Description
Learn to secure, back up, restore, automate and monitor SQL Server 2025 databases through hands-on administration labs.
About this course
This course teaches the day-to-day work of keeping a SQL Server database environment secure, recoverable and healthy. The course name comes from a retired Microsoft course built on SQL Server 2016, so you learn and practice on the current version, SQL Server 2025. You work through authentication and permissions, encryption and auditing, backup and restore, automation with SQL Server Agent, and monitoring and troubleshooting, then finish by writing and testing an administration runbook.
Who it is for
This course is for IT staff, junior database administrators and developers who have been asked to maintain SQL Server databases. It also suits system administrators who are taking on database responsibilities.
Prerequisites
Working knowledge of Transact-SQL and relational databases, such as completion of a SQL querying course or equivalent experience
Basic familiarity with Windows
Requirements
Requires a Windows PC
SQL Server 2025 Standard Developer or Enterprise Developer edition, which Microsoft provides free for development and training
SQL Server Management Studio 21 or later
What you will be able to do
- You will be able to configure SQL and Windows authentication and grant server and database permissions using roles and least privilege.
- You will be able to protect a database with Transparent Data Encryption and record activity with SQL Server Audit.
- You will be able to choose a recovery model and build a full, differential and log backup strategy that meets a stated recovery goal.
- You will be able to restore a database to a point in time and verify that your backups can be restored.
- You will be able to automate maintenance with SQL Server Agent jobs, schedules, operators and alerts.
- You will be able to diagnose common performance, connectivity and space problems using dynamic management views, Extended Events and Query Store.
Syllabus
The SQL Server instance and secure connections 3 hours
SQL Server instances, System and user databases, SQL Server Management Studio tour, Connection encryption basics, What is new in SQL Server 2025 for administrators.
Authentication, logins, users and roles 4.5 hours
SQL and Windows authentication, Logins and database users, Fixed server and database roles, Granting and revoking permissions, Least privilege.
Protecting data with encryption and auditing 3.5 hours
Transparent Data Encryption, Always Encrypted overview, Certificate and key backup, SQL Server Audit.
Recovery models and backups 4 hours
Recovery models, Full, differential and log backups, Backup strategy for a recovery goal, Backup compression.
Restoring and verifying databases 4 hours
Full database restore, Point-in-time restore, Verifying backups, Restore drills.
Automating administration with SQL Server Agent 4 hours
Jobs and job steps, Schedules, Operators, Alerts and notifications, SQL Server Agent security.
Monitoring and troubleshooting 4 hours
Dynamic management views, Extended Events sessions, Query Store basics, Connectivity problems, Disk space problems.
Administration runbook project 3 hours
Security review checklist, Backup and restore plan, Scheduled maintenance, Monitoring routine.
Coaching sessions 3 hours
One-on-one or small-group coaching, scheduled with your coach.
How it is delivered
How you learn
On-demand asynchronous training with online support, plus 3 hours of coaching.
Live or in person
Live online or in-person sessions are available for an additional fee. Email admissions@wecancodeit.org for details.
TechCred
Eligible credential
Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure
Reimbursement applies only to the credential approved in your TechCred application, so use the exact credential name shown on this page.
Funding
Ohio's TechCred program may reimburse eligible Ohio employers up to $1,000 per person, per credential, and up to $30,000 per application, for eligible costs such as tuition and certification costs.
TechCred's maximum is $1,000 per person, per credential, toward this price.
Timeline
The current application period opens at 9:00 a.m. on October 1, 2026 and closes at 3:00 p.m. on October 30, 2026.
Training must start no earlier than the first day of the application period and be completed within 12 months of the award date.
What we provide
For each learner, We Can Code IT provides an itemized per-person invoice that shows the exact credential name, and a certificate that shows the learner's name, the credential and the date earned (or the vendor's exam record for certifications). We can also send a written quote to include with your TechCred application.
Pricing is the same for all customers, whether or not you use TechCred.
We Can Code IT is an independent training provider. Being listed as an eligible TechCred provider is not an endorsement by the State of Ohio and does not guarantee funding. The Ohio Department of Development makes all TechCred decisions, so check the state's current program guidelines before you apply. Program details: the State of Ohio’s TechCred page.
Enroll your team
One or a few learners
Choose the number of seats, add the course to your cart and check out.
A group, or a written quote
Send the form below for group enrollment or a written quote to include with your TechCred application. We reply within one business day. You can also email admissions@wecancodeit.org.
We Can Code IT, LLC, 26300 Cedar Rd, Suite 1105, Beachwood, OH 44122. Registered with the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools, Registration No. 15-03-2064T.