SQL Server 2016 Administration and Management — PickAClass
★ 4.0 (1) ⏱ 3h 8m 📚 29 lessons 🎧 Audio version

SQL Server 2016 Administration and Management

Learn foundational database administration and explore modern security features, cloud integration, and performance monitoring.

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About this course

Managing a modern database environment requires more than just basic query knowledge; it demands a deep understanding of security, data history, and cloud scalability. This course introduces you to the essential administrative capabilities of SQL Server 2016, focusing on the tools and techniques used by professionals today. You will transition from a beginner to a capable administrator who understands how to protect sensitive information and optimize database performance. By following this structured text-based guide, you will gain the skills needed to manage data effectively while ensuring high availability and security across your infrastructure. What you'll learn: - Understand core database administration terminology and fundamental architectural concepts - Apply row-level security and dynamic data masking to protect sensitive organizational data - Implement temporal tables to automatically track and manage the history of data changes - Configure stretch databases to balance local storage with cloud-based scalability - Analyze query performance using live statistics to identify and resolve execution bottlenecks - Practice essential maintenance routines including backup strategies and security auditing The course begins with a thorough introduction to key terminology and foundational definitions, ensuring you have a solid baseline before moving into practical administration tasks and advanced feature configurations. This course is designed for beginners and aspiring database administrators, requiring no prior experience with the platform. Start your journey into professional database management today.

Course contents

6 modules · 29 lessons · 3h 8m

1 Foundations of SQL Server 2016
Establish a solid baseline of terminology and architectural understanding.
5 lessons · 32 min
  1. Introduction to SQL Server 2016
    Overview of the platform's role in modern data management.
    6 min
  2. The DBA Vocabulary
    Defining core administrative terms like instances, schemas, and catalogs.
    7 min
  3. Relational Database Fundamentals
    How data is structured and related in SQL Server.
    6 min
  4. SQL Server Architecture
    Understanding the engine, storage, and memory components.
    7 min
  5. Navigating SSMS
    Getting comfortable with SQL Server Management Studio.
    6 min
2 Securing the Environment
Protect sensitive information using advanced security features.
5 lessons · 33 min
  1. Authentication vs. Authorization
    Distinguishing between logging in and having permissions.
    6 min
  2. Managing Logins and Users
    Creating and managing server-level and database-level identities.
    7 min
  3. Dynamic Data Masking (DDM)
    Hiding sensitive data from non-privileged users in real-time.
    7 min
  4. Row-Level Security (RLS)
    Restricting data access based on the user's identity at the row level.
    7 min
  5. Security Auditing Basics
    Tracking and logging server and database activities for compliance.
    6 min
3 Advanced Data Management
Manage data history and scale storage to the cloud.
5 lessons · 33 min
  1. Introduction to Temporal Tables
    Understanding how SQL Server automatically tracks data changes over time.
    7 min
  2. Working with System-Versioned Tables
    Querying historical data using the 'FOR SYSTEM_TIME' clause.
    7 min
  3. Stretch Database Concepts
    The theory behind moving cold data to Azure while keeping it accessible.
    6 min
  4. Configuring Stretch Databases
    Step-by-step setup for scaling local storage to the cloud.
    7 min
  5. Managing Hybrid Data
    Best practices for balancing local and cloud-based storage.
    6 min
4 Performance Monitoring and Tuning
Identify and resolve execution bottlenecks using built-in tools.
5 lessons · 33 min
  1. Basics of Query Performance
    What makes a query fast or slow in SQL Server.
    6 min
  2. Using Live Query Statistics
    Monitoring the real-time flow of data during query execution.
    7 min
  3. Identifying Bottlenecks
    Using DMV and system views to find resource contention.
    7 min
  4. Reading Execution Plans
    Visualizing how the SQL engine processes your requests.
    7 min
  5. Index Basics for Performance
    How indexes help resolve common performance issues.
    6 min
5 Maintenance and Disaster Recovery
Ensure high availability and data integrity through routine tasks.
5 lessons · 32 min
  1. Backup Fundamentals
    Understanding why and when to back up your data.
    6 min
  2. Implementing Backup Strategies
    Configuring Full, Differential, and Transaction Log backups.
    7 min
  3. Restoring Databases
    The process of recovering data after a failure.
    7 min
  4. Automating Maintenance Routines
    Using SQL Server Agent to schedule integrity checks and cleanups.
    6 min
  5. Monitoring Server Health
    Setting up alerts for critical server events.
    6 min
6 Capstone: The Professional DBA
Apply all learned concepts to a real-world scenario.
4 lessons · 25 min
  1. Designing a Secure Schema
    Applying RLS and DDM to a sample database.
    7 min
  2. Implementing Data History
    Setting up temporal tables for a business audit trail.
    6 min
  3. Final Performance Optimization
    Tuning the system using Live Query Statistics.
    7 min
  4. Course Wrap-up
    Review of the DBA journey and next steps for growth.
    5 min
Final project

The Secure Retail Environment Setup

You will configure a SQL Server 2016 instance for a retail company. You need to secure customer credit card info, track price changes over time, and ensure the database is backed up and optimized.

What you'll get

  • 📜 Certificate of completion
    Add it to your LinkedIn profile
  • 💬 Personal AI tutor
    Stuck on a lesson? Ask your built-in tutor anything, any time.
  • 🎧 Audio version included
    Learn on the go — no screen needed
  • ♾️ Lifetime access
    Come back anytime, no expiry
  • 📱 Phone or computer
    Works anywhere, any device
  • 💸 14-day refund
    No questions asked
  • ⚡ Short & focused
    3h 8m of practical content

Certificate of completion

Every course you complete on PickAClass issues a credential like this — original, with its own code, verifiable by URL, and detailed about what was actually demonstrated.

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SQL Server 2016 Administration and Management
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1.2 hrs
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1.4 hrs
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Performance detail
Coursework summary
Lessons completed 14 / 14
Practice questions 26 / 28
Assignments submitted 4 (avg 4.5 / 5)
Capstone project Reviewed — 4.6 / 5
Total practice 6.2 hrs
Performance benchmark
Cohort rank Top 12% of 1,625
Time to completion 11 days (median: 22)
Mastery score 91 / 100
Practice-question score 94%
Skill verification Verified Skill Path
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Issued under the academic standards of PickAClass. Skill levels reflect assessed performance against the course's competency rubric. This is an original credential of this platform.

Reviews (1)

سارة بنت حسن SA
★ 4 · October 1, 2026

Pretty good course. The information was relevant, and I could see myself using it. A few areas felt a bit rushed though.

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