T-SQL Practice Exam

The T-SQL (Transact-SQL) exam assesses a candidate's proficiency in using T-SQL, the procedural extension of SQL used in Microsoft SQL Server. This exam evaluates the ability to create, manage, and optimize database queries and scripts, and covers advanced SQL programming techniques. T-SQL is essential for developing applications that interact with SQL Server databases, performing data manipulation, and ensuring efficient data retrieval.

Skills Required

• SQL Proficiency: Strong foundational knowledge of SQL for database management and query writing.
• Programming Skills: Ability to write complex T-SQL scripts and stored procedures.
• Database Design: Understanding of database schema design and normalization.
• Performance Tuning: Skills in optimizing queries for performance and efficiency.
• Data Manipulation: Proficiency in data manipulation techniques, including joins, subqueries, and common table expressions.

Who should take the exam?

• Database Administrators: Professionals responsible for managing SQL Server databases.
• Database Developers: Individuals developing applications that interact with SQL Server.
• Data Analysts: Analysts who need to write complex queries to retrieve and analyze data.
• Software Developers: Developers who use T-SQL in their applications for data manipulation and retrieval.
• IT Professionals: IT staff involved in data management and database operations.

Course Outline

The T-SQL exam covers the following topics :-

Module 1: Introduction to T-SQL

• Overview of T-SQL: Introduction to T-SQL and its importance in SQL Server.
• Basic SQL Review: Refreshing core SQL concepts including SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements.
• Environment Setup: Setting up the SQL Server environment for T-SQL development.

Module 2: Advanced Query Techniques

• Joins and Subqueries: In-depth exploration of INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN, RIGHT JOIN, FULL JOIN, and subqueries.
• Common Table Expressions (CTEs): Understanding and using CTEs for complex queries.
• Window Functions: Introduction to window functions such as ROW_NUMBER, RANK, and NTILE.

Module 3: T-SQL Programming Constructs

• Variables and Control-of-Flow Language: Using variables, IF statements, and loops (WHILE).
• Error Handling: Implementing TRY...CATCH blocks for error handling.
• Transactions: Understanding and managing transactions with BEGIN TRANSACTION, COMMIT, and ROLLBACK.

Module 4: Stored Procedures and Functions

• Creating and Using Stored Procedures: Writing and executing stored procedures.
• User-Defined Functions (UDFs): Creating scalar and table-valued functions.
• Parameter Handling: Passing parameters to stored procedures and functions.

Module 5: Data Manipulation and Transformation

• Data Import and Export: Techniques for importing and exporting data using BULK INSERT, bcp, and SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS).
• Data Transformation: Using T-SQL for data transformation and cleansing tasks.
• Pivoting and Unpivoting Data: Techniques for reshaping data with PIVOT and UNPIVOT.

Module 6: Performance Tuning and Optimization

• Indexes and Statistics: Understanding the role of indexes and how to optimize them.
• Query Optimization: Techniques for writing efficient T-SQL queries.
• Execution Plans: Analyzing and interpreting execution plans for performance tuning.

Module 7: Security and Permissions

• Security Fundamentals: Overview of SQL Server security and permissions.
• Managing Permissions: Granting, revoking, and denying permissions on database objects.
• Data Encryption: Implementing data encryption and understanding its impact on T-SQL.

Module 8: Advanced T-SQL Techniques

• Dynamic SQL: Writing and executing dynamic SQL statements.
• Temporary Tables and Table Variables: Using temporary tables and table variables effectively.
• XML and JSON: Working with XML and JSON data in SQL Server.

Module 9: Integration with Other Technologies

• CLR Integration: Using Common Language Runtime (CLR) integration for advanced functionalities.
• Linked Servers and Distributed Queries: Configuring and using linked servers for distributed queries.
• Integration with Applications: Best practices for integrating T-SQL with .NET and other applications.

Module 10: Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Real-World Scenarios: Case studies showcasing practical applications of T-SQL.
• Best Practices: Discussion of best practices in T-SQL development and maintenance.
• Capstone Project: A comprehensive project to apply learned T-SQL skills in a real-world scenario.