration

• Installation:
  • Installing SQL Server 2005/2008, including prerequisites and setup.
  • Configuring initial server settings and options during installation.
• Configuration:
  • Configuring SQL Server services and network protocols.
  • Setting up SQL Server instances and managing server properties through SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or SQL Server Configuration Manager.

2. Database Design and Schema Management

• Schema Design:
  • Designing relational database schemas and applying normalization principles.
  • Creating and managing tables, indexes, views, and constraints.
• Data Types:
  • Understanding and using SQL Server data types (e.g., INT, VARCHAR, DATETIME, TEXT).
• Modifications:
  • Altering tables and schema objects using ALTER TABLE and other DDL commands.

3. User Management and Security

• User Creation and Management:
  • Creating and managing SQL Server logins, users, and roles.
  • Assigning and managing permissions using GRANT, DENY, and REVOKE.
• Security Best Practices:
  • Configuring authentication modes (Windows Authentication and Mixed Mode).
  • Implementing security policies and auditing.

4. Backup and Recovery

• Backup Strategies:
  • Performing full, differential, and transaction log backups using SSMS or T-SQL commands.
  • Configuring and managing backup schedules with SQL Server Agent.
• Recovery:
  • Restoring databases from backups and performing point-in-time recovery.
  • Using the RESTORE command to restore full, differential, and log backups.

5. Performance Tuning

• Query Optimization:
  • Analyzing and optimizing queries using the SQL Server Query Optimizer.
  • Using EXPLAIN and execution plans to identify and resolve performance issues.
• Indexing:
  • Creating and managing indexes to improve query performance.
  • Understanding the impact of clustered and non-clustered indexes.
• Server Performance:
  • Monitoring SQL Server performance using Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) and Performance Monitor.
  • Configuring and tuning SQL Server instance settings for optimal performance.

6. Replication and High Availability

• Replication Setup:
  • Configuring SQL Server replication types (snapshot, transactional, and merge replication).
  • Managing replication agents and monitoring replication status.
• High Availability:
  • Understanding SQL Server high availability options such as database mirroring and log shipping.

7. Monitoring and Troubleshooting

• Monitoring Tools:
  • Using SQL Server Profiler, Activity Monitor, and other tools to monitor SQL Server activity and performance.
  • Analyzing SQL Server logs and error messages for troubleshooting.
• Troubleshooting:
  • Diagnosing and resolving common issues such as performance bottlenecks, connection problems, and deadlocks.

8. Data Integrity and Maintenance

• Data Integrity:
  • Enforcing data integrity using constraints (e.g., primary keys, foreign keys, unique constraints).
  • Performing database consistency checks using DBCC CHECKDB.
• Maintenance Tasks:
  • Performing routine maintenance tasks such as index rebuilding and statistics updates.

9. Stored Procedures, Functions, and Triggers

• Stored Procedures:
  • Creating and managing stored procedures to encapsulate business logic.
  • Using parameters and handling exceptions within stored procedures.
• Functions:
  • Creating scalar and table-valued functions for modular programming.
• Triggers:
  • Implementing triggers to automate actions based on data modifications.

10. Data Import and Export

• Data Import/Export:
  • Using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) for data import and export tasks.
  • Importing and exporting data using the SQL Server Import and Export Wizard.
• Bulk Operations:
  • Using BULK INSERT and BCP (Bulk Copy Program) for bulk data operations.

11. Reporting and Analysis

• Reporting Services:
  • Using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) to create and manage reports.
  • Designing and deploying reports using Report Builder or Visual Studio.
• Analysis Services:
  • Understanding SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) basics for OLAP and data mining.

12. Best Practices and Documentation

• Documentation:
  • Documenting database schemas, configurations, and procedures.
  • Keeping accurate records of changes, backups, and maintenance activities.
• Best Practices:
  • Following best practices for database design, security, and performance tuning.
  • Regularly reviewing and updating database procedures and configurations.

Overall, an MS SQL Server 2005/2008 Assessment Test evaluates a candidate's ability to manage SQL Server environments effectively, ensuring they have the skills needed to perform database administration tasks, optimize performance, ensure security, and handle backups and recovery.