---
url: "https://xcademia.com/courses/sql-server-dba-practitioner"
title: SQL Server DBA Practitioner
description: "Advance SQL Server DBA skills with Always On, replication, performance tuning, and disaster recovery in a mentor-led, hands-on course."
publishedAt: "2026-03-23T04:12:35.27069+00:00"
updatedAt: "2026-03-30T22:50:53.7265+00:00"
type: course
code: "ITF-0116"
level: Practitioner
duration_days: "4"
track: Database Administration
category: "IT Foundations & Tech Support"
credential_tier: tier1
price_gbp: "2199"
---

# SQL Server DBA Practitioner

> Advance your SQL Server administration skills with high availability, optimisation, and security techniques. Apply mentor-led learning through practical scenarios including DR planning and performance tuning.

## Overview

SQL Server DBA Practitioner is designed for professionals ready to move beyond basic database administration into high availability, performance optimisation, and enterprise-level database operations. This mentor-led course focuses on real-world challenges faced by DBAs in production environments.

Through practical scenarios, learners will implement Always On Availability Groups, configure replication, and optimise queries for performance. The course also covers advanced monitoring techniques using Extended Events and introduces robust security hardening practices to protect critical data assets.

By the end of the programme, participants will be equipped to design resilient SQL Server environments, execute disaster recovery plans, and proactively manage performance and security. This course is aligned with industry expectations for mid-level DBA roles.

## Prerequisites

- Basic SQL Server administration experience
- Understanding of databases and queries
- Familiarity with Windows Server environments

## What you will learn

- Design high availability SQL Server solutions
- Implement replication and failover strategies
- Analyse and optimise query performance
- Evaluate monitoring data for insights
- Lead disaster recovery planning and execution
- Communicate security and risk mitigation strategies

## Skills you will gain

- Always On configuration
- SQL replication management
- Query performance tuning
- Extended Events monitoring
- Security hardening techniques
- Disaster recovery planning

## Career progression

- SQL Server DBA
- Database Administrator
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Data Platform Engineer

## Curriculum

1. **Module 1: High Availability with Always On**
   - Always On Availability Groups architecture
   - Failover clustering concepts
   - Configuring and managing replicas
2. **Module 2: Replication & Data Distribution**
   - Snapshot, transactional, merge replication
   - Use cases and configuration
   - Monitoring replication health
3. **Module 3: Query Optimisation & Performance Tuning**
   - Execution plans analysis
   - Index strategies and optimisation
   - Identifying and resolving bottlenecks
4. **Module 4: Monitoring with Extended Events**
   - Extended Events architecture
   - Capturing and analysing events
   - Performance troubleshooting workflows
5. **Module 5: Security Hardening**
   - Advanced permission management
   - Encryption and data protection
   - Auditing and compliance basics
6. **Module 6: Backup Strategy & Disaster Recovery**
   - Advanced backup planning
   - Recovery scenarios and testing
   - Automating DR processes
7. **Module 7: Automation & Maintenance**
   - Automating administrative tasks
   - Maintenance jobs and scripts
   - Proactive system health checks

## Exam & certification

You will receive an Xcademia certificate of completion based on participation and successful completion of labs and scenario simulations.

## Delivery options

- **Live Online** — Join live instructor-led sessions from anywhere. Interactive, engaging, and flexible.
- **Onsite Training** — We come to you. Training delivered at your workplace for teams of 6 or more.
- **Venue-Based** — Classroom training at a professional venue. Ideal for focused, immersive learning.
- **Blended** — Combine online and in-person learning for maximum flexibility and impact.

## Frequently asked questions

**Is this course suitable after DBA Foundations?**

Yes, it builds directly on foundational DBA knowledge.



**Will I work on real-world scenarios?**

Yes, the course focuses heavily on practical, production-like situations.



**Does it cover cloud databases?**

This course focuses on on-premises SQL Server, with concepts transferable to cloud.



**How technical is the course?**

It is hands-on and requires prior basic DBA experience.



**What roles does this course prepare me for?**

It prepares you for mid-level DBA and data platform roles.

## Course at a glance

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Code | ITF-0116 |
| Duration | 4 days |
| Level | Practitioner |
| Track | Database Administration |
| Category | IT Foundations & Tech Support |
| Credential tier | tier1 |
| Price (GBP) | £2199 |

---

## About this content

This Markdown course profile is the citation-grade twin of [SQL Server DBA Practitioner](https://xcademia.com/courses/sql-server-dba-practitioner). It is published by **Xcademia** (UK Companies House 12322710) and is available for AI search engines and large language models to index, summarise, and cite.

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