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Preparing for Exam 70-761, Querying Data with Transact-SQL | Certification
This exam (70-761) will earn you MCP in SQL Server 2016 Querying Data with Transact-SQL. It is 1 out of the 2 exams to earn the “MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development” certification.
I will discuss about the other “Exam 70-762, Developing SQL Databases” in my next post.
Training Kit Book:
For exam preparation you can use: Exam Ref 70-761 Querying Data with Transact-SQL
So, let’s go and understand this exam, links to study material and how to prepare for this.
–> This exam is targeted for students or professionals who want to learn about Transact-SQL or simply T-SQL, which includes:
1. Know about SQL Server and its components
2. Write single/multi table SELECT statements, with SET and Predicate logic
3. Apply Filtering, Sorting, JOIN, etc with SQL Queries
4. Write DDL, DML SQL Statements to Store and Retrieve data to & from Tables
5. Create Views, Stored Procedures, Functions, etc
6. Use inbuilt Functions and Transform data
7. Work with SQL Datatypes, Variables, Conditions, Loops and T-SQL code/scripts
The exam is divided into multiple modules:
1. Introduction to Microsoft SQL Server 2016
– The Basic Architecture of SQL Server [Architecture]
– SQL Server on-premise and cloud-based Editions and Versions [Editions]
– Getting Started with SSMS [SSMS]
2. Introduction to T-SQL Querying
– Introducing T-SQL with basic SELECT Statements [SELECT]
– Understanding Sets and SET based Queries in relational DBs
– Understanding Predicate Logic to Filter Data [WHERE clause, PREDICATES]
– Understanding the Logical Order of Operations in SELECT statements [Logical Order]
3. Writing SELECT Queries
– Writing Simple SELECT Statements, its structure and format [SELECT Queries]
– Eliminating Duplicates with DISTINCT clause [DISTINCT]
– Using Column and Table Aliases
– Writing Simple CASE Expressions [CASE]
4. Querying Multiple Tables
– Understanding Joins
– Querying with Inner Joins, Outer Joins, Cross Joins and Self Joins
5. Sorting and Filtering Data
– Sorting Data with ORDER BY clause
– Filtering Data with WHERE clause Predicates
– Filtering Data with TOP and OFFSET-FETCH
– Working with Unknown/Missing Values or three-valued logic (NULL)
6. Working with SQL Server 2016 Data Types
– Introducing SQL Server 2016 Data Types
– Working with Character Data
– Working with Date and Time Data
– Working with data types conversion
7. Using DML to Modify Data
– Inserting Data with INSERT and SELECT INTO statements
– Modifying and Deleting Data with UPDATE, MERGE, DELETE, and TRUNCATE statements
8. Using Built-In Functions
– Writing Queries with Built-In Functions
– Using Conversion Functions (CAST & CONVERT)
– Using Logical Functions
– Using Functions to Work with NULL
9. Grouping and Aggregating Data
– Using built-in Aggregate Functions
– Using the GROUP BY Clause
– Filtering Groups with HAVING
10. Using Subqueries
– Writing Self-Contained Subqueries
– Writing Correlated Subqueries
– Using the EXISTS Predicate with Subqueries
11. Using Table Expressions
– Using Views
– Using Inline Table-Valued Functions (TVFs)
– Using Derived Tables
– Using Common Table Expressions (CTEs) [CTE]
12. Using Set Operators
– Writing Queries with the UNION operator (and UNION ALL)
– Using EXCEPT and INTERSECT operators
– Using APPLY operators (CROSS APPLY and OUTER APPLY)
13. Using Windows Ranking, Offset, and Aggregate Functions
– Creating Windows with OVER clause with partitioning, ordering, and framing
– Exploring Window Aggregate and Ranking Functions
14. Pivoting and Grouping Sets
– Writing Queries with [PIVOT and UNPIVOT]
– Working with Grouping Sets, CUBE and ROLLUP Subclauses
– Using the GROUPING_ID function
15. Executing Stored Procedures
– Querying Data with Stored Procedures
– Creating Simple Stored Procedures
– Passing Parameters to Stored procedures
– Stored Procedures with output parameters
– Working with Dynamic SQL
16. Programming with T-SQL
– T-SQL Programming Elements (Variables, Batches, )
– Using variables in a Dynamic SQL Statement
– Controlling Program Flow (IF-ELSE condition, WHILE loop)
– Working with Synonyms
17. Implementing Error Handling
– Implementing T-SQL error handling with TRY/CATCH block
– Implementing structured exception handling with THROW keyword
18. Implementing Transactions
– Transactions and the database engines
– Differences between batches and transactions
– Controlling transactions with BEGIN, COMMIT, and ROLLBACK
– Error handling with the CATCH block
– Use of SET XACT_ABORT while handling Transactions
Microsoft official link to this exam: https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/learning/course.aspx?cid=20761
Book available as a Training Kit on Amazon, buy it.
SQL Server 2016 articles on my blog: https://sqlwithmanoj.com/sql-server-2016-articles/