The Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate certification is designed for professionals who manage and maintain SQL databases on Azure. This certification helps validate your skills in implementing, managing, and monitoring Azure database solutions. To earn this certification, you need to pass the DP-300: Administering Relational Databases on Microsoft Azure exam.
Here’s a detailed overview of the exam syllabus, including the skills measured and the topics you should study.
DP-300 Exam: Skills Measured
The DP-300 exam evaluates your ability to perform the following technical tasks:
Plan and Implement Data Platform Resources (15–20%)
- Deploy resources by using manual methods.
- Recommend an appropriate database offering based on specific requirements.
- Configure resources for scale and performance.
- Evaluate a strategy for moving to Azure.
- Implement a migration or upgrade strategy for moving to Azure.
Implement a Secure Environment (15–20%)
- Configure database authentication by using platform and database tools.
- Configure database authorization by using platform and database tools.
- Implement security for data at rest.
- Implement security for data in transit.
- Implement compliance controls for sensitive data.
Monitor and Optimize Operational Resources (15–20%)
- Monitor activity and performance.
- Implement performance-related maintenance tasks.
- Identify performance-related issues.
- Configure SQL Database for optimal performance.
- Implement the appropriate level of automation.
Optimize Query Performance (5–10%)
- Review query plans.
- Evaluate performance improvements.
- Review and implement performance-related database changes.
- Evaluate the use of indexes and suggest improvements.
Perform Automation of Tasks (10–15%)
- Create tasks that are automated.
- Evaluate and implement an alert and notification strategy.
- Perform automated deployment methods.
Plan and Implement a High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HADR) Environment (15–20%)
- Recommend an HADR strategy for a data platform solution.
- Test an HADR strategy by using platform, database, and OS tools.
- Perform backup and restore a database by using database tools.
- Configure DR for an Azure-based database solution.
- Configure high availability for an Azure-based database solution.
Perform Administration by Using T-SQL (10–15%)
- Examine system health.
- Monitor database configuration.
- Perform backup and restore a database by using T-SQL.
- Manage and configure databases.
Detailed Topics and Areas to Focus On
1. Plan and Implement Data Platform Resources
Deployment and Configuration:
- Manual and automated deployment using Azure Portal, Azure CLI, PowerShell, ARM templates.
- Understanding of different database offerings: Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, SQL Server on Azure VMs.
- Migration strategies: Data Migration Assistant, Azure Database Migration Service.
Resource Configuration:
- Scale-up and scale-out options.
- Performance tuning and cost management.
- Geo-replication, read replicas, and elastic pools.
2. Implement a Secure Environment
Authentication and Authorization:
- Azure Active Directory (AAD) integration.
- Role-based access control (RBAC) and database roles.
- Dynamic data masking, row-level security, and Always Encrypted.
Data Security:
- Transparent data encryption (TDE).
- TLS configuration for data in transit.
- Data classification and auditing features.
3. Monitor and Optimize Operational Resources
Monitoring Tools and Strategies:
- Azure Monitor, SQL Insights, and Query Store.
- Automated maintenance tasks and performance tuning.
Performance Tuning:
- Identifying and resolving bottlenecks.
- Implementing index strategies and query optimization techniques.
4. Optimize Query Performance
Query Analysis:
- Execution plans and query performance insights.
- Index maintenance and optimization recommendations.
Performance Improvements:
- Analyzing query statistics and wait times.
- Implementing query tuning techniques.
5. Perform Automation of Tasks
Automation and Alerts:
- Automation using Azure Logic Apps, Azure Functions, and runbooks.
- Configuring alerts and notifications for performance issues and outages.
Deployment Automation:
- Use of Azure DevOps and GitHub for CI/CD pipelines.
- Automation scripts for database deployments.
6. Plan and Implement a High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HADR) Environment
HADR Strategies:
- Understanding of various HADR technologies: Azure Site Recovery, Always On Availability Groups, Failover Groups.
- Backup strategies and best practices for Azure databases.
Testing and Configuration:
- Conducting failover tests and backups.
- Configuring and managing geo-replication.
7. Perform Administration by Using T-SQL
System Health and Monitoring:
- Using T-SQL for system health checks and configuration monitoring.
- T-SQL scripts for backup and restore operations.
Database Management:
- Managing users, roles, and permissions via T-SQL.
- Routine maintenance and troubleshooting using T-SQL commands.
Study Resources
To prepare for the exam, consider the following resources:
- Microsoft Learn: Administering Relational Databases on Microsoft Azure offers modules and learning paths.
- Official Practice Tests: Available from Microsoft and third-party vendors.
- Books and Online Courses: Consider books such as "Azure SQL Database Step by Step" or courses from platforms like Pluralsight, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning.
- Hands-On Experience: Practice deploying and managing Azure SQL resources in a trial Azure account.
Exam Details
- Format: Multiple-choice questions, case studies, and labs.
- Duration: Approximately 150 minutes.
- Cost: The exam fee is generally around $165 USD, but prices may vary by location.
- Languages: The exam is offered in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified), and more.
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