newSchoolWorks.com › VoTechWorks › Technology & Design › Data Management / Database Administration › Courses
Technology & Design · course plan
⚠ Pending professional review
This course plan, its lessons and its assessments has not yet been verified by an industry-certified professional or by a certification or approval body. It is a study draft and may contain errors. Do not use it as instructions for work on a job site or on live equipment. Always follow your instructor, your supervising professional, and current official references and regulations.
VoTechWorks program approval and accreditation are still in progress. Credentials are issued only by the certifying bodies named in each program, after their own exams.
Data Management / Database Administration
12 courses · 1,350 clock hours · 6–9 mo full-time. Grading is competency-based: each course requires the written exam, a competent skills demonstration with zero safety faults, a signed log, and a passed safety audit; percentage weights only rank performance above the competency floor.
12courses
83lessons
1,350hours
43assessments
Development progressPlanCourses, lessons and assessments written for this tradeLessons83 of 83 lesson pages writtenPractice664 practice questionsResources120 reference entries (study list)Review0 lesson pages reviewed by a licensed professional
Study now: 83 lesson pages are open (lesson titles below are links).
TEC-DATA86-01 Universal core
Universal Core: Safety, Math, Communication & Career for Database Administration
148 hr · $1,185 COMPLIMENTARY
This foundational course equips learners with the safety knowledge, technical mathematics, communication skills, and career-readiness behaviors required to enter and succeed in a database administration role. Students earn OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification and First Aid/CPR recognition, develop the quantitative and literacy skills specific to data environments, and build a professional portfolio entry. All competencies directly support the workplace and exam demands of the PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, Microsoft DP-300, and DAMA CDMP Associate credentials.
Outcomes- Complete OSHA 10-Hour General Industry training and demonstrate correct hazard identification, lockout/tagout procedures, and ergonomic practices applicable to a server room and data-center environment.
- Perform trade-relevant mathematics including binary/hexadecimal conversions, storage-capacity calculations, and basic statistical measures used in database sizing and performance baselining.
- Read and interpret technical documentation such as vendor release notes, schema diagrams, man pages, and regulatory data-governance standards with demonstrated comprehension.
- Use standard digital productivity tools—including spreadsheets, ticketing systems, and collaborative document platforms—to organize and communicate database work.
- Produce and deliver professional written and oral communications including incident reports, change-request forms, and technical presentations appropriate to a DBA role.
- Develop a career-readiness plan that includes a current resume, a LinkedIn profile, and knowledge of credential pathways for PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, Microsoft DP-300, and DAMA CDMP Associate.
Course text
This foundational course equips learners with the safety knowledge, technical mathematics, communication skills, and career-readiness behaviors required to enter and succeed in a database administration role. Students earn OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification and First Aid/CPR recognition, develop the quantitative and literacy skills specific to data environments, and build a professional portfolio entry. All competencies directly support the workplace and exam demands of the PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, Microsoft DP-300, and DAMA CDMP Associate credentials.
How the course runs. 7 blocks: Workplace Safety in Data Centers and Server Rooms (OSHA 10 Core); First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Response for Technology Workplaces; Trade Math for Database Administration; Reading Technical Documentation and Standards; Digital Tools for Database Professionals; Technical Writing and Professional Communication; Career Readiness: Credentials, Portfolio, and Professional Identity.
What competent looks like. Complete OSHA 10-Hour General Industry training and demonstrate correct hazard identification, lockout/tagout procedures, and ergonomic practices applicable to a server room and data-center environment. Perform trade-relevant mathematics including binary/hexadecimal conversions, storage-capacity calculations, and basic statistical measures used in database sizing and performance baselining. Read and interpret technical documentation such as vendor release notes, schema diagrams, man pages, and regulatory data-governance standards with demonstrated comprehension. Use standard digital productivity tools—including spreadsheets, ticketing systems, and collaborative document platforms—to organize and communicate database work. Produce and deliver professional written and oral communications including incident reports, change-request forms, and technical presentations appropriate to a DBA role. Develop a career-readiness plan that includes a current resume, a LinkedIn profile, and knowledge of credential pathways for PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, Microsoft DP-300, and DAMA CDMP Associate.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Workplace Safety in Data Centers and Server Rooms (OSHA 10 Core) | 24 | theory | Students will complete all ten hours of OSHA 10-Hour General Industry content and demonstrate correct identification of electrical, ergonomic, and physical hazards present in data-center and server-room environments. |
| OSHA 10-Hour General Industry course materials (OSHA-authorized trainer or accredited online provider), OSHA Hazard Communication Quick Card, sample LOTO procedure form, PPE selection guide, provided server-room floor-plan handout, loose-leaf binder for student safety portfolio | OSHA 10 completion card issued by the authorized trainer (mandatory); Hazard Identification Report scored on a rubric requiring correct hazard class, appropriate PPE, and a plausible corrective action for at least five of six items — 83% or higher to pass. |
| 2 | First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Response for Technology Workplaces | 10 | demo | Students will perform adult CPR and AED operation to the standard required for a recognized First Aid/CPR certification and describe the emergency response steps specific to electrical-shock incidents common in data-center settings. |
| CPR manikins (one per two students), AED trainer unit, First Aid/CPR/AED student workbook from the certifying provider, disposable face shields, exam gloves, electrical-shock scenario script, debrief checklist | Passing score on the certifying provider's First Aid/CPR skills evaluation and written knowledge check (provider pass standard applies, typically 80% or higher); mandatory attendance for certification card issuance. |
| 3 | Trade Math for Database Administration | 28 | practice | Students will correctly convert between binary, octal, and hexadecimal numbering systems and perform storage-capacity, throughput, and basic descriptive-statistics calculations used in database sizing, performance analysis, and capacity planning. |
| Scientific calculator, Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice Calc (installed on lab workstations), drill-set handout, database-sizing case study worksheet, provided query-response-time data CSV file, IEEE/NIST unit-prefix reference card | Scored math quiz covering number-base conversions and byte arithmetic — 80% or higher to pass; completed spreadsheet dashboard submitted and checked against an answer key for correct formulas, accurate statistics, and readable chart — all three sections must be correct or corrected within the class period. |
| 4 | Reading Technical Documentation and Standards | 20 | theory | Students will extract accurate procedural steps, configuration parameters, and data-governance requirements from vendor documentation, man pages, and standards excerpts such as those referenced by the DAMA DMBOK and the Microsoft DP-300 exam. |
| Printed excerpts from PostgreSQL official documentation (postgresql.org), Linux man page printouts, DAMA DMBOK2 selected chapter excerpt (instructor-provided), two PostgreSQL release notes printouts, comprehension quiz handout, highlighters | Comprehension quiz score of 80% or higher to pass; release-note comparison summary evaluated on a rubric requiring identification of at least two genuine changes and a clear, grammatically correct explanation — both criteria must be met. |
| 5 | Digital Tools for Database Professionals | 20 | lab | Students will use a ticketing or task-management system, a collaborative document editor, and a version-control platform to organize and communicate DBA work in the formats used by professional teams. |
| Lab workstations with internet access, GitHub accounts (free tier), Git client (Git Bash or built-in terminal), Jira free-tier project or school helpdesk system, Google Docs or Microsoft 365, incident scenario handout, Markdown reference card, peer-review checklist | Pull request merged after instructor approval of correctly formatted Markdown runbook (no merge without at least one substantive revision); ticketing entry scored on a five-field completeness rubric — all five fields populated correctly to pass; peer tester must successfully complete the knowledge-base article procedure without instructor assistance — article revised if tester reports a failure. |
| 6 | Technical Writing and Professional Communication | 22 | practice | Students will write a database incident report and a formal change-request form that meet professional standards for clarity, completeness, and technical accuracy, and will deliver a structured five-minute technical briefing to a non-technical audience. |
| Incident scenario packet with fictional log excerpts, post-incident report template, Change-Request Form template, peer-review checklist, slide-creation software (PowerPoint or Google Slides), classroom projector or display, timer | Incident report scored on rubric: all six sections present, root cause stated specifically, corrective actions are actionable — 80% or higher to pass; Change-Request Form must have all eight fields completed correctly after revision; oral briefing assessed on clarity, correct facts from the scenario, and a satisfactory response to both instructor questions — all three criteria must be met. |
| 7 | Career Readiness: Credentials, Portfolio, and Professional Identity | 24 | field | Students will produce a resume, a LinkedIn profile, and a written credential-pathway plan that accurately maps the PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, Microsoft DP-300, and DAMA CDMP Associate certifications to job roles and career stages in database administration. |
| Computers with internet access, LinkedIn accounts, word processor, at least three printed or screenshotted real job postings per student, Credential Pathway Map template, resume template (ATS-friendly), career-services rubric, instructor feedback form | Credential Pathway Map must correctly identify all four credentials with their issuing bodies and include evidence from at least three real job postings — any factual error about a credential requires correction before a passing grade is awarded; resume must pass the career-services rubric with all required sections present and no fabricated credentials or experience — resubmission required if deficiencies are found; LinkedIn profile must be set to public, contain all four required elements, and show at least three connections — screenshot submitted as evidence. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSHA and Workplace Safety Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% or higher; any question about lockout/tagout or electrical safety that is answered incorrectly must be remediated in a one-on-one review before the student advances. | A 40-question multiple-choice and short-answer exam covering OSHA 10 General Industry content as applied to data-center and server-room environments, including hazard communication, PPE selection, electrical safety, ergonomics, and emergency action plans. Questions are drawn from the OSHA 10 topic areas and the data-center hazard scenarios practiced in class. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Trade Math and Technical Literacy Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% or higher across both sections (math and reading comprehension); a score below 80% in either section requires targeted tutoring and a single retake within one week. | A two-section, closed-book exam: Section A contains 20 calculation problems covering number-base conversions, storage-unit arithmetic, and descriptive statistics; Section B contains 15 reading-comprehension questions based on unseen excerpts from PostgreSQL documentation and a DAMA DMBOK2 passage. This exam validates the quantitative and literacy foundations required for the technical courses that follow and for the DAMA CDMP Associate exam's foundational knowledge domain. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Professional Communications Portfolio | Project | 25% | Each of the four portfolio artifacts (incident report, change-request form, knowledge-base article, and resume) must individually score 80% or higher on its rubric; any artifact below 80% must be revised and resubmitted within one week. | Students submit a folder containing all written deliverables produced during lessons 5 and 6: the post-incident report, the change-request form, the Git-committed Markdown runbook, and the finalized resume. Each artifact is scored against its lesson rubric, and the portfolio as a whole is reviewed for professional consistency of tone, formatting, and factual accuracy — competencies directly assessed in the DAMA CDMP Associate professional-development domain. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
| Career and Safety Oral Defense | Oral / panel | 25% | Student must correctly answer at least four of five questions, including at least one safety question and at least one credential-pathway question, with no fabricated credential facts; a failed defense may be retaken once after a 48-hour preparation period. | A 15-minute individual oral session in which the instructor poses five questions drawn from three areas: workplace safety procedures (OSHA and first aid), the student's credential-pathway plan and the rationale for the ordering of the four target certifications, and the student's own resume and portfolio artifacts. The student must answer from genuine knowledge without reference to notes, demonstrating the professional fluency expected of an entry-level DBA preparing to sit industry certification exams. Accuracy · Safety · Communication · Professionalism |
TEC-DATA86-02 Trade course
Relational Design & Normalization
92 hr · $1,105 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to design relational databases from business requirements, applying entity-relationship modeling and normalization through Boyce-Codd Normal Form to eliminate redundancy and anomalies. Emphasis is placed on translating real-world data needs into schema definitions, enforcing referential integrity through keys and constraints, and documenting designs to professional standards. Concepts map directly to the data modeling domains tested in the DAMA CDMP Associate exam and the schema-design knowledge expected in Oracle DBA CA, PostgreSQL CE, and Microsoft DP-300.
Outcomes- Construct entity-relationship diagrams from written business requirements and convert them to fully attributed relational schemas.
- Apply 1NF through BCNF normalization rules to decompose tables, eliminate redundant data, and prevent insertion, update, and deletion anomalies.
- Define primary keys, foreign keys, unique constraints, check constraints, and NOT NULL constraints that enforce data integrity in a relational schema.
- Write and execute Data Definition Language (DDL) statements in SQL to create, alter, and drop normalized tables in a relational database engine.
- Evaluate a given schema for design deficiencies and produce a written justification of normalization decisions using standard data management terminology.
- Produce complete data model documentation—including an ERD, data dictionary, and constraint inventory—that meets professional handoff standards.
Course text
Students learn to design relational databases from business requirements, applying entity-relationship modeling and normalization through Boyce-Codd Normal Form to eliminate redundancy and anomalies. Emphasis is placed on translating real-world data needs into schema definitions, enforcing referential integrity through keys and constraints, and documenting designs to professional standards. Concepts map directly to the data modeling domains tested in the DAMA CDMP Associate exam and the schema-design knowledge expected in Oracle DBA CA, PostgreSQL CE, and Microsoft DP-300.
How the course runs. 8 blocks: Foundations of the Relational Model; Entity-Relationship Modeling; Mapping ERDs to Relational Schemas; Normalization: 1NF through 3NF; BCNF and Higher Normal Forms; Denormalization Trade-offs; Keys, Constraints, and Referential Integrity in SQL DDL; Data Dictionary and Design Documentation; Integrated Schema Design Project.
What competent looks like. Construct entity-relationship diagrams from written business requirements and convert them to fully attributed relational schemas. Apply 1NF through BCNF normalization rules to decompose tables, eliminate redundant data, and prevent insertion, update, and deletion anomalies. Define primary keys, foreign keys, unique constraints, check constraints, and NOT NULL constraints that enforce data integrity in a relational schema. Write and execute Data Definition Language (DDL) statements in SQL to create, alter, and drop normalized tables in a relational database engine. Evaluate a given schema for design deficiencies and produce a written justification of normalization decisions using standard data management terminology. Produce complete data model documentation—including an ERD, data dictionary, and constraint inventory—that meets professional handoff standards.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foundations of the Relational Model | 10 | theory | Students will accurately describe the core concepts of the relational model—relations, tuples, attributes, domains, and keys—and explain how they differ from flat-file storage. |
| Whiteboard, projector, database textbook, sample CSV order file, blank concept-map templates, spreadsheet software | Instructor reviews concept maps; students must correctly define all seven terms and correctly identify at least two anomalies in the flat-file exercise. Pass: 70% accuracy on a 10-question vocabulary check. |
| 2 | Entity-Relationship Modeling | 14 | demo | Students will create crow's-foot ERDs that correctly represent entities, attributes, and binary relationships (one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-many) from a written business narrative. |
| draw.io (free, browser-based), printed business narratives, crow's-foot notation reference card, checklist template, projector | Instructor evaluates final revised ERD against the business narrative using a 10-point rubric (entities complete, attributes complete, cardinalities correct, naming conventions followed). Pass: 7/10. |
| 3 | Mapping ERDs to Relational Schemas | 10 | demo | Students will convert a completed ERD into a relational schema by applying the standard mapping rules for all relationship types, including resolution of many-to-many relationships into junction tables. |
| Whiteboard, mapping rules handout, structured mapping worksheet, retail-store ERD from Lesson 2, SQL notation reference | Instructor checks mapping worksheet and notation; all relationship types from the ERD must be correctly represented in the schema. Pass: correct mapping of at least 9 of 10 relationships on a schema-mapping quiz. |
| 4 | Normalization: 1NF through 3NF | 14 | theory | Students will identify violations of First, Second, and Third Normal Form in a given table and decompose it into 3NF-compliant tables without losing data or functional dependencies. |
| Normalization rules reference handout, un-normalized invoice table dataset, decomposition worksheet, projector, whiteboard | Instructor scores the completed decomposition worksheet: each step labeled correctly (violation identified, NF named, correct decomposition). Pass: all three decomposition stages correct with violations correctly labeled (70% of rubric points). |
| 5 | BCNF and Higher Normal Forms; Denormalization Trade-offs | 10 | theory | Students will distinguish BCNF from 3NF, identify BCNF violations caused by overlapping candidate keys, and articulate when controlled denormalization is appropriate for performance. |
| BCNF example tables handout, data warehouse case-study reading, whiteboard, timer for debate | Students submit the written case-study analysis. Instructor checks that the BCNF violation is correctly identified and the trade-off discussion is logically sound. Pass: rubric score of 70% (violation identified correctly and at least two valid trade-offs articulated). |
| 6 | Keys, Constraints, and Referential Integrity in SQL DDL | 14 | lab | Students will write DDL statements (CREATE TABLE, ALTER TABLE) that implement primary keys, foreign keys, unique constraints, check constraints, and NOT NULL constraints in PostgreSQL, and verify that the database engine enforces each constraint. |
| PostgreSQL installed on lab workstations or cloud sandbox, psql command-line client, DDL reference (PostgreSQL documentation Chapter 5), lab log template | Instructor queries information_schema.table_constraints and information_schema.columns to verify each required constraint exists. Pass: all primary keys, at least one foreign key per relationship, and at least one check constraint present; all constraint-test errors correctly recorded in lab log. |
| 7 | Data Dictionary and Design Documentation | 10 | practice | Students will produce a professional data dictionary for a multi-table schema that documents each table, column, data type, constraint, allowed values, and business definition. |
| Data dictionary spreadsheet template, retail-store DDL from Lesson 6, business narrative from Lesson 2, PostgreSQL \d output for reference | Instructor evaluates the final data dictionary: every column documented, data types match DDL, business definitions are in plain English and accurate to the narrative. Pass: 90% of columns fully and accurately documented (rubric). |
| 8 | Integrated Schema Design Project | 10 | lab | Students will independently design, normalize, implement, and document a relational database schema from a new business requirements narrative, demonstrating end-to-end mastery of all course skills. |
| Veterinary clinic business requirements narrative, draw.io, PostgreSQL lab environment, data dictionary template, oral defense rubric, projector | Instructor evaluates ERD completeness, normalization correctness (must reach at least 3NF with documented justification), DDL execution without errors, and quality of data dictionary. Oral defense must correctly answer two instructor questions about design decisions. Pass: 75% of total rubric points; DDL must execute without errors. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relational Design Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% correct (28 of 40 questions) | A 40-question closed-book exam covering relational model concepts, ER modeling rules, mapping rules, normalization definitions and procedures through BCNF, constraint types, and referential integrity. Questions are multiple-choice and short-answer; the exam is timed at 80 minutes and maps to the DAMA CDMP Associate data modeling domain and the schema-knowledge sections of Oracle DBA CA and PostgreSQL CE. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Schema Design Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | 75% of rubric points; DDL must execute without errors in PostgreSQL | Students receive a previously unseen one-page business requirements narrative and have 90 minutes to produce an ERD, a normalized relational schema with normalization justification to at least 3NF, and working CREATE TABLE DDL with all required constraints executed in PostgreSQL. The instructor evaluates the artifact immediately using a structured 20-point rubric. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | All six required lab entries present and accurate; 80% of rubric points | Students submit their cumulative lab log maintained across Lessons 6 and 7, containing records of every constraint test (including the error message received, constraint type, and what the test proved), the DDL for their retail-store schema, and the final veterinary clinic DDL execution transcript. Entries must be complete, accurate, and written in clear technical prose. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Workstation and Data Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Pass/Fail — all critical items must be met; no critical items may be missed | Instructor observes and scores each student on: correct ergonomic workstation setup (monitor height, keyboard position, lighting per OSHA computer workstation guidelines), proper cable management to eliminate trip hazards in the lab, correct procedure for saving and backing up work before ending a lab session, and knowledge of the lab's emergency exit and first-aid kit location. Any critical safety item missed results in an automatic fail and remediation before the student continues lab work. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TEC-DATA86-03 Trade course
PostgreSQL Administration
91 hr · $1,090 COMPLIMENTARY
Students install, configure, and administer PostgreSQL database servers in single-instance and replicated environments, applying industry-standard practices for object management, performance tuning, and user access control. Hands-on labs mirror real DBA workflows and map directly to EnterpriseDB PostgreSQL CE exam domains. This course builds the technical foundation required for all subsequent backup/recovery and security courses in the program.
Outcomes- Install and configure a PostgreSQL server instance on Linux, setting correct file-system permissions and verifying service startup with pg_ctl and systemd.
- Create and manage databases, schemas, tables, indexes, views, and sequences using both psql and pgAdmin, applying naming conventions and storage parameters.
- Write and optimize SQL queries in PostgreSQL, using EXPLAIN ANALYZE to interpret query plans and select appropriate index types (B-tree, Hash, GIN, BRIN).
- Configure postgresql.conf and pg_hba.conf parameters for memory, connections, logging, and client authentication, documenting each change with a justification.
- Set up streaming replication between a primary and standby server, verify replication lag using pg_stat_replication, and perform a controlled failover.
- Apply safe physical workspace practices in a server-room environment, including proper cable management, equipment handling, and recognition of electrical and ergonomic hazards.
Course text
Students install, configure, and administer PostgreSQL database servers in single-instance and replicated environments, applying industry-standard practices for object management, performance tuning, and user access control. Hands-on labs mirror real DBA workflows and map directly to EnterpriseDB PostgreSQL CE exam domains. This course builds the technical foundation required for all subsequent backup/recovery and security courses in the program.
How the course runs. 8 blocks: Server-Room Safety, PostgreSQL Architecture, and Installation on Linux; Core Configuration: postgresql.conf and pg_hba.conf; Database Objects: Databases, Schemas, Tables, Sequences, and Views; SQL in PostgreSQL: Queries, Joins, CTEs, and Window Functions; Indexing Strategy and Query Plan Analysis with EXPLAIN ANALYZE; User Management, Roles, and Object Privileges; Streaming Replication Setup and Failover; Routine Maintenance: VACUUM, ANALYZE, pg_dump, and Monitoring.
What competent looks like. Install and configure a PostgreSQL server instance on Linux, setting correct file-system permissions and verifying service startup with pg_ctl and systemd. Create and manage databases, schemas, tables, indexes, views, and sequences using both psql and pgAdmin, applying naming conventions and storage parameters. Write and optimize SQL queries in PostgreSQL, using EXPLAIN ANALYZE to interpret query plans and select appropriate index types (B-tree, Hash, GIN, BRIN). Configure postgresql.conf and pg_hba.conf parameters for memory, connections, logging, and client authentication, documenting each change with a justification. Set up streaming replication between a primary and standby server, verify replication lag using pg_stat_replication, and perform a controlled failover. Apply safe physical workspace practices in a server-room environment, including proper cable management, equipment handling, and recognition of electrical and ergonomic hazards.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Server-Room Safety, PostgreSQL Architecture, and Installation on Linux | 12 | lab | Students install PostgreSQL on a Linux server VM, verify the service is running, and identify physical and electrical hazards in a server-room environment. |
| Linux VM (VirtualBox or cloud sandbox), PGDG repository docs, postgresql.org installation guide, ESD wrist straps, server-room safety checklist handout, PostgreSQL 16 Documentation Chapter 18 (Server Setup and Operation) | Instructor verifies service is active (systemctl status), correct data-directory ownership (postgres user), and completed safety checklist with all fields signed; pass = service running AND checklist 100% complete. |
| 2 | Core Configuration: postgresql.conf and pg_hba.conf | 10 | theory | Students adjust key server parameters in postgresql.conf and write client authentication rules in pg_hba.conf, explaining the effect of each change. |
| PostgreSQL 16 Documentation Chapters 19–20, pgtune.leopard.in.ua reference (for instructor demonstration only), psql client, configuration journal template | Instructor reviews configuration journal for correct parameter syntax, valid pg_hba.conf rules, and SHOW output screenshots; pass = all three authentication scenarios work as intended AND journal entries explain reasoning. |
| 3 | Database Objects: Databases, Schemas, Tables, Sequences, and Views | 12 | lab | Students create a multi-schema database with tables, sequences, views, and constraints using both psql DDL commands and the pgAdmin GUI. |
| PostgreSQL 16 server VM, pgAdmin 4, psql, PostgreSQL Documentation Chapter 5 (DDL), lab report template, sample dataset (CSV files for import) | Instructor runs a provided verification script that queries pg_tables, pg_views, and information_schema.columns to confirm correct object creation; pass = all objects present with correct constraints AND lab report submitted. |
| 4 | SQL in PostgreSQL: Queries, Joins, CTEs, and Window Functions | 11 | practice | Students write complex queries using joins, CTEs, and window functions against a multi-table PostgreSQL database, producing correct result sets. |
| PostgreSQL 16 VM with inventory_db, psql, DBeaver (optional GUI), PostgreSQL Documentation Chapter 7 (Queries), query exercise booklet, answer key (instructor copy) | Instructor spot-checks five randomly selected exercises for correct output using a diff against the answer key; pass = at least 80% of the 15 exercises produce correct result sets. |
| 5 | Indexing Strategy and Query Plan Analysis with EXPLAIN ANALYZE | 11 | demo | Students select appropriate index types for given query patterns and use EXPLAIN ANALYZE output to measure and document query performance improvements. |
| PostgreSQL 16 VM, pgbench (for data generation), EXPLAIN ANALYZE output printer-friendly format, index performance table template, PostgreSQL Documentation Chapter 11 (Indexes) and Chapter 14 (Performance Tips) | Instructor reviews index performance table for all four scenarios and checks that EXPLAIN plans are attached; pass = documented planning-time or execution-time improvement for each index AND written justification for dropped indexes is logically sound. |
| 6 | User Management, Roles, and Object Privileges | 10 | lab | Students create roles and users, assign object privileges using GRANT/REVOKE, and verify access control behavior by testing connections as different database users. |
| PostgreSQL 16 VM, psql, privilege matrix spreadsheet template, PostgreSQL Documentation Chapter 21 (Database Roles) and Chapter 5 Section 7 (Privileges), DAMA DMBOK2 Chapter on Data Security (reference) | Instructor runs a privilege audit script against the student's database and compares to the submitted privilege matrix; pass = matrix is accurate AND all four users have only their intended permissions confirmed by live testing. |
| 7 | Streaming Replication Setup and Failover | 13 | lab | Students configure streaming replication between a primary and a hot-standby PostgreSQL server, verify replication lag, and perform a controlled promote-standby failover. |
| Two Linux VMs on the same virtual network, PostgreSQL 16 on both, pg_basebackup, pg_stat_replication view, failover runbook template, PostgreSQL Documentation Chapter 26 (High Availability) | Instructor inspects pg_stat_replication output (captured screenshot) during replication and confirms the promoted standby is writable with no data loss for committed transactions; pass = replication confirmed AND failover runbook includes all steps in correct order. |
| 8 | Routine Maintenance: VACUUM, ANALYZE, pg_dump, and Monitoring | 12 | practice | Students perform and schedule routine PostgreSQL maintenance tasks including manual and autovacuum tuning, logical backups with pg_dump, and server health monitoring using built-in views. |
| PostgreSQL 16 VM, pgbench, pg_dump/pg_restore, pg_stat_* system catalog views, health report template, PostgreSQL Documentation Chapters 24 (Routine Database Maintenance) and 25 (Backup and Restore) | Instructor verifies restored database object counts match original using the verification query and reviews the health report for accurate interpretation of at least four monitoring views; pass = zero object-count discrepancy in restore AND health report correctly identifies at least three server metrics. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PostgreSQL Administration Written Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher (scored by item; partial credit not awarded) | A 50-question closed-book exam covering PostgreSQL architecture, configuration parameters, SQL syntax, index types, replication concepts, role/privilege model, and routine maintenance; questions are mapped to EnterpriseDB PostgreSQL CE exam domains to provide targeted preparation. Students have 90 minutes; results are returned with a domain-by-domain breakdown so gaps can be addressed in Lesson 5 and Lesson 6 review. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Live Administration Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Instructor-scored rubric: 18 of 24 points required; no safety violation permitted | In a 45-minute proctored session, students receive a scenario card and must complete three tasks on a fresh VM: install PostgreSQL and configure pg_hba.conf to meet stated authentication requirements, create a specified schema with tables and privileges, and produce an EXPLAIN ANALYZE plan for a provided query and propose one indexing improvement with a written justification. Each task is scored on correctness (0–3), efficiency (0–3), and documentation quality (0–2). Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | All 8 lesson lab logs submitted; average score of 80% across the lab-log rubric | Students maintain a cumulative digital lab log (a shared Google Doc or Markdown file in a class Git repository) with timestamped entries for every hands-on activity, including terminal output, screenshots, configuration file excerpts, and a brief reflection on what succeeded and what required troubleshooting. The instructor scores each entry on completeness, technical accuracy, and reflection quality using a 10-point rubric. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Server-Room and Physical Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% on all critical safety items; any critical item failure requires immediate remediation and re-check before the student may continue lab work | The instructor conducts an observed safety walkthrough and brief oral check at the beginning of Lesson 1 and again at the midpoint of the course; the checklist covers correct use of ESD protection when handling server hardware, proper cable management to prevent trip hazards, correct lifting posture for equipment, and the student's ability to locate emergency power-off and first-aid resources in the lab space. Non-critical findings are recorded for coaching; critical findings (e.g., student unable to identify emergency shutoff) halt lab access until corrected. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TEC-DATA86-04 Trade course
Database Backup and Recovery
91 hr · $1,090 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to design, implement, test, and document backup and recovery strategies for PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQL Server databases in physical and cloud environments. Emphasis is placed on achieving defined recovery time objectives (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO) through scheduled full, incremental, and differential backups, point-in-time recovery, and continuous archiving. Credential exam areas for PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, Microsoft DP-300, and DAMA CDMP Associate are addressed throughout.
Outcomes- Design a backup strategy that meets stated RTO and RPO requirements for at least two database platforms (PostgreSQL and one of Oracle or SQL Server).
- Execute and verify full, incremental, differential, and transaction-log backups using native tools (pg_dump, pg_basebackup, RMAN, and SQL Server backup T-SQL or Azure Backup).
- Perform point-in-time recovery (PITR) from archived write-ahead logs or redo logs and confirm database consistency after restore.
- Automate backup jobs using cron or SQL Server Agent and validate completion through job logs and checksum verification.
- Document a disaster-recovery plan including backup schedule, retention policy, off-site storage procedure, and tested restore runbook.
- Apply safe data-center work practices including proper handling of removable media, cable management, and recognition of electrical hazards in server rooms.
Course text
Students learn to design, implement, test, and document backup and recovery strategies for PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQL Server databases in physical and cloud environments. Emphasis is placed on achieving defined recovery time objectives (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO) through scheduled full, incremental, and differential backups, point-in-time recovery, and continuous archiving. Credential exam areas for PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, Microsoft DP-300, and DAMA CDMP Associate are addressed throughout.
How the course runs. 8 blocks: Backup Fundamentals: RTO, RPO, and Backup Types; PostgreSQL Logical Backups with pg_dump and pg_dumpall; PostgreSQL Physical Backups: pg_basebackup and WAL Archiving; Oracle RMAN Backups and Recovery; SQL Server Backups and Azure Backup for Azure SQL (DP-300 Focus); Backup Automation with Cron, SQL Server Agent, and Shell Scripts; Disaster Recovery Planning, Retention Policies, and Data-Center Safety; Integrated Backup and Recovery Capstone Lab: Full Scenario Test.
What competent looks like. Design a backup strategy that meets stated RTO and RPO requirements for at least two database platforms (PostgreSQL and one of Oracle or SQL Server). Execute and verify full, incremental, differential, and transaction-log backups using native tools (pg_dump, pg_basebackup, RMAN, and SQL Server backup T-SQL or Azure Backup). Perform point-in-time recovery (PITR) from archived write-ahead logs or redo logs and confirm database consistency after restore. Automate backup jobs using cron or SQL Server Agent and validate completion through job logs and checksum verification. Document a disaster-recovery plan including backup schedule, retention policy, off-site storage procedure, and tested restore runbook. Apply safe data-center work practices including proper handling of removable media, cable management, and recognition of electrical hazards in server rooms.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Backup Fundamentals: RTO, RPO, and Backup Types | 10 | theory | Students will define RTO, RPO, full, incremental, differential, and transaction-log backup types and match each to a realistic business scenario. |
| PostgreSQL documentation (postgresql.org) — Chapter on Continuous Archiving; Oracle Database Backup and Recovery User's Guide (docs.oracle.com); Microsoft Learn DP-300 study path — backup and restore module; whiteboard; scenario card set | Five-question written quiz on definitions and scenario matching; students must score 80% or higher to proceed. |
| 2 | PostgreSQL Logical Backups with pg_dump and pg_dumpall | 12 | lab | Students will use pg_dump and pg_dumpall to create plain-text and custom-format backups of a multi-schema database and restore individual objects using pg_restore. |
| Lab workstations running PostgreSQL 15 or later; psql, pg_dump, pg_restore installed; sample Northwind or DVD-rental database restored; PostgreSQL documentation Chapter 26 (Backup and Restore); lab log template | Instructor reviews completed lab log showing commands, output, row-count verification, and timing data; all three backup formats must be demonstrated with correct restore; lab log scored on a provided rubric with 80% as passing. |
| 3 | PostgreSQL Physical Backups: pg_basebackup and WAL Archiving | 14 | lab | Students will configure WAL archiving, take a base backup with pg_basebackup, and perform a point-in-time recovery to a target timestamp using a recovery configuration file. |
| Lab workstations running PostgreSQL 15 or later; bash shell; pg_basebackup; postgresql.conf and pg_hba.conf; PostgreSQL documentation on WAL archiving and PITR (Sections 26.3–26.4); lab log template | Student demonstrates a live PITR to an instructor-specified timestamp in under 10 minutes during a lab check; recovered row count must exactly match expected value; 100% of required steps must appear in lab log. |
| 4 | Oracle RMAN Backups and Recovery | 12 | demo | Students will execute RMAN full and incremental backup scripts, register the database in a recovery catalog, and restore a datafile to recover from a simulated media failure. |
| Oracle Database Express Edition (XE) or Oracle Database 19c lab instance; RMAN command-line client; Oracle Database Backup and Recovery User's Guide (docs.oracle.com); lab log template; instructor-prepared demo script | Instructor evaluates lab log for correct RMAN command syntax, successful backup verification output, and demonstrated datafile restore; student must complete the restore exercise independently with a passing rubric score of 80%. |
| 5 | SQL Server Backups and Azure Backup for Azure SQL (DP-300 Focus) | 12 | lab | Students will perform full, differential, and transaction-log backups of a SQL Server database using T-SQL and configure automated backups for an Azure SQL Database, mapping each task to the DP-300 exam objective area. |
| SQL Server Express or Developer Edition on lab workstation; SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Azure Data Studio; Azure free-tier or student subscription; Microsoft Learn DP-300 study path; T-SQL reference (learn.microsoft.com); lab log template | Lab log reviewed by instructor for correct T-SQL syntax, VERIFYONLY confirmation, successful PITR restore, and the Azure comparison table; 80% rubric score required. |
| 6 | Backup Automation with Cron, SQL Server Agent, and Shell Scripts | 10 | practice | Students will write and schedule automated backup scripts using cron for PostgreSQL and Linux-based Oracle, and SQL Server Agent jobs for SQL Server, including logging and email-alert placeholders. |
| Linux lab workstation with cron; PostgreSQL 15+; SQL Server Developer Edition with SQL Server Agent enabled; bash reference; Microsoft SQL Server Agent documentation; peer-review checklist | Instructor runs each student's cron job live, inspects the resulting log file, and confirms old-file deletion works; SQL Server Agent job history must show at least one successful run; 80% on peer-review checklist required. |
| 7 | Disaster Recovery Planning, Retention Policies, and Data-Center Safety | 12 | theory | Students will draft a written disaster-recovery plan that includes a backup schedule, retention policy, off-site or cloud storage procedure, restore runbook, and server-room safety practices aligned with OSHA general industry standards. |
| DR plan template (instructor-prepared); OSHA General Industry standards overview; DAMA DMBOK2 Chapter on Data Storage and Operations; scenario descriptions; hazard-identification worksheet | Completed DR plan scored on instructor rubric (schedule completeness, retention logic, runbook step-by-step clarity, safety section accuracy); 80% required; safety worksheet must be 100% complete. |
| 8 | Integrated Backup and Recovery Capstone Lab: Full Scenario Test | 9 | lab | Students will independently design and execute a complete backup-and-recovery cycle for a multi-platform environment (PostgreSQL and one additional platform), verify all restores, and present a documented restore runbook. |
| Lab workstation with PostgreSQL 15+ and one of Oracle XE or SQL Server Developer; all tools from previous lessons; incident log template; restore runbook template; scenario packet (instructor-prepared) | Instructor evaluates whether recovery meets the scenario's stated RTO and RPO, whether all commands are correctly documented, and whether the student can explain decisions under questioning; 80% on combined rubric (execution 60%, documentation 25%, debrief 15%) is required to pass. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backup and Recovery Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 80% correct (32 of 40 questions) | A 40-question written exam covering backup type definitions, RTO/RPO concepts, PITR theory, RMAN terminology, SQL Server backup syntax, WAL archiving configuration, retention policy design, and data-center safety rules; questions are drawn from PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, DP-300, and DAMA CDMP Associate exam domains. Students have 60 minutes and may not use notes or references. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Live Recovery Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Instructor rubric score of 80% or higher; recovery must succeed within the stated RTO | The instructor assigns a previously unseen failure scenario (platform and failure type disclosed at the start); the student has 90 minutes to recover the database to a verified consistent state, narrating decisions aloud. The rubric evaluates correct tool selection, command accuracy, verification steps, and ability to explain recovery choices. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Cumulative Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | 80% average score across all lab log rubrics; no individual lesson lab log may score below 70% | Students submit a compiled portfolio of all lab logs from Lessons 2 through 8; each log must include the objective, all commands used with output, row-count or checksum verification, timing data, and a reflection on what would be done differently; the portfolio demonstrates documented, reproducible practice aligned with DAMA data operations and PostgreSQL CE exam expectations. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Server-Room Safety Walkthrough Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% of critical safety items marked satisfactory; any critical item failed requires immediate remediation and re-check | Using a provided checklist derived from OSHA General Industry standards, the instructor observes each student conducting a simulated server-room safety inspection: the student must correctly identify electrical hazard controls, cable management issues, proper lifting technique for rack equipment, and emergency shutdown location; all critical items must be marked satisfactory with no unsatisfactory ratings allowed on a final submission. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TEC-DATA86-05 Trade course
Database Security & Role Management
91 hr · $1,090 COMPLIMENTARY
Learners implement defense-in-depth security for relational database systems, covering authentication, authorization, role-based access control (RBAC), auditing, encryption, and regulatory compliance requirements. Hands-on labs use PostgreSQL and align with Oracle and Microsoft DP-300 security domain objectives. This course prepares learners to harden production databases against internal and external threats while maintaining auditable access controls.
Outcomes- Configure authentication methods (password, md5, scram-sha-256, peer, and certificate-based) in PostgreSQL pg_hba.conf and equivalent Oracle/SQL Server mechanisms.
- Design and implement a role hierarchy using least-privilege principles, granting and revoking object-level privileges for users, roles, and groups in PostgreSQL, Oracle, and Azure SQL.
- Enable and query database audit logs to detect unauthorized access attempts and produce a written incident summary.
- Apply transparent data encryption (TDE) and column-level encryption concepts, and configure SSL/TLS connections to a database server.
- Map organizational data-access policies to technical controls and document compliance with a data governance framework (DAMA CDMP Associate domain: Data Security).
- Apply physical and environmental safety practices when working in server rooms, including lockout/tagout awareness and proper handling of powered networking equipment.
Course text
Learners implement defense-in-depth security for relational database systems, covering authentication, authorization, role-based access control (RBAC), auditing, encryption, and regulatory compliance requirements. Hands-on labs use PostgreSQL and align with Oracle and Microsoft DP-300 security domain objectives. This course prepares learners to harden production databases against internal and external threats while maintaining auditable access controls.
How the course runs. 8 blocks: Database Threat Landscape & Physical/Environmental Safety; Authentication: pg_hba.conf, Password Policies & Scram-SHA-256; Role-Based Access Control: Privileges, Roles & Least Privilege; SSL/TLS Encryption in Transit & Certificate Management; Encryption at Rest: TDE Concepts, pgcrypto & Column Encryption; Auditing: pg_audit, Log Analysis & Incident Reporting; Regulatory Compliance: Data Security Policy & DAMA CDMP Alignment; Integrated Security Lab: Harden a Production-Like Database.
What competent looks like. Configure authentication methods (password, md5, scram-sha-256, peer, and certificate-based) in PostgreSQL pg_hba.conf and equivalent Oracle/SQL Server mechanisms. Design and implement a role hierarchy using least-privilege principles, granting and revoking object-level privileges for users, roles, and groups in PostgreSQL, Oracle, and Azure SQL. Enable and query database audit logs to detect unauthorized access attempts and produce a written incident summary. Apply transparent data encryption (TDE) and column-level encryption concepts, and configure SSL/TLS connections to a database server. Map organizational data-access policies to technical controls and document compliance with a data governance framework (DAMA CDMP Associate domain: Data Security). Apply physical and environmental safety practices when working in server rooms, including lockout/tagout awareness and proper handling of powered networking equipment.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Database Threat Landscape & Physical/Environmental Safety | 9 | theory | Learners identify the most common database attack vectors, classify data sensitivity levels, and describe physical safety procedures required in data center environments. |
| OSHA electrical safety guidance (osha.gov), CIS PostgreSQL Benchmark (cisecurity.org), DAMA DMBOK2 Chapter 7 excerpt (Data Security), whiteboard, printed STRIDE worksheet | Learner correctly classifies at least 8 of 10 data fields and identifies all five physical hazards on the safety worksheet; instructor reviews and initials each sheet before the next lesson. |
| 2 | Authentication: pg_hba.conf, Password Policies & Scram-SHA-256 | 12 | lab | Learners configure PostgreSQL client authentication using multiple methods (trust, md5, scram-sha-256, peer) by editing pg_hba.conf and verify that only authorized connections succeed. |
| PostgreSQL 16 documentation (postgresql.org/docs), Oracle Database Security Guide (docs.oracle.com), Microsoft DP-300 Study Guide, Linux VMs with PostgreSQL 16 installed (one per learner or pair), pg_hba.conf template handout | Learner demonstrates a working pg_hba.conf where: (1) a local DBA connects via peer, (2) an app user connects via scram-sha-256, and (3) an anonymous remote connection is refused; all three outcomes verified by instructor observation. Pass = all three verified correctly. |
| 3 | Role-Based Access Control: Privileges, Roles & Least Privilege | 14 | lab | Learners design and implement a multi-tier RBAC schema in PostgreSQL using CREATE ROLE, GRANT, REVOKE, and row-level security (RLS) to enforce least-privilege access for at least three organizational roles. |
| PostgreSQL 16 documentation (GRANT, CREATE ROLE, Row Security Policies chapters), sample hospital schema SQL script (provided), Linux VMs, psql client | Instructor-run test script performs five privilege checks against the learner's database; learner must block all three unauthorized operations and permit all two authorized ones. Pass = 5 of 5 checks correct. |
| 4 | SSL/TLS Encryption in Transit & Certificate Management | 10 | demo | Learners configure PostgreSQL to require SSL connections using a self-signed certificate, verify encryption is active, and explain the role of certificates in client authentication. |
| OpenSSL command-line tool, PostgreSQL 16 SSL documentation, Microsoft DP-300 TDE reference material, Linux VMs, instructor demo slide deck | Learner produces a terminal screenshot showing sslmode=require in \conninfo and a failed unencrypted connection attempt; instructor verifies outputs. Pass = both conditions demonstrated. |
| 5 | Encryption at Rest: TDE Concepts, pgcrypto & Column Encryption | 10 | lab | Learners apply column-level encryption to sensitive fields in PostgreSQL using the pgcrypto extension and describe how Oracle TDE and Azure SQL TDE protect data files at rest. |
| PostgreSQL pgcrypto documentation, Oracle TDE documentation excerpt (docs.oracle.com), Microsoft DP-300 study guide (encryption at rest section), Linux VMs, pgcrypto extension, sample schema SQL | Learner runs instructor-provided SELECT against their table; pgp_sym_decrypt must return the original SSN for authorized query and raw file inspection must show ciphertext only. Pass = both conditions met plus correct written scenario response (instructor rubric: 3 of 3 key points addressed). |
| 6 | Auditing: pg_audit, Log Analysis & Incident Reporting | 12 | lab | Learners enable session and object auditing using the pgaudit extension, reproduce a simulated unauthorized access attempt, query audit logs, and write a structured incident summary report. |
| pgaudit extension and documentation (github.com/pgaudit/pgaudit), PostgreSQL 16 logging documentation, sample log file (provided), incident report template, word processor | Learner submits log excerpt with all simulated attack events highlighted and correctly classified (pass = 4 of 5 events identified) plus incident report scored by instructor rubric requiring correct evidence citation, severity classification, and at least two actionable remediation steps. |
| 7 | Regulatory Compliance: Data Security Policy & DAMA CDMP Alignment | 12 | theory | Learners connect database security controls implemented in previous lessons to regulatory frameworks (HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2 at a general level) and to the DAMA CDMP Data Security knowledge area, producing a security-policy document for a sample organization. |
| DAMA DMBOK2 Chapter 7 (Data Security) summary handout, sample organizational security policy (provided), PCI-DSS requirement summary (pcisecuritystandards.org), HIPAA security rule overview (hhs.gov), word processor | Policy document scored by instructor rubric: must address access control, encryption at rest and in transit, audit logging, and separation of duties with at least one specific PostgreSQL mechanism named for each; pass = all four areas addressed with correct mechanisms. |
| 8 | Integrated Security Lab: Harden a Production-Like Database | 12 | lab | Learners independently apply all course security controls — authentication, RBAC, SSL, encryption, and auditing — to a preconfigured insecure PostgreSQL instance, producing a hardened database and a completed CIS Benchmark checklist. |
| Linux VM with intentionally misconfigured PostgreSQL 16 (provided by instructor), CIS PostgreSQL Benchmark (cisecurity.org), pgaudit, OpenSSL, pgcrypto, Hardening Summary Report template | All five penetration simulation attacks must be blocked or captured in audit log (pass = 5 of 5); CIS checklist must have at least 90% of applicable items checked with evidence; Hardening Summary Report must reference each major control implemented. Instructor signs off checklist. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security Concepts Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 75% or higher (38 of 50 points) | A 50-question written exam covering database threat models, authentication methods, privilege types, encryption concepts (in transit and at rest), audit logging purposes, and regulatory compliance frameworks aligned to PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, Microsoft DP-300 security domain, and DAMA CDMP Data Security knowledge area. Questions include multiple choice, matching, and short answer; learners have 90 minutes. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Role & Security Configuration Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Instructor checklist: all 6 required items demonstrated correctly within 45 minutes | Learner receives a blank PostgreSQL 16 instance and a written scenario (fictional company with three roles and two sensitive tables); they must configure scram-sha-256 authentication, create the required role hierarchy with correct GRANT statements, enable SSL, implement one pgcrypto encrypted column, enable pgaudit, and demonstrate that an unauthorized role cannot access a restricted table — all observed and checked off by the instructor in real time. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | At least 6 of 8 lab entries complete with correct outputs and written reflections; no missing safety entries | Learners maintain a running lab log (digital document) for all eight lessons, recording commands used, outputs observed, errors encountered and resolved, and a two-to-three sentence reflection on how each control addresses a specific threat; the safety entries from Lesson 1 must be present and complete for the portfolio to be eligible for a passing score. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Physical & Environmental Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | 100% on all safety-critical items (no partial credit for safety items); overall checklist pass = 8 of 10 items | Instructor-observed walkthrough in the lab server room or simulated data-center space: learner must correctly identify emergency power-off location, demonstrate proper cable management, describe lockout/tagout applicability before touching powered network equipment, identify at least two slip/trip hazards, and explain what PPE (safety glasses, ESD wrist strap) is required and when; any missed safety-critical item (lockout/tagout, emergency shutoff) requires immediate remediation before the learner may continue lab work. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TEC-DATA86-06 Trade course
ETL Pipelines: Extract, Transform, and Load for Database Administration
91 hr · $1,090 COMPLIMENTARY
Students design, build, and operate ETL pipelines that move data reliably between source systems and relational databases, with emphasis on PostgreSQL and cloud-compatible workflows. Topics cover extraction from flat files, APIs, and relational sources; transformation logic including cleaning, type casting, and business-rule application; and load strategies including truncate-reload, upsert, and incremental patterns. Students connect ETL practice to data governance, quality, and the credential exam areas covered by DAMA CDMP, Oracle DBA CA, and Microsoft DP-300.
Outcomes- Design a multi-stage ETL pipeline architecture that identifies data sources, transformation rules, and target load strategy from a written specification.
- Extract data from CSV flat files, JSON REST APIs, and a PostgreSQL source database using Python scripts and command-line tools with zero data loss.
- Apply transformation logic — including deduplication, null handling, data-type conversion, and business-rule validation — to produce a clean staging dataset that meets a defined acceptance threshold.
- Execute truncate-reload, upsert (INSERT … ON CONFLICT), and date-range incremental load patterns against a PostgreSQL target database and verify row counts and checksums.
- Implement error logging, row-level rejection, and pipeline restart capability so that a failed run can be diagnosed and resumed without duplicating or losing records.
- Evaluate a peer's pipeline design against data-quality and security criteria drawn from DAMA CDMP and Microsoft DP-300 exam objectives and produce a written review.
Course text
Students design, build, and operate ETL pipelines that move data reliably between source systems and relational databases, with emphasis on PostgreSQL and cloud-compatible workflows. Topics cover extraction from flat files, APIs, and relational sources; transformation logic including cleaning, type casting, and business-rule application; and load strategies including truncate-reload, upsert, and incremental patterns. Students connect ETL practice to data governance, quality, and the credential exam areas covered by DAMA CDMP, Oracle DBA CA, and Microsoft DP-300.
How the course runs. 8 blocks: ETL Concepts, Architecture, and Trade Vocabulary; Extracting Data from Flat Files and Databases; Transformation Logic: Cleaning, Casting, and Business Rules; Load Strategies: Truncate-Reload, Upsert, and Incremental Load; Error Handling, Logging, and Pipeline Restart; Pipeline Orchestration with a Scheduler; ETL Security, Data Privacy, and Governance Alignment; End-to-End Pipeline Build and Peer Review.
What competent looks like. Design a multi-stage ETL pipeline architecture that identifies data sources, transformation rules, and target load strategy from a written specification. Extract data from CSV flat files, JSON REST APIs, and a PostgreSQL source database using Python scripts and command-line tools with zero data loss. Apply transformation logic — including deduplication, null handling, data-type conversion, and business-rule validation — to produce a clean staging dataset that meets a defined acceptance threshold. Execute truncate-reload, upsert (INSERT … ON CONFLICT), and date-range incremental load patterns against a PostgreSQL target database and verify row counts and checksums. Implement error logging, row-level rejection, and pipeline restart capability so that a failed run can be diagnosed and resumed without duplicating or losing records. Evaluate a peer's pipeline design against data-quality and security criteria drawn from DAMA CDMP and Microsoft DP-300 exam objectives and produce a written review.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ETL Concepts, Architecture, and Trade Vocabulary | 7 | theory | Students will explain the three ETL stages, distinguish ETL from ELT, and map pipeline components to real database administration tasks. |
| Whiteboard, ETL architecture poster, DAMA DMBOK2 Chapter 8 excerpt (data integration and interoperability), Microsoft DP-300 exam skills outline (official Microsoft Learn), instructor-prepared slide deck | 10-question written quiz on ETL vocabulary, stage order, and ETL-vs-ELT distinctions; pass = 70% or higher |
| 2 | Extracting Data from Flat Files and Databases | 11 | lab | Students will write Python scripts using the csv and psycopg2 modules to extract data from CSV files and a PostgreSQL source database into a local staging area with verified row counts. |
| Student laptops, Python 3 (standard library + pip), psycopg2 library, requests library, PostgreSQL 15 source database (instructor VM), sample CSV and API endpoint provided by instructor, PostgreSQL documentation (postgresql.org) | Lab submission: working Python scripts plus a plain-text log showing correct row counts for all three sources; pass = scripts execute without unhandled exceptions and all row counts match instructor answer key within 0 rows |
| 3 | Transformation Logic: Cleaning, Casting, and Business Rules | 12.5 | lab | Students will apply a set of specified transformation rules — null substitution, data-type casting, deduplication, and a business-rule filter — to a staging dataset and produce a clean output file that passes automated validation. |
| Student laptops, Python 3, pandas library, instructor-prepared dirty CSV dataset, instructor-provided validation Python script, data dictionary specifying target schema and business rules, DAMA DMBOK2 Chapter 13 excerpt (data quality) | Clean output file passes the instructor validation script with zero schema errors and a row-rejection rate at or below 5%; error log correctly documents every rejected row with a reason code; pass = both criteria met |
| 4 | Load Strategies: Truncate-Reload, Upsert, and Incremental Load | 12.5 | lab | Students will implement three distinct load patterns against a PostgreSQL target database and verify data integrity using row counts, checksums, and a duplicate-check query after each load. |
| Student laptops, PostgreSQL 15 target database (student schema on instructor VM), psycopg2, instructor-prepared clean staging files for each pattern, PostgreSQL COPY documentation, DP-300 study guide section on data loading patterns | Post-load SQL queries (provided by instructor) return row counts and checksums that match expected values for all three patterns; pass = all three patterns pass with zero discrepancy |
| 5 | Error Handling, Logging, and Pipeline Restart | 11 | practice | Students will add structured error handling and a checkpoint restart mechanism to an existing ETL script so that a simulated mid-run failure can be diagnosed and the pipeline restarted without data duplication or loss. |
| Student laptops, Python 3 logging module, psycopg2, PostgreSQL 15, instructor-prepared base ETL script (intentionally missing error handling), checkpoint file template, pipeline run log template | Demonstration to instructor: student triggers the simulated failure, shows the checkpoint file contents, restarts the pipeline, and queries the database to prove correct final row count and no duplicates; pass = correct final count with no duplicates confirmed by instructor query |
| 6 | Pipeline Orchestration with a Scheduler | 9 | demo | Students will schedule an end-to-end ETL pipeline using cron (Linux) or Task Scheduler (Windows) and confirm that the pipeline runs unattended at a specified interval and sends an email-style notification on success or failure. |
| Linux VM with cron, PostgreSQL 15, Python 3, instructor-prepared Airflow demo environment (read-only access), Airflow documentation (airflow.apache.org), cron syntax reference | Student shows a cron job entry, a test run log file, and a populated notifications table row; instructor verifies the scheduled run executed correctly; pass = all three artifacts present and correct |
| 7 | ETL Security, Data Privacy, and Governance Alignment | 10 | theory | Students will identify at least four security and privacy risks in ETL pipelines and map each risk to a control drawn from PostgreSQL role-based access, connection encryption, and DAMA CDMP data governance principles. |
| Student laptops, PostgreSQL 15 with SSL configured on instructor VM, pg_hba.conf documentation, DAMA DMBOK2 Chapter 11 excerpt (data security), Microsoft DP-300 skills outline, instructor-prepared case study and risk-control matrix worksheet | Completed risk-control matrix with at least four risks each mapped to a specific PostgreSQL or governance control; instructor reviews for accuracy; pass = all four risks correctly mapped with no invented controls |
| 8 | End-to-End Pipeline Build and Peer Review | 18 | lab | Students will independently build a complete, documented ETL pipeline from a new data source to a PostgreSQL target database and conduct a structured peer review using a rubric drawn from DAMA CDMP and DP-300 exam criteria. |
| Student laptops, Python 3, psycopg2, PostgreSQL 15, instructor-prepared pipeline specification, peer-review rubric (maps to DAMA CDMP data integration and DP-300 objectives), architecture diagram template | Instructor evaluates pipeline code (runs correctly against instructor test data), documentation (all required sections present and accurate), and peer-review (substantive and rubric-criteria-based); pass = pipeline produces correct output on instructor test data AND documentation and peer-review both scored as satisfactory by instructor |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETL Concepts and Design Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% or higher (28 of 40 points) | A 40-question written exam covering ETL architecture, stage definitions, load pattern selection, error-handling strategies, and the mapping of ETL controls to DAMA CDMP data integration and Microsoft DP-300 exam objectives. Questions include multiple choice, matching, and short written responses requiring students to justify a design choice. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Pipeline Build Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Instructor marks all four checkpoints as Pass; any Fail checkpoint requires a single remediation attempt within one week | The student receives an unseen pipeline specification and has a timed session to produce a working Python ETL script; the instructor evaluates four checkpoints live: successful extraction with correct row count, clean transformation output with error log, correct load verified by SQL query, and presence of structured logging and error handling. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Notebook and Run Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | At least 6 of 8 lessons' lab logs submitted and scored satisfactory; any missing or unsatisfactory log must be corrected and resubmitted | Students maintain a running lab log documenting each lab session: the task objective, commands and code snippets used, observed outputs and row counts, errors encountered and how they were resolved, and a reflection sentence connecting the lab to a credential exam objective. The portfolio is reviewed at course midpoint and again at course end. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| ETL Security and Workplace Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | All mandatory items marked Pass; a single Fail on any mandatory item requires immediate correction before the student may continue unsupervised lab work | Instructor uses a checklist to verify that the student's pipeline never stores credentials in plain-text code, uses an SSL-required connection to PostgreSQL, applies a least-privilege database role, and logs errors without writing sensitive data values to the log file; the checklist also confirms the student can locate the lab emergency procedures and identify the correct response to an electrical hazard at a workstation (OSHA general industry electrical safety, consistent with OSHA 10 training from Course 1). Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TEC-DATA86-07 Trade course
Data Governance & Quality
91 hr · $1,090 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to design and operate data governance frameworks, define data stewardship roles, and apply data-quality techniques including profiling, cleansing, and monitoring within relational and cloud environments. The course maps directly to the DAMA CDMP Associate exam domains and supports the data-management competencies tested in Oracle DBA CA and Microsoft DP-300. Learners leave able to implement governance policies, measure data quality, and document lineage and metadata in a production-like PostgreSQL or Azure SQL environment.
Outcomes- Define and document a data governance framework including roles, policies, and a data dictionary aligned to DAMA DMBOK domains.
- Profile a dataset using SQL and a profiling tool to identify completeness, uniqueness, validity, consistency, and accuracy failures.
- Design and implement data-quality rules as database constraints, CHECK logic, and automated pipeline checks in PostgreSQL.
- Build and maintain a metadata repository and data lineage map for a multi-source data flow.
- Apply master data management (MDM) concepts to identify and resolve duplicate and conflicting records across source systems.
- Demonstrate safe, professional data-handling practices including access controls, audit logging, and compliance documentation aligned to applicable data-privacy regulations.
Course text
Students learn to design and operate data governance frameworks, define data stewardship roles, and apply data-quality techniques including profiling, cleansing, and monitoring within relational and cloud environments. The course maps directly to the DAMA CDMP Associate exam domains and supports the data-management competencies tested in Oracle DBA CA and Microsoft DP-300. Learners leave able to implement governance policies, measure data quality, and document lineage and metadata in a production-like PostgreSQL or Azure SQL environment.
How the course runs. 8 blocks: Foundations of Data Governance and the DAMA DMBOK; Data Policies, Standards, and the Data Dictionary; Data Profiling: Measuring Quality Dimensions; Data Cleansing and Standardization Techniques; Metadata Management and Data Lineage; Master Data Management and Duplicate Resolution; Data Quality Monitoring, Audit Logging, and Compliance Documentation; Governance Framework Integration: Capstone Preparation and Credential Mapping.
What competent looks like. Define and document a data governance framework including roles, policies, and a data dictionary aligned to DAMA DMBOK domains. Profile a dataset using SQL and a profiling tool to identify completeness, uniqueness, validity, consistency, and accuracy failures. Design and implement data-quality rules as database constraints, CHECK logic, and automated pipeline checks in PostgreSQL. Build and maintain a metadata repository and data lineage map for a multi-source data flow. Apply master data management (MDM) concepts to identify and resolve duplicate and conflicting records across source systems. Demonstrate safe, professional data-handling practices including access controls, audit logging, and compliance documentation aligned to applicable data-privacy regulations.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foundations of Data Governance and the DAMA DMBOK | 10 | theory | Students will explain the eleven DAMA DMBOK knowledge areas, the governance wheel, and the roles of data steward, data owner, and data custodian in an organization. |
| DAMA DMBOK 2nd edition (physical or e-book), whiteboard, role-assignment cards, blank governance framework template (instructor-provided) | Students submit a completed DMBOK knowledge-area map with at least one concrete job-task example per area; instructor scores against a rubric requiring correct placement for at least 9 of 11 areas to pass. |
| 2 | Data Policies, Standards, and the Data Dictionary | 11 | demo | Students will draft a data governance policy document and build a data dictionary for a sample operational database using a spreadsheet and a PostgreSQL information_schema query. |
| PostgreSQL 15 training instance, DBeaver CE, Microsoft Excel or LibreOffice Calc, instructor-provided governance policy template, DAMA DMBOK reference | Completed data dictionary covers all 15 tables with business definition, owner, data type, and sensitivity classification filled in; peer-review checklist confirms completeness; instructor verifies SQL queries execute without error — 100% of required columns populated to pass. |
| 3 | Data Profiling: Measuring Quality Dimensions | 12 | lab | Students will use SQL aggregate queries and an open-source profiling tool to measure the six DAMA data-quality dimensions (completeness, uniqueness, timeliness, validity, accuracy, consistency) against a realistic dirty dataset. |
| PostgreSQL 15, Python 3.x, Great Expectations library, DBeaver CE, provided dirty CSV dataset, data-quality report template, DAMA DMBOK quality dimensions reference card | SQL scripts execute without error, profiling report identifies at least 8 distinct quality issues across at least 4 dimensions, and dimension scores are justified with row counts; instructor verifies report accuracy — at least 6 of 8 issues must match instructor key to pass. |
| 4 | Data Cleansing and Standardization Techniques | 11 | lab | Students will write SQL and Python routines to correct, standardize, and reject data-quality violations identified in the profiling lab, applying transformations in a staging-to-target ETL pattern. |
| PostgreSQL 15, Python 3.x with pandas and psycopg2, DBeaver CE, Great Expectations, earlier profiling report, instructor-provided correction rules reference | Target table passes at least 90% of expectation suite assertions; rejected-records table is populated with a rejection_reason column; improvement delta is calculated and documented — both code and report must meet threshold to pass. |
| 5 | Metadata Management and Data Lineage | 11 | demo | Students will build a metadata repository table in PostgreSQL and draw a data-lineage diagram for a three-source ETL pipeline, demonstrating understanding of technical and business metadata. |
| PostgreSQL 15, draw.io (diagrams.net), Apache Atlas community edition or instructor-provided metadata tool, DBeaver CE, DAMA DMBOK metadata chapter reference | Metadata repository table contains correct entries for all pipeline stages; lineage diagram accounts for all three sources and the target without missing edges; instructor verifies against pipeline documentation — repository must be 100% complete and diagram must have zero missing nodes to pass. |
| 6 | Master Data Management and Duplicate Resolution | 12 | practice | Students will apply MDM concepts to identify, score, and resolve duplicate customer records across two source systems using deterministic and probabilistic matching techniques in SQL. |
| PostgreSQL 15 with pg_trgm extension, DBeaver CE, provided synthetic dual-source customer CSVs, MDM scoring rubric template, DAMA DMBOK MDM chapter | Match table generated by SQL with no syntax errors; scoring rubric applied to all candidate pairs; golden-record table has zero duplicate keys; merge logic is documented — all four criteria must be met to pass. |
| 7 | Data Quality Monitoring, Audit Logging, and Compliance Documentation | 12 | lab | Students will implement an ongoing data-quality monitoring process using PostgreSQL triggers and scheduled queries, set up an audit log table, and produce a compliance summary document referencing applicable data-privacy principles. |
| PostgreSQL 15 with pg_cron extension, DBeaver CE, Linux terminal (Ubuntu 22.04 VM), cron scheduling reference, data-privacy principles handout (instructor-prepared), compliance document template | Trigger fires correctly on all three DML operations and audit_log records are accurate; scheduled job runs and populates quality_log; compliance document references at least three privacy principles with correct explanations — all three deliverables must be complete and accurate to pass. |
| 8 | Governance Framework Integration: Capstone Preparation and Credential Mapping | 12 | practice | Students will assemble all governance artifacts from the course into a unified governance framework package and identify which DAMA CDMP, DP-300, and Oracle DBA CA exam domains each artifact addresses. |
| All artifacts from Lessons 1–7, credential-mapping worksheet (instructor-provided), DAMA CDMP Associate exam domain outline, Microsoft DP-300 exam skills outline, Oracle DBA exam objectives list, presentation rubric | Governance package contains all seven required artifacts with no missing sections; credential-mapping worksheet correctly links at least 10 of 14 artifact-to-domain pairings; peer rubric scores average at least 3 out of 4 on clarity and completeness — all three criteria must be met to pass. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Governance & Quality Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% or higher (minimum 28 of 40 questions correct) | A 40-question closed-book written exam covering DAMA DMBOK knowledge areas, data-quality dimensions, MDM concepts, metadata types, audit and compliance principles, and governance roles; questions are mapped directly to DAMA CDMP Associate exam domains and to relevant DP-300 and Oracle DBA CA objectives. Students have 60 minutes to complete the exam. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Data Profiling and Cleansing Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Instructor checklist: all five required steps demonstrated correctly; at least 90% of expectation suite assertions pass on the cleaned dataset | Each student receives a previously unseen 10,000-row dirty dataset and has 90 minutes to profile it with SQL and Great Expectations, document at least six quality issues, apply cleansing transformations, and demonstrate the improvement in a re-run of the expectation suite while the instructor observes and asks two oral clarifying questions. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Governance Artifact Lab Log | Log | 15% | All seven artifacts present, complete, and internally consistent; instructor scores rubric at 80% or higher across completeness, accuracy, and professional presentation criteria | Students submit the complete governance framework package assembled in Lesson 8, including data dictionary, quality assessment report, lineage diagram, MDM golden-record documentation, audit-log design, compliance summary, and credential-mapping worksheet; the package is evaluated for technical accuracy, internal consistency across artifacts, and professional formatting. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Safe Data-Handling and Access-Control Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | All critical items on the safety checklist marked correct; zero critical failures permitted | Instructor uses a structured checklist to verify that each student's lab environment demonstrates correct role-based access control (no superuser connections for application accounts), audit logging enabled and tested, sensitive columns masked or restricted, and that the student can verbally explain why each control supports data-privacy and organizational security policy — any critical item failed requires remediation and recheck before the student advances. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TEC-DATA86-08 Trade course
Cloud Storage for Database Administrators
91 hr · $1,090 COMPLIMENTARY
This course teaches database administrators how to deploy, configure, manage, and secure relational and non-relational databases on major cloud platforms including AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Students work with managed database services, cloud object storage, networking controls, cost management tools, and disaster-recovery configurations. Lessons map directly to Microsoft DP-300 exam domains and DAMA CDMP data management competencies.
Outcomes- Deploy and configure managed relational database services (AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database, Google Cloud SQL) using both the cloud console and command-line interfaces.
- Design and implement cloud storage architectures—including object storage buckets, block storage volumes, and managed database tiers—appropriate to performance, availability, and cost requirements.
- Apply network security controls including VPCs, private endpoints, firewall rules, and role-based access to protect cloud-hosted databases from unauthorized access.
- Configure automated backups, point-in-time restore, geo-replication, and failover groups to meet defined recovery time and recovery point objectives.
- Monitor cloud database performance using platform-native tools, interpret metrics and alerts, and tune configuration parameters to maintain service-level targets.
- Estimate and control cloud database costs using pricing calculators, reserved-instance planning, and rightsizing analysis.
Course text
This course teaches database administrators how to deploy, configure, manage, and secure relational and non-relational databases on major cloud platforms including AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Students work with managed database services, cloud object storage, networking controls, cost management tools, and disaster-recovery configurations. Lessons map directly to Microsoft DP-300 exam domains and DAMA CDMP data management competencies.
How the course runs. 8 blocks: Cloud Fundamentals and Shared-Responsibility Model for DBAs; Managed Relational Database Services: Deploy and Connect; Cloud Object Storage and File-Based Data Movement; Network Security: VPCs, Private Endpoints, and Firewall Rules; Cloud Backup, Point-in-Time Restore, and Geo-Replication; Identity, Access Management, and Encryption for Cloud Databases; Performance Monitoring and Cost Management; Cloud DBA Capstone Lab: Deploy, Secure, and Recover a Multi-Tier Cloud Database.
What competent looks like. Deploy and configure managed relational database services (AWS RDS, Azure SQL Database, Google Cloud SQL) using both the cloud console and command-line interfaces. Design and implement cloud storage architectures—including object storage buckets, block storage volumes, and managed database tiers—appropriate to performance, availability, and cost requirements. Apply network security controls including VPCs, private endpoints, firewall rules, and role-based access to protect cloud-hosted databases from unauthorized access. Configure automated backups, point-in-time restore, geo-replication, and failover groups to meet defined recovery time and recovery point objectives. Monitor cloud database performance using platform-native tools, interpret metrics and alerts, and tune configuration parameters to maintain service-level targets. Estimate and control cloud database costs using pricing calculators, reserved-instance planning, and rightsizing analysis.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cloud Fundamentals and Shared-Responsibility Model for DBAs | 10 | theory | Students will explain the shared-responsibility security model for IaaS, PaaS, and DBaaS tiers and identify which security controls the DBA must own on each major cloud platform. |
| AWS Free Tier account, Azure free account, Google Cloud free account; cloud provider shared-responsibility whitepapers (publicly available); Microsoft DP-300 study guide (Microsoft Press); DAMA DMBOK2 Chapter 6 (Data Storage and Operations) | 10-question written quiz on shared-responsibility model, cloud service tiers, and DBA-owned controls; pass mark 70%. |
| 2 | Managed Relational Database Services: Deploy and Connect | 14 | lab | Students will provision a managed PostgreSQL or SQL Server instance on at least two cloud platforms, configure connection strings, and verify connectivity from a client workstation. |
| AWS Console and AWS CLI v2; Azure Portal and Azure CLI; Google Cloud Console and gcloud CLI; psql client; Azure Data Studio; lab VMs (Windows or Linux); Microsoft DP-300 Official Practice Tests; EnterpriseDB PostgreSQL documentation | Instructor verifies live connection to each provisioned instance and reviews the run-book for all required configuration steps; pass requires successful connection on both platforms and a complete, accurate run-book. |
| 3 | Cloud Object Storage and File-Based Data Movement | 10 | lab | Students will create and configure cloud object storage buckets (S3, Azure Blob, GCS), apply access policies, and use storage as a staging area for database imports and exports. |
| AWS S3 console and AWS CLI; Azure Blob Storage and Azure CLI; Google Cloud Storage console; sample CSV dataset (provided); cloud pricing calculators (publicly available); spreadsheet application | Lab report showing screenshots of bucket configuration (encryption, access policy, versioning) and successful data load with row-count verification; pass requires correct encryption and access settings plus matching row counts. |
| 4 | Network Security: VPCs, Private Endpoints, and Firewall Rules | 12 | lab | Students will design and implement a secure network topology that places a managed database in a private subnet accessible only through defined private endpoints and security groups. |
| AWS VPC console and AWS CLI; Azure VNet and private endpoint documentation; Wireshark (for transit inspection demo); network diagram templates; NIST SP 800-53 (network controls reference, publicly available); Microsoft DP-300 exam objective list | Instructor tests connectivity from an external IP (expected: refused) and from a VM in the approved subnet (expected: successful); written threat-model document graded on identifying all three flaws with correct remediation; pass requires both network tests to pass and all three flaws identified. |
| 5 | Cloud Backup, Point-in-Time Restore, and Geo-Replication | 14 | lab | Students will configure automated backup policies and geo-redundant replication on a managed cloud database, then execute and verify a point-in-time restore to a specific timestamp. |
| AWS RDS console; Azure SQL Database geo-replication documentation; Azure Portal; lab timer (to measure actual restore duration against RTO); Microsoft DP-300 study guide chapters on business continuity; DAMA DMBOK2 Chapter 6 | Instructor confirms restored instance contains the previously deleted table; failover demo shows successful promotion of secondary; written RTO/RPO exercise reviewed for correct service selection and justification; pass requires all three verified. |
| 6 | Identity, Access Management, and Encryption for Cloud Databases | 10 | demo | Students will implement least-privilege IAM roles for database access, enable encryption at rest and in transit, and audit access events using cloud-native logging tools. |
| AWS IAM console; AWS CloudTrail; Azure Key Vault; Azure Monitor; Azure SQL Database portal; Microsoft DP-300 exam objective list (security domain); DAMA CDMP exam body of knowledge (data security chapter) | Role-access test: student demonstrates the read-only role cannot execute a DROP TABLE (expected error) but can execute SELECT; TDE status shown as enabled with customer key; log worksheet complete with all required fields; pass mark 80% on worksheet. |
| 7 | Performance Monitoring and Cost Management | 11 | practice | Students will interpret cloud database performance metrics, set threshold-based alerts, and produce a rightsizing recommendation that reduces estimated monthly cost without violating performance targets. |
| AWS CloudWatch console; Azure Monitor and Query Performance Insight; simulated cost report spreadsheet (instructor-provided); AWS and Azure pricing calculators (publicly available); Microsoft DP-300 study guide (monitoring and optimization chapters) | CloudWatch alarm demonstrated as active with correct threshold; at least two valid CREATE INDEX statements confirmed by instructor review; cost worksheet shows correct arithmetic and a recommendation with numeric savings estimate; pass requires all three elements present and correct. |
| 8 | Cloud DBA Capstone Lab: Deploy, Secure, and Recover a Multi-Tier Cloud Database | 10 | lab | Students will independently plan, deploy, secure, back up, and recover a managed cloud database environment to a written specification, producing a complete run-book and a brief oral explanation of their decisions. |
| Cloud platform accounts (AWS or Azure per student choice); all CLI tools and consoles used throughout the course; run-book template (instructor-provided); Microsoft DP-300 exam objective checklist (used as self-review before submission); DAMA DMBOK2 reference | All specified services deployed and verified by instructor; recovery drill completed with table restored and actual recovery time within the scenario's RTO; run-book contains all required sections; oral questions answered correctly; pass requires all deployment checks passed, RTO met, and at least two of three oral questions answered correctly. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Concepts and Services Written Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% correct (28 of 40 questions) | A 40-question closed-book exam covering shared-responsibility model, cloud service tiers, managed database service options, storage classes, IAM principles, encryption methods, and backup/replication concepts across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Questions are written to mirror the style of Microsoft DP-300 and DAMA CDMP Associate exam items. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Live Cloud Database Deployment Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | All five required configuration checkpoints verified by instructor; no critical security misconfiguration present | Each student independently provisions a managed PostgreSQL or SQL Server instance on an assigned cloud platform, configures a private network, applies least-privilege IAM, enables encryption at rest and in transit, and sets up an automated backup—all within a 90-minute window. The instructor checks each checkpoint using the cloud console and CLI commands. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Log Portfolio | Log | 15% | At least 6 of 7 lab entries complete with screenshots, correct configuration details, and a written reflection; no missing safety or access-control steps | Students maintain a cumulative lab log throughout the course, submitting a structured entry for each lab lesson that includes the objective, steps taken, screenshots of key configurations, actual results versus expected results, and a one-paragraph reflection on what would change in a production environment. The portfolio is reviewed at the end of the course. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Cloud Security and Access Control Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical findings; all five security checklist items confirmed; any minor finding corrected on the spot | Using a standardized five-item checklist (public access disabled, encryption at rest enabled, encryption in transit enforced, least-privilege IAM applied, audit logging active), the instructor audits the student's capstone lab environment. This check mirrors the security hardening objectives tested in the Microsoft DP-300 exam and reinforces data stewardship principles from the DAMA CDMP body of knowledge. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TEC-DATA86-09 Trade course
Bash Automation for Database Administration
91 hr · $1,090 COMPLIMENTARY
Students learn to write, test, and deploy Bash shell scripts that automate routine PostgreSQL, Oracle, and cloud database administration tasks including backups, health checks, log parsing, ETL triggers, and scheduled maintenance jobs. Emphasis is placed on scripting best practices, error handling, and secure credential management so that automation artifacts are reliable, auditable, and safe to run in production environments. Lesson outcomes map directly to scripting and operational-automation competencies tested in the EDB PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, and Microsoft DP-300 credential exams.
Outcomes- Write syntactically correct Bash scripts that automate at least five routine DBA tasks, including backup initiation, log rotation, health polling, and alert dispatch, achieving zero syntax errors on bash --norc -n linting.
- Implement robust error handling with exit codes, trap statements, and conditional logic so that scripts detect failures, log diagnostic messages, and send email or webhook alerts without manual intervention.
- Schedule and manage Bash-driven cron jobs and systemd timer units on a Linux server, documenting each job's schedule, purpose, owner, and expected output in a runbook.
- Apply secure credential-management techniques—including environment variables, .pgpass files, Oracle wallets, and secrets-file permissions—to prevent plaintext passwords in script source code.
- Parse and summarize structured log files using grep, awk, and sed, producing human-readable reports that satisfy data-governance audit trail requirements covered in the DAMA CDMP Associate exam domain.
- Demonstrate professional version control discipline by committing all scripts to a Git repository with meaningful commit messages, a README, and a changelog before handing off automation to an operations team.
Course text
Students learn to write, test, and deploy Bash shell scripts that automate routine PostgreSQL, Oracle, and cloud database administration tasks including backups, health checks, log parsing, ETL triggers, and scheduled maintenance jobs. Emphasis is placed on scripting best practices, error handling, and secure credential management so that automation artifacts are reliable, auditable, and safe to run in production environments. Lesson outcomes map directly to scripting and operational-automation competencies tested in the EDB PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, and Microsoft DP-300 credential exams.
How the course runs. 8 blocks: Linux Shell Foundations and the DBA Command Line; Script Structure, Variables, and Control Flow; Error Handling, Exit Codes, and Logging; Automating PostgreSQL Backup and Restore; Cron, systemd Timers, and Job Scheduling; Log Parsing and Report Generation with grep, awk, and sed; Secure Credential Management and Script Hardening; Git Version Control for DBA Automation Libraries.
What competent looks like. Write syntactically correct Bash scripts that automate at least five routine DBA tasks, including backup initiation, log rotation, health polling, and alert dispatch, achieving zero syntax errors on bash --norc -n linting. Implement robust error handling with exit codes, trap statements, and conditional logic so that scripts detect failures, log diagnostic messages, and send email or webhook alerts without manual intervention. Schedule and manage Bash-driven cron jobs and systemd timer units on a Linux server, documenting each job's schedule, purpose, owner, and expected output in a runbook. Apply secure credential-management techniques—including environment variables, .pgpass files, Oracle wallets, and secrets-file permissions—to prevent plaintext passwords in script source code. Parse and summarize structured log files using grep, awk, and sed, producing human-readable reports that satisfy data-governance audit trail requirements covered in the DAMA CDMP Associate exam domain. Demonstrate professional version control discipline by committing all scripts to a Git repository with meaningful commit messages, a README, and a changelog before handing off automation to an operations team.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Linux Shell Foundations and the DBA Command Line | 10 | theory | Students will identify and correctly use fundamental Bash constructs—variables, quoting rules, command substitution, pipelines, and redirections—as the building blocks of all subsequent DBA automation. |
| Linux VM (VirtualBox or cloud instance), GNU Bash Reference Manual (gnu.org), terminal emulator, lab journal template | Instructor reviews lab journal entries; student must answer correctly at least 8 of 10 spot-check questions on quoting rules, pipe behavior, and redirect syntax to pass this lesson checkpoint. |
| 2 | Script Structure, Variables, and Control Flow | 12 | demo | Students will construct well-structured Bash scripts that use shebang lines, comments, named variables, positional parameters, if/elif/else logic, and for/while loops to carry out a branching DBA workflow. |
| Linux VM, psql client, text editor (VS Code or vim), bash manual pages, peer-review checklist handout | Script must pass bash --norc -n with zero errors, correctly branch on all three test conditions, and receive at least 5 of 6 on the peer checklist; instructor spot-checks one script per pair. |
| 3 | Error Handling, Exit Codes, and Logging | 11 | demo | Students will add robust error detection to scripts using set -euo pipefail, trap ERR handlers, meaningful exit codes, and timestamped log output routed to syslog and a flat file. |
| Linux VM, pg_dump, PostgreSQL 15 documentation (Section on server administration), sample broken script provided by instructor, syslog viewer (journalctl) | Refactored script must log a timestamped error message and exit with a non-zero code when given a bad database name; instructor injects three failure conditions and the script must catch all three to pass. |
| 4 | Automating PostgreSQL Backup and Restore | 12 | lab | Students will write and validate a production-quality Bash script that performs scheduled PostgreSQL logical backups using pg_dump, manages backup retention, and executes a test restore into a staging database. |
| Linux VM, PostgreSQL 15, pg_dump, psql, gzip, .pgpass file, lab journal, EDB PostgreSQL CE exam guide | Script must complete a full backup-and-restore cycle with zero errors, the restored row count must match the source, .pgpass must be 0600 permissions, and the lab journal entry must be complete; all three conditions required to pass. |
| 5 | Cron, systemd Timers, and Job Scheduling | 10 | practice | Students will schedule Bash DBA scripts using both crontab and systemd timer units, verify execution at the correct interval, and document each scheduled job in a formatted runbook entry. |
| Linux VM with systemd, crontab, journalctl, runbook template (Word/Markdown), Microsoft DP-300 exam skills outline | Cron job must appear in cron log with a success exit code; systemd timer must show ACTIVE in list-timers output; runbook entries must include all five required fields to pass. |
| 6 | Log Parsing and Report Generation with grep, awk, and sed | 12 | lab | Students will parse PostgreSQL and Oracle alert log files using grep, awk, and sed to extract error counts, slow-query events, and connection statistics, then format results into a plain-text summary report suitable for a data-governance audit. |
| Linux VM, sample PostgreSQL log file (instructor-provided), pg_stat_statements CSV export, awk manual (man awk), DAMA CDMP Body of Knowledge chapter on data quality | Error-count report must match the answer key within ±2 counts; IP-redaction sed command must redact all 50 test IPs with zero false negatives; awk top-10 table must sort correctly; all three checked to pass. |
| 7 | Secure Credential Management and Script Hardening | 12 | practice | Students will apply layered credential-management techniques—environment files, .pgpass, Oracle wallets, restricted file permissions, and secrets scanning—to eliminate plaintext passwords from all scripts in their automation library. |
| Linux VM, OpenSSL, .pgpass, pg_hba.conf, .env file template, grep, OSHA 10 lockout/tagout analogy handout, Oracle DBA CA exam guide section on security | grep scan of all five scripts must return zero plaintext-password hits; pg_hba.conf must use scram-sha-256 or cert method; OSHA checklist must be fully completed with no blank items to pass. |
| 8 | Git Version Control for DBA Automation Libraries | 12 | practice | Students will initialize a Git repository, commit all course scripts with descriptive messages and a README, manage branches for script versions, and demonstrate a pull-request-style review workflow appropriate for a professional DBA team. |
| Linux VM, Git, GitHub or GitLab account, VS Code with GitLens extension, Conventional Commits specification (conventionalcommits.org), README template | Repository must contain all five core scripts, a README with all required sections, at least one merged feature branch, and a CHANGELOG with at least three dated entries; instructor clones the repo and verifies all files run without modification to pass. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bash Automation Knowledge Exam | Written exam | 25% | 70% or higher (42 of 60 points) | A 60-question written exam covering Bash syntax, control flow, error-handling constructs, cron and systemd scheduling syntax, log-parsing tools (grep, awk, sed), and secure credential-management principles. Questions are drawn from EDB PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, and Microsoft DP-300 scripting and automation exam objectives; students must score at least 70% to demonstrate readiness for those credential exams. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Live Scripting Skills Demonstration | Skills demonstration | 45% | Pass on all four evaluated tasks; any single failure requires a re-demo within five business days | In a 45-minute proctored session, the student receives a new scenario (database name, server list, retention policy) and must write from scratch, without notes: a backup script with error handling, a cron entry, a log-parsing one-liner, and a .pgpass configured correctly; the instructor evaluates correctness, security, and code clarity using a four-point rubric. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Lab Journal and Script Portfolio Log | Log | 15% | All eight lesson lab-journal entries present and complete; script portfolio contains all five required scripts passing bash --norc -n with zero errors | Students submit their lab journal (digital or handwritten, scanned) containing entries for all eight lessons plus their Git repository URL; the instructor verifies that each entry includes the task performed, commands used, output observed, and any errors encountered and resolved, confirming a continuous record of skill development aligned with DAMA CDMP audit-trail documentation standards. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
| Script Security and Safe-Practices Safety Check | Safety audit | 15% | Zero critical findings; all checklist items marked compliant | Using a structured 20-item checklist, the instructor audits the student's complete script library for critical safety and security items: no plaintext passwords, correct file permissions (0600 on credential files), set -euo pipefail present in every script, all cron jobs logged, no world-writable script files, and service accounts following least-privilege principle; this check mirrors the OSHA lockout/tagout discipline taught in Course 1 applied to the digital-operations context, and any critical finding must be corrected and re-checked before the student may advance to the Capstone. Standard met · Safety · Time · Quality/finish · Documentation |
TEC-DATA86-10 Capstone
Capstone Project: Integrated Database Administration System Build
162 hr · $1,620 COMPLIMENTARY
Students design, build, secure, automate, and document a production-grade relational database system that integrates skills from every prior course in the program. The capstone culminates in a formal technical defense before a panel of instructors and an industry reviewer, demonstrating job-entry competency across all credential exam domains.
Outcomes- Design and implement a normalized, multi-table PostgreSQL database that meets documented business requirements and passes a structured code and schema review.
- Configure role-based access control, encrypted connections, and an automated backup/recovery schedule that satisfies a written security and continuity policy.
- Build and schedule an ETL pipeline that ingests, transforms, and loads data from at least two heterogeneous sources into the target database with logged error handling.
- Apply data governance principles including a data dictionary, data quality checks, and lineage documentation that conform to DAMA DMBOK framework areas.
- Produce a complete professional technical package—ERD, data flow diagram, runbook, and change log—using industry-standard documentation conventions.
- Defend design decisions, troubleshoot live scenarios, and respond to examiner questions demonstrating knowledge aligned to PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, DP-300, and CDMP Associate exam domains.
Course text
Students design, build, secure, automate, and document a production-grade relational database system that integrates skills from every prior course in the program. The capstone culminates in a formal technical defense before a panel of instructors and an industry reviewer, demonstrating job-entry competency across all credential exam domains.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Project Scoping, Requirements Analysis, and Architecture Planning; Database Build: Schema, Security, Backup, and ETL Implementation; Documentation, Governance Artifacts, and Runbook Completion; Defense Preparation, Dry Run, and Final Presentation.
What competent looks like. Design and implement a normalized, multi-table PostgreSQL database that meets documented business requirements and passes a structured code and schema review. Configure role-based access control, encrypted connections, and an automated backup/recovery schedule that satisfies a written security and continuity policy. Build and schedule an ETL pipeline that ingests, transforms, and loads data from at least two heterogeneous sources into the target database with logged error handling. Apply data governance principles including a data dictionary, data quality checks, and lineage documentation that conform to DAMA DMBOK framework areas. Produce a complete professional technical package—ERD, data flow diagram, runbook, and change log—using industry-standard documentation conventions. Defend design decisions, troubleshoot live scenarios, and respond to examiner questions demonstrating knowledge aligned to PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, DP-300, and CDMP Associate exam domains.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project Scoping, Requirements Analysis, and Architecture Planning | 30 | practice | Students produce a signed-off project charter, entity-relationship diagram, and architecture diagram that fully define scope, data sources, security boundaries, and cloud or on-premises hosting before any build work begins. |
| Instructor-issued business scenario brief, pgModeler or draw.io (free tier), ERD rubric checklist, DAMA DMBOK 2nd edition (Chapter 5 – Data Modeling), project charter template, PostgreSQL 15 documentation | Instructor sign-off on charter and ERD; rubric score of 80% or higher on completeness, normalization correctness, and clarity before the student is cleared to proceed to Lesson 2. |
| 2 | Database Build: Schema, Security, Backup, and ETL Implementation | 72 | lab | Students implement the approved schema in PostgreSQL, configure role-based access and TLS connections, schedule automated pg_dump backups with a tested restore procedure, and build an ETL pipeline using Python or pgAgent that loads and transforms data from two sources into the live database. |
| PostgreSQL 15 on a local VM or cloud sandbox (AWS RDS free tier or Azure Database for PostgreSQL), Python 3 with psycopg2 and pandas, pgAdmin 4, OpenSSL for certificate generation, pg_dump / pg_restore, supplied CSV and SQLite source files, CIS PostgreSQL Benchmark (current version), pgAgent documentation | Automated test suite (instructor-provided SQL scripts) must pass at least 18 of 20 integrity and security checks; restore drill must recover the database to a point-in-time within the prior 24 hours with zero data loss; ETL pipeline must complete without unhandled exceptions and load records within a 5% tolerance of the expected row count. |
| 3 | Documentation, Governance Artifacts, and Runbook Completion | 36 | practice | Students produce a complete technical documentation package—including a data dictionary, data quality rule log, lineage diagram, operational runbook, and change log—sufficient for a new DBA to operate and maintain the system without additional guidance. |
| DAMA DMBOK 2nd edition (Chapters 6, 13), data dictionary template (instructor-provided), draw.io for lineage diagram, Microsoft Word or Google Docs, runbook template (instructor-provided), PostgreSQL system catalog reference (pg_class, information_schema) | Documentation package reviewed against a 25-item rubric; all eight data quality rules must be syntactically correct and execute without error; runbook must be judged complete and navigable by a peer acting as a new DBA in a 10-minute walkthrough exercise; minimum rubric score of 80%. |
| 4 | Defense Preparation, Dry Run, and Final Presentation | 24 | field | Students rehearse and deliver a formal 30-minute technical defense of their capstone system before a panel, responding to live troubleshooting scenarios and examiner questions that map to PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, DP-300, and CDMP Associate exam competency areas. |
| Defense scoring rubric (instructor-provided), slide deck tool (PowerPoint or Google Slides), live PostgreSQL environment with instructor access for fault injection, examiner question bank mapped to PostgreSQL CE / Oracle DBA CA / DP-300 / CDMP Associate domains, projection equipment, defense feedback form | Panel scores each section of the defense rubric (technical accuracy, documentation quality, communication clarity, troubleshooting performance, response to questions); student must achieve a composite score of 80% or higher across all rubric sections and resolve at least 2 of 3 injected faults correctly to pass the defense. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capstone System Build and Documentation Package | Project | 60% | 80% or higher on the project rubric, with no critical failures (schema errors that violate 3NF, restore drill failure, or unresolved security misconfiguration that allows privilege escalation) left unremediated | The evaluator reviews the complete deliverable set—DDL scripts, running database, ETL pipeline, backup/restore evidence, security configuration, data dictionary, data quality log, lineage diagram, and runbook—against a 50-point weighted rubric covering correctness, completeness, security posture, and professional documentation quality. This assessment maps directly to all four credential exam domains: schema design (PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA), cloud and managed database configuration (DP-300), and data governance artifacts (CDMP Associate). Meets specification · Within estimate · Workmanship · Safety · Documentation |
| Professional Portfolio Submission | Portfolio | 20% | All seven required artifacts submitted; minimum score of 80% on the portfolio rubric assessing organization, accuracy, and professional presentation | Students compile and submit a professional portfolio containing seven artifacts in a single organized PDF or shared drive folder: the signed project charter, final ERD, security policy memo, ETL pipeline code with inline comments, data dictionary, operational runbook with change log, and a one-page personal reflection on skill growth and credential readiness. The portfolio is intended as a job-search artifact demonstrating competency to prospective employers and aligns with the professional documentation standards emphasized in the DAMA CDMP Associate and DP-300 credential areas. Completeness · Organization · Evidence quality |
| Technical Defense Oral Examination | Oral / panel | 20% | Composite panel score of 80% or higher across all rubric sections; resolution of at least 2 of 3 injected database faults during the live troubleshooting segment | A panel of at least two evaluators assesses the student's 30-minute live defense covering system architecture, security design, ETL logic, governance approach, and lessons learned, followed by a minimum 10-minute examiner Q&A session drawing questions from the PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, DP-300, and CDMP Associate exam competency areas. Scoring rubric sections include technical accuracy (30%), communication and professionalism (20%), documentation quality (20%), live troubleshooting (20%), and response to examiner questions (10%). Explains decisions · Answers technical questions · Professional communication |
TEC-DATA86-11 Externship / clinical
Externship / Worksite Placement
243 hr · $970 COMPLIMENTARY
Students complete 243 supervised hours at an employer site performing real database administration, data management, and ETL tasks under the direction of a credentialed industry mentor. Work is structured across an orientation phase, core DBA duties, a mentor-assigned project, and a professional reflection, mirroring the full scope of the PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, Microsoft DP-300, and DAMA CDMP Associate exam domains in a live production environment. Employer evaluations and a structured field log document competency attainment against program outcomes.
Outcomes- Perform assigned database administration tasks—including backup/recovery checks, user role management, and query tuning—safely and correctly in a live or near-production environment under mentor supervision.
- Apply data governance and quality principles on real organizational data assets, demonstrating practices aligned with DAMA CDMP Associate exam domains.
- Execute or assist with at least one ETL or cloud-storage workflow using employer-approved tools, documenting steps and outcomes in a structured field log.
- Demonstrate professional workplace behavior including punctuality, communication, and compliance with site security and acceptable-use policies.
- Receive a passing employer evaluation score on all rated competency dimensions at the conclusion of the placement.
- Produce a written professional reflection that connects worksite experiences to certification exam domains and identifies areas for continued development.
Course text
Students complete 243 supervised hours at an employer site performing real database administration, data management, and ETL tasks under the direction of a credentialed industry mentor. Work is structured across an orientation phase, core DBA duties, a mentor-assigned project, and a professional reflection, mirroring the full scope of the PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, Microsoft DP-300, and DAMA CDMP Associate exam domains in a live production environment. Employer evaluations and a structured field log document competency attainment against program outcomes.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Site Orientation, Security Compliance & Safety Review; Core DBA Duties Under Supervision; Mentor-Assigned Applied Project; Final Evaluation & Professional Reflection.
What competent looks like. Perform assigned database administration tasks—including backup/recovery checks, user role management, and query tuning—safely and correctly in a live or near-production environment under mentor supervision. Apply data governance and quality principles on real organizational data assets, demonstrating practices aligned with DAMA CDMP Associate exam domains. Execute or assist with at least one ETL or cloud-storage workflow using employer-approved tools, documenting steps and outcomes in a structured field log. Demonstrate professional workplace behavior including punctuality, communication, and compliance with site security and acceptable-use policies. Receive a passing employer evaluation score on all rated competency dimensions at the conclusion of the placement. Produce a written professional reflection that connects worksite experiences to certification exam domains and identifies areas for continued development.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Site Orientation, Security Compliance & Safety Review | 24 | field | The student completes all employer onboarding requirements, reviews site-specific data security and acceptable-use policies, and identifies physical and digital safety procedures relevant to the worksite before performing any independent tasks. |
| Employer onboarding packet, site acceptable-use and data classification policies, field log workbook (paper or digital), OSHA 10 card (student-issued from Course 1), program competency mapping guide | Mentor signs orientation checklist confirming all access controls are in place and student can correctly explain the site's incident-reporting procedure; field log entries for both shadow shifts are complete and show at least one exam-domain mapping per observed task. Pass: all checklist items signed and field log reviewed as satisfactory by mentor. |
| 2 | Core DBA Duties Under Supervision | 108 | field | The student independently executes assigned, recurring database administration tasks—including scheduled backup verification, user/role provisioning, index maintenance, and performance monitoring—under daily mentor oversight, logging each task and its outcome. |
| Employer RDBMS environment (PostgreSQL, Oracle, SQL Server, or cloud equivalent), ticketing system access, field log workbook, program competency mapping guide, employer runbook or SOP documentation | Field log shows a minimum of 108 hours of dated, task-level entries; mentor mid-placement evaluation rates the student at 'Meets Expectations' or higher on accuracy, professionalism, and safety compliance on the employer rubric (minimum passing score: 70% on each rated dimension). |
| 3 | Mentor-Assigned Applied Project | 81 | field | The student plans, executes, and documents a focused applied project assigned by the employer mentor—such as automating a backup report, migrating a schema, building a small ETL pipeline, or auditing user permissions—and delivers a brief written project summary. |
| Employer RDBMS and automation environment, version control system (Git or employer equivalent), field log workbook, project plan template (provided by program), employer runbook or SOP documentation | Mentor signs the project plan before work begins; written project summary is submitted and mentor rates project quality at 'Meets Expectations' or higher on the employer rubric; field log shows daily progress notes for all project hours. Pass: mentor sign-off on summary and rubric score of 70% or higher. |
| 4 | Final Evaluation & Professional Reflection | 30 | field | The student completes the employer's final competency evaluation, consolidates and submits the complete field log, and writes a structured professional reflection mapping worksite experiences to certification exam domains and identifying personal development priorities. |
| Employer final evaluation rubric, complete field log workbook, program hour-verification form, reflection prompt guide (provided by program) | Employer rubric is fully completed and signed by mentor with an overall score of 70% or higher across all dimensions; field log totals 243 verified hours with mentor signatures; professional reflection is submitted and program coordinator confirms all three required reflection elements are addressed with sufficient specificity. Pass: all three conditions met. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employer Competency Evaluation (Skills Demonstration) | Skills demonstration | 70% | A score of 70% or higher on each rated dimension of the employer evaluation rubric, signed by the supervising mentor at the conclusion of the placement. | The employer mentor completes a structured rubric rating the student's demonstrated technical skills (backup/recovery, user management, query work, ETL or automation tasks), reliability, communication, adherence to site security policies, and professional conduct across the full placement. This live-environment skills demonstration directly reflects the hands-on competency areas assessed by the PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, DP-300, and DAMA CDMP credentials. Competency · Safety · Attendance · Conduct · Initiative |
| Field Log Portfolio (Lab Log) | Log | 30% | All 243 hours documented with dated, task-level entries; all required mentor sign-offs present; program coordinator review rated as Complete and Satisfactory. | The student submits the complete field log as a professional portfolio artifact containing daily task records, meeting summaries, trouble-ticket documentation, project progress notes, and certification exam-domain mappings accumulated across all four placement phases. The program coordinator audits the log for completeness, specificity of entries, and accuracy of hour totals; a log that is missing entries, lacks mentor signatures, or contains hours that cannot be verified does not pass and requires remediation before the credential can be awarded. Complete · Verified |
TEC-DATA86-12 Exam prep
Certification Exam Preparation: PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, Microsoft DP-300, and DAMA CDMP Associate
68 hr · $680 COMPLIMENTARY
This course systematically reviews every domain tested on the PostgreSQL CE (EDB), Oracle DBA CA, Microsoft DP-300, and DAMA CDMP Associate exams, using targeted content review, worked practice questions, and timed full-length mock exams. Students identify personal weak areas through diagnostic scoring, then close gaps through focused drills before sitting their chosen credential exam. Exam registration logistics, test-day strategy, and professional portfolio completion are also covered.
Outcomes- Map personal knowledge gaps to specific exam domains across all four credentials using diagnostic practice tests and adjust a study plan accordingly.
- Demonstrate command of PostgreSQL CE exam topics including installation, configuration, performance tuning, high availability, and security as defined by EnterpriseDB's published exam objectives.
- Answer Oracle DBA CA exam-level questions covering Oracle database architecture, instance management, storage structures, backup and recovery with RMAN, and user security.
- Solve Microsoft DP-300 exam scenarios involving deploying, securing, monitoring, and optimizing Azure SQL, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines.
- Respond correctly to DAMA CDMP Associate exam questions spanning data governance, data quality, data modeling, master data management, and related DAMA-DMBOK2 knowledge areas.
- Complete timed, full-length mock exams for each credential under realistic conditions and score at or above each credential's published passing threshold before the program ends.
Course text
This course systematically reviews every domain tested on the PostgreSQL CE (EDB), Oracle DBA CA, Microsoft DP-300, and DAMA CDMP Associate exams, using targeted content review, worked practice questions, and timed full-length mock exams. Students identify personal weak areas through diagnostic scoring, then close gaps through focused drills before sitting their chosen credential exam. Exam registration logistics, test-day strategy, and professional portfolio completion are also covered.
How the course runs. 4 blocks: Diagnostic Assessment and Exam Domain Mapping; PostgreSQL CE and Oracle DBA CA Domain Review; Microsoft DP-300 and DAMA CDMP Associate Domain Review; Full-Length Timed Mock Examinations and Exam Readiness Certification.
What competent looks like. Map personal knowledge gaps to specific exam domains across all four credentials using diagnostic practice tests and adjust a study plan accordingly. Demonstrate command of PostgreSQL CE exam topics including installation, configuration, performance tuning, high availability, and security as defined by EnterpriseDB's published exam objectives. Answer Oracle DBA CA exam-level questions covering Oracle database architecture, instance management, storage structures, backup and recovery with RMAN, and user security. Solve Microsoft DP-300 exam scenarios involving deploying, securing, monitoring, and optimizing Azure SQL, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines. Respond correctly to DAMA CDMP Associate exam questions spanning data governance, data quality, data modeling, master data management, and related DAMA-DMBOK2 knowledge areas. Complete timed, full-length mock exams for each credential under realistic conditions and score at or above each credential's published passing threshold before the program ends.
| # | Lesson | Hr | Type | Objective | Activities | Materials | Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diagnostic Assessment and Exam Domain Mapping | 10 | practice | Students complete a scored diagnostic practice test for each of the four credentials and produce a written gap-analysis study plan that prioritizes their lowest-scoring domains. |
| Diagnostic practice-question banks aligned to each credential's published objectives; official exam blueprint PDFs from EnterpriseDB, Oracle University, Microsoft Learn, and DAMA International; spreadsheet or printed domain-scoring template; student personal study-plan worksheet | Student submits a completed gap-analysis study plan that correctly names every domain for each credential, highlights domains below 70% on the diagnostic, and assigns specific review priorities; instructor verifies all four diagnostics were attempted under timed conditions — pass requires submission of all four scored diagnostics and an approved study plan. |
| 2 | PostgreSQL CE and Oracle DBA CA Domain Review | 18 | theory | Students review and accurately explain the high-weight exam domains for the PostgreSQL CE (EDB) and Oracle DBA CA credentials, working through representative exam-style questions for each domain. |
| EnterpriseDB PostgreSQL CE exam guide and sample questions (official or instructor-curated); Oracle Database Concepts documentation; Oracle Database Backup and Recovery User's Guide; RMAN command reference; flashcard software (Anki or printed cards); instructor-prepared domain review slide decks; PostgreSQL 16 documentation (postgresql.org) | Domain knowledge quiz of 40 questions (20 PostgreSQL CE, 20 Oracle DBA CA) drawn from covered material; students must score at least 75% overall and no lower than 70% on any single credential's subset to demonstrate balanced readiness — results are recorded on the student's progress tracker. |
| 3 | Microsoft DP-300 and DAMA CDMP Associate Domain Review | 20 | theory | Students review and accurately explain the high-weight exam domains for the Microsoft DP-300 and DAMA CDMP Associate credentials, practicing scenario-based and concept-based questions that match each exam's published format. |
| Microsoft Learn DP-300 learning path (learn.microsoft.com); Microsoft DP-300 exam skills outline (official, current version); Azure portal student access or Azure free-tier account; DAMA-DMBOK2: Data Management Body of Knowledge, 2nd edition; DAMA CDMP Associate exam content outline (dama.org); instructor-prepared scenario-based question sets; student answer-explanation notebook | Domain knowledge quiz of 50 questions (25 DP-300 scenario-based, 25 DAMA CDMP Associate concept-based) drawn from covered material; students must score at least 75% overall and no lower than 70% on either credential's subset — scores below threshold in any area require completion of a targeted 30-minute instructor-guided remediation drill on the failing domain before moving to the mock exam lesson. |
| 4 | Full-Length Timed Mock Examinations and Exam Readiness Certification | 20 | practice | Students sit full-length, timed mock exams that replicate the format and domain weighting of each chosen credential exam, score at or above the credential's published passing threshold, and complete all remaining exam registration and portfolio tasks. |
| Full-length mock exam question banks for each credential (instructor-curated or licensed from a recognized test-prep provider, aligned to current official exam objectives); locked-browser quiz software or printed mock exam booklets; timer; official exam registration portals (entrepdb.com, oracle.com/education, microsoft.com/en-us/learning, dama.org); student professional portfolio folder; externship employer evaluation form; instructor readiness checklist | Students must achieve a score at or above each credential's currently published passing threshold on at least one full-length mock exam for their primary target credential before the course is marked complete; students who do not reach the threshold on the first mock receive targeted remediation and must re-attempt the mock; final course pass requires: mock exam score at or above passing threshold, confirmed exam registration, and submitted professional portfolio — all three requirements must be met. |
| Assessment | Type | Weight | Pass standard | Method & rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Length Timed Mock Certification Exams | Mock certification exam | 100% | Score at or above the currently published passing threshold for the student's primary target credential on at least one full-length timed mock exam administered under closed-note, proctored conditions; students who do not pass the first mock must complete targeted domain remediation and pass a second mock attempt before the program end date. | Each student sits full-length, timed mock exams that replicate the format, domain weighting, and time constraints of the actual credential exam for their primary target credential (PostgreSQL CE, Oracle DBA CA, Microsoft DP-300, or DAMA CDMP Associate); exams are scored immediately and results are documented on the student's progress record alongside confirmed exam registration status and a completed professional portfolio, all three of which are required for program completion. Score · Time management |
Program completion
External credential: DAMA CDMP Associate; Microsoft DP-300; Oracle DBA CA; PostgreSQL CE (EDB)
Students sit the EnterpriseDB PostgreSQL CE exam (administered by EnterpriseDB), the Oracle Database Administration Certified Associate exam (administered by Oracle), the Microsoft DP-300 Administering Microsoft Azure SQL Solutions exam (administered by Microsoft through Pearson VUE), and the DAMA CDMP Associate exam (administered by DAMA International). Pass standard: Credential issued by the body.
Back to Data Management / Database Administration · How the school gets authority to award these credentials
