Structured Query Language
SQL Certification Practice Test 2023

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standardized programming language for managing relational databases and performing operations on the data contained within them. SQL, which was first developed in the 1970s, is now widely used by database administrators, developers writing data integration scripts, and data analysts setting up and running analytical queries.

Modifying database table and index structures, as well as adding, updating, and removing rows of data, and obtaining subsets of information from within a database for transaction processing and analytics applications, are all possible with SQL. 

Queries and other SQL actions are expressed as statements, which are commonly utilized. Select, add, insert, update, delete, create, change, and truncate are all SQL statements.

In 1986, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved SQL as a standard, and in 1987, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) approved it. The standard has since been updated to incorporate a broader range of functions. Despite the availability of standards, most SQL code must be modified in some way before it can be ported to multiple database systems.

Take the SQL Practice Test Now!

SQL Certification

SQL Certification Importance

SQL certification will provide you an advantage over competitors with similar abilities and experience. Of course, experience and technical knowledge are crucial, but when candidates with identical profiles must be screened, credentials become the determining factor. There are many certificates, and you should pursue them one by one depending on the position you are going for and your prior experience. Certifications can also assist you in obtaining better projects and jobs within your organization. Certifications help your new team understand your specialty and essential talents if you’ve changed teams within the same organization.

Certifications will help you advance up the corporate ladder and into higher-paying jobs more quickly than your peers. Take a look at the following average salaries in the United States:

  • SQL developer: $85,000
  • SQL database administrator: $95,000
  • Senior SQL database administrator: $108,000

SQL Certification Cost

Microsoft certification exams are known for being difficult, with questions that would stump even the most experienced SQL developers and database professionals. You must complete a prerequisite course and pass the certification exam to receive a SQL Server certification. The cost of SQL certification training ranges from $1,785 to $2,975, with the exam costing roughly $165.

Most Valuable SQL Certifications (SQL Classes) :

  1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals
  2. Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification
  3. IBM Certified Database Associate
  4. Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification
  5. EDB PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification

SQL Career

SQL has a variety of functions to play in a data-centric organization, thus SQL specialists who can think analytically and apply it to SQL are in high demand in today’s software industry. SQL is an excellent career choice for people who enjoy working with data and solving problems.

Job positions:

  • Database Administrator (DBA)
  • Database Developer
  • Data base testers
  • Data Scientist
  • ETL Developer
  • Data Application Interface Developer
  • BI Application Developer
  • BI Administration
  • Big Data Expert
  • Cloud Database Expert
  • Database Migration Engineer
  • Data Analyst
  • BI Reporting Engineer
  • BI Solution Architect (SME)
  • NoSQL DBA
  • Big Data Architect

A Guide to SQL PDF

Learning SQL the “proper way” can be tough with all of the materials accessible. It isn’t easy to figure out the ideal technique to learn SQL because everyone learns things differently. SQL cheat sheet PDF, pl/SQL programs for practice PDF, SQL query questions and answers for practice PDF, and SQL certification questions and answers PDF are some of the study tools for learning SQL. We recommend taking a free SQL test to learn more about SQL.

SQL Questions and Answers

What is SQL?

The main and most extensively used programming language for relational databases is Structured Query Language (SQL). It’s used to manage and organize data in a variety of systems with a variety of data linkages.

What does SQL stand for?

The best programming language used in relational database management systems is SQL, which stands for Structured Query Language.

What is SQL used for?

Because SQL is the most widely used database language, it may be utilized by practically any enterprise that requires relational data storage. SQL queries are used to obtain data from the database, although their performance varies.

What is SQL server?

SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. T-SQL stands for Transact-SQL, a proprietary language developed by Microsoft and Sybase. Version 1.0 of SQL Server was launched in 1989.

What is SQL injection?

SQL injection is a type of attack in which malicious code is embedded in strings and then supplied to a SQL Server instance for parsing and execution.

What is T SQL?

T-SQL is a procedural language used by Microsoft’s SQL Server. This version of SQL has declared variables, transaction control, error and exception management, and row processing. The syntax of T-SQL differs from that of PL-SQL.

How long does it take to learn SQL?

Mastering the fundamental ideas of SQL and working with SQL databases should take an average learner roughly two to three weeks.

How to pronounce SQL?

The official pronunciation of “MySQL” is “My Ess Que Ell” (not “my sequel”), but some people don’t mind if you say it like “my sequel” or something else. Microsoft SQL Server is frequently misheard as “sequel server”:

How to add column in SQL?

You can use the ALTER TABLE command to add columns to an existing table in SQL by inserting the column name and description.

How to comment in SQL?

Choose the SQL code you want to uncomment or comment out. Click anywhere in the line of code for a single line. Drag the pointer through the lines of code for several lines. Toggle Comment by right-clicking on the selected SQL code. If the line was formerly active, it is now a comment.

How to create database in SQL?

Users build their own databases (administrators, developers, and testers who have access to create databases). Right-click on the databases folder and connect to SQL Server instance. The following screen will appear when you select a new database. Click OK once you’ve entered your database name in the database name area. A database called testdb will be built.

How to create view in SQL?

In the database, the CREATE VIEW statement generates a new view. After the construct VIEW keywords, specify the name of the view you want to create. Second, if you wish to replace an existing view that already exists, use the OR REPLACE option. OR REPLACE has no effect if the view does not exist. Third, create a column list for the view. The view’s columns are derived by default from the Choose statement’s select list. Finally, define the view by using a SELECT statement. Data from tables or views can be queried using the SELECT statement.

How to delete table in SQL?

The SQL DROP TABLE statement deletes a table’s definition as well as all of its data, indexes, triggers, constraints, and permissions.

How to prevent SQL injection?

SQL protection parameters are the only proven approach to defend a website from SQL injection attacks. These are custom values that were added to the SQL query during execution. The SQL protection parameters are defined using a @ marker in a SQL statement:

Is SQL between inclusive?

The begin and finish values are both included in the Between statement. The SQL Between operator is similar to SQL IN operators when used sequentially. The values defined as part of the Between range are inclusive; that is, the range’s values are included at both the start and finish values.

Is SQL hard to learn?

When you have a decent plan in place, SQL is not difficult to learn. You’ll also require the appropriate resources to back up your efforts. In reality, SQL is one of the most beginner-friendly languages.

What is PL SQL?

“Procedural Language Extensions to the Structured Query Language” is what PL/SQL stands for. SQL is a widely used language in relational database management systems for querying and updating data (RDBMS).

How to delete a row in SQL?

DELETE FROM should be used with the name of the table from which you want to remove a row. Write the condition that specifies the row in WHERE. If you’re looking for a certain row, it’s advisable to write the condition in the column with unique values. If there are many rows with the name ‘Ellen Thornton,’ they will all be eliminated. If no such name exists, no rows are eliminated.

When to use NOSQL vs SQL?

NoSQL databases can contain a variety of data types and are not as structured as SQL databases. As a result, non-relational databases offer greater adaptability and flexibility, making them a better alternative for dealing with vast amounts of unstructured, unconnected data.

In general, the larger the dataset, the more likely a NoSQL database is the preferable choice. Non-relational databases excel in scalability and availability, making them excellent for social networks and real-time applications (for example, online gaming and instant messaging).

How to check SQL server version?

  • SELECT @@version is a straightforward approach to accomplish this.
  • Another approach is to pick Properties from the right-click menu on the SQL Server instance name in SSMS.
  • You can also use the SERVERPROPERTY function to acquire information about SQL Server’s version.

How to create a stored procedure in SQL?

To build a stored procedure in SQL Server, follow these steps: 

  • On the SSMS toolbar, select New Query.
  • Create a procedure by typing (or pasting) a CREATE PROCEDURE statement
  • On the toolbar, click the Execute button.
  • The stored procedure will now be added to the database. In the Object Explorer, it’s under the Stored Procedures node.

How to create temp table in SQL?

There are two ways to make a temporary table. Using an INTO statement within a select query is the simplest way to create a temporary table. Let’s make a temporary table with all of the male student records from the student table’s names, age, and gender.

What is Microsoft SQL server?

Microsoft SQL Server is a database management solution for relational databases. It’s a database server, which is a software product whose primary function is to store and retrieve data as needed by other software applications, which can run on the same machine or across a network (including the Internet).

How to backup SQL database?

Make a contingency plan.. 

  • Connect to your SQL Server instance with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
  • In Object Explorer, expand the Databases node.
  • Right-click the database, then select “Back up” from the Tasks menu.
  • Confirm that the path for your backup is accurate under Destination.
  • To create a database backup, select OK.

How to change column name in SQL?

We can modify the column in SQL Server whenever we want. When the column name is meaningless or does not serve the purpose for which it was created, we shall rename it. Before updating the column’s name, it must be confirmed that we have altered permission on the object. Because when we rename a column, it does not mean that all references to that column will be altered as well, SQL Server has some limitations when altering the column name. All objects in the renamed column must be manually modified.

How to connect to SQL server?

You must connect to the target instance of SQL Server to migrate Access databases to SQL Server. When you connect, SSMA retrieves database metadata from the SQL Server instance and displays it in the SQL Server Metadata Explorer. SSMA keeps track of the SQL Server instance you’re connecting to, but it doesn’t keep track of passwords.

How to run SQL script?

The SQL script is a collection of commands saved as a file in SQL Scripts that includes one or more SQL statements. SQL Scripts are used to create, run, edit, view, and delete script files.

  • When utilizing SQL Scripts, keep the following points in mind:
  • SQL * Plus instructions are ignored at run time in SQL scripts.
  • In SQL scripts, there is no interaction between SQL scripts and SQL commands.
  • SQL commands are copied and pasted from the SQL script editor.
  • The bound variables are not supported by SQL script.

How to use distinct in SQL?

The SELECT statement’s DISTINCT clause is used to filter duplicate rows from the result set. When you choose a single column or a group of columns, you can utilize DISTINCT.

How to use group by in SQL?

SQL GROUP BY is most commonly used in conjunction with aggregate procedures such as COUNT(), MAX(), MIN(), SUM(), and AVG(). It divides the result set into groups based on one or more columns, basically constructing summary rows for each group. Rather than continuous values, these groups are frequently based on categorical values.

How to use like in SQL?

You can use a LIKE clause as the condition in a WHERE clause to select records where a string fits a specified pattern. List the name of the column (e.g., city) after WHERE, then a LIKE clause describing the text pattern to search for (e.g., ‘S % o__’).

Is SQL turing complete?

Because the current SQL standard incorporates “Persistent Stored Modules,” SQL is now a turing complete language (PSMs). In a nutshell, a PSM is Oracle’s standard version of the PL/SQL language (and other similar procedural extensions of current DBMS). SQL became turing complete with the addition of these PSMs.

What does coalesce do in SQL?

To handle NULL values, the SQL Coalesce and IsNull methods are utilized. The NULL values are substituted with the user-defined value throughout the expression evaluation process. The SQL Coalesce function evaluates the arguments in the specified order and always returns the first non-null value from the parameter list.

How large in bytes was the SQL slammer worm?

SQL Slammer takes advantage of the way MS SQL servers handle input on port 1434 of the SQL Server Resolution Service. Only 376 bytes in a specially designed packet delivered over the Internet can remotely compromise a susceptible server. The SQL worm, like Code Red, has no files and simply exists in memory.

How to count in SQL?

The SQL COUNT () method returns the number of rows in a table that satisfy the WHERE clause’s requirements. It determines the number of rows or column values that are not NULL. If there were no matching rows, COUNT () yields 0. The syntax shown above is the SQL 2003 ANSI standard syntax. This clarifies how the COUNT () function in SQL is utilized.

How to install SQL server?

The following is a step-by-step guide to downloading SQL on Windows 10:

  • Step 1: For Microsoft SQL Server downloads, go to the official page and download the SQL Server installer. Microsoft offers two free SQL Download editions for use with MS SQL Server:
  • Step 2: Select “Download Now” from the drop-down menu. SQL Server 2017-SSEI-Dev.exe’ will be used to install SQL Server.

How to join three tables in SQL?

To link three tables, first join two tables with a join statement to create a temporary joined table. Then, to join the third table, use a second join statement. Type SELECT, then the names of the columns you want to query. For each of the three columns you want to query, type the name of the column.

How to practice SQL?

The greatest method to practice SQL is to acquire hands-on experience solving real-world challenges, which allows you to receive immediate feedback on your work.

How to sort in SQL?

By default, the ORDER BY command organizes the result set in ascending order. Use the DESC keyword to sort the results in ascending order. Use the ASC command to sort the data returned in ascending order.

How to update table in SQL?

The UPDATE statement is used to make changes to data in a table. You can alter the values in one or more columns of a single row or several rows.

  • After the UPDATE keyword, enter the name of the table for which you want to update data.
  • Second, in the SET clause, define which column you wish to update and the new value. You utilize a list of comma-separated assignments to update values in several columns by providing a value in each column’s assignment in the form of a literal value, an expression, or a subquery.
  • Third, use a condition in the WHERE clause to determine which rows should be updated. The “where” clause is not required. If you leave it out, the UPDATE statement will change all of the rows in the table.

You should keep in mind that the WHERE clause is quite critical. You may want to update only one row at a time; however, you may forget to utilize the WHERE clause and update all rows of the table.

How to use count in SQL?

To acquire the number of employees, the number of employees in each department, the number of employees who hold a given position, and so on, utilize the COUNT function in the SELECT query.

How to view table in SQL?

Using a SELECT command in SQL Server, we may quickly see a table. The SELECT statement is mostly used to retrieve data from database objects. A table, on the other hand, is a database object whose data can be retrieved using the SELECT query.

What is an SQL database?

In SQL Server, a database is made up of a series of tables that hold a certain set of structured data. A table is made up of rows, which are also called records or tuples, and columns, which are called attributes.

What is no SQL?

Nonrelational databases are referred to as ‘NoSQL,’ and these databases store data in a way that differs from relational tables. NoSQL databases, on the other hand, may be queried via idiomatic language APIs, declarative structured query languages, and query-by-example languages, earning them the moniker “not only SQL” databases.

What is SQL developer?

The SQL Developer, often known as an Integrated Development Environment or IDE, provides a workspace for developing databases using SQL programming. It is an Oracle open-source utility with a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) that supports all of Oracle’s other tools.

How to create index in SQL?

The Construct INDEX statement is used to create a non-clustered index: CREATE [NONCLUSTERED] INDEX index name ON table name (column list); Code language: SQL (Structured Query Language) (sql) In this syntax: After the CREATE NONCLUSTERED INDEX clause, specify the index’s name.

How to find duplicate records in SQL?

Duplicates can be found by grouping rows, using the COUNT aggregate function, and filtering rows with a HAVING clause. Only duplicate records—those with the same product name and category—are returned by this query:

How to rename a table in SQL?

You must supply the old and new table names when using the SQL RENAME TABLE command to change the name of a single or many tables.

You’ll need to use the ALTER table statement first, then the RENAME TABLE statement. When you alter the table name, the table’s columns stay the same and will not change unless you modify them.

How to uninstall SQL server?

To uninstall a SQL Server failover cluster, utilize SQL Server Setup’s Remove Node capability to remove each node individually.

How to use between in SQL?

To define a range to test, use the SQL BETWEEN operator. For retrieving data for a particular range, use the BETWEEN operator with the SELECT query. The BETWEEN operator can also be used to indicate a range in DELETE, UPDATE, and INSERT statements. You can use the BETWEEN SQL function to specify a number range, two dates, and text.

How to use case in SQL?

The SQL CASE statement is useful if you need to examine numerous conditional statements. The CASE statement in SQL gives results based on a set of conditions being met. It’s quite adaptable and may be used in a variety of ways. You can use it to display values, order sort results, and filter records, for example. It checks for stated conditions and returns the result for the first one that is true.

What is function in SQL?

In SQL Server, a function is a database object. It’s essentially a sequence of SQL statements that simply accept input arguments, conduct operations, and return the outcome.

What is SQL code?

The SQL code -904 indicates that a DB2 query was not successfully executed owing to an unavailable resource. DB2 also provides the name, kind of resource unavailable, and reason.

What is SQL statement?

SQL statements are classified as either Data Manipulation Language (DML) or Data Definition Language (DDL) statements in most cases. DML statements change the status of database objects.

What is SSIS in SQL server?

SQL Server Integration Services, or Microsoft SSIS, is a data migration and integration tool that comes with the Microsoft SQL Server database and may be used to extract, integrate, and modify data. SSIS is an ETL (Extract, Transform, and Load) tool.

What is the difference between SQL and MySQL?

MySQL is a piece of software, so it has to be treated as such. As a result, it’s regularly updated. SQL is a database language for managing data in relational databases, whereas MySQL is an Open Source Relational Database Management System for managing relational databases.

Where to learn SQL?

Practice is the most effective approach to learning SQL. Now, how you begin learning is a different story, and it will be determined by your learning style, the amount of time and money you have to devote to studying, and your ultimate objectives. The most common way for most people to begin learning SQL is to enroll in an online course.

How to format date in SQL?

To format the date and/or time in SQL Server, use the T-SQL FORMAT () function. Simply specify the date and time, as well as the format to be used. The format is provided in the form of a format string. The output should be structured according to the format string.

How to get current date in SQL?

The GETDATE() function is typically used to determine the current date. The DATETIME data type will be returned. This indicates that it will return the current date and time.

How to get SQL certified?

You must complete a prerequisite course and pass the certification exam to receive a SQL Server certification. SQL certification course requirements, fees, and duration vary based on the company and level of certification.

How to improve SQL query performance?

You can use a variety of approaches to increase query performance, and the best way to master them is to practice.

How to multiply in SQL?

To multiply two numbers, use the SQL * (multiply) operator. It works with numerical values.

How to restart SQL server?

Exit Acctivate Mobile, close all SQL Server connections, halt processing shipments on shipping workstations, go to SQL Server Configuration Manager, click SQL Server (ACCTIVATE) and Restart service, validate State is “Running”

How to restore database in SQL server?

You can use the following commands to restore the SQL Server database from a backup file:

  • SQL Server Management Studio is a tool for managing SQL Server databases (SSMS)
  • Queries in T-SQL
  • SqlBackupAndFtp is a SQL backup and FTP application.

How to round in SQL?

Depending on whether you’re using SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, or PostgreSQL, you use the CEIL or CEILING function to round up to the nearest integer. The CEILING() function in SQL Server is used to round up.

How to select unique values in SQL?

Using the SQL SELECT DISTINCT statement, you can get unique data from a table’s columns. You only need to specify the column name that has a lot of duplicate data and you only want to get the unique data.

How to sum in SQL?

The SUM function in SQL can be used to add a bunch of integers to your table. SELECT SUM (column name) FROM table name; In SQL, the SELECT command instructs the computer to retrieve data from the table. In SQL, we specify the table we want to list using the FROM clause.

How to update a column in SQL?

The SUM function in SQL can be used to add a bunch of integers to your table. SELECT SUM (column name) FROM table name; In SQL, the SELECT command instructs the computer to retrieve data from the table. In SQL, we specify the table we want to list using the FROM clause.

What is Azure SQL?

Azure SQL is a set of managed, secure, and intelligent SQL Server database products that run in the Azure cloud. Support modern cloud applications with an intelligent, managed database solution that incorporates serverless computing in Azure SQL Database.

What is DML in SQL?

In SQL, the Data Manipulation Language (DML) commands are used to manipulate data records contained in database tables. It is unaffected by changes to the database’s objects and structure. INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE are the most frequently used DML commands.

What is spark SQL?

Spark SQL is also well-known for its ability to work with both organized and unstructured data. Structured data is data that has a defined schema and a set of fields. Semi-structured data is defined as data that has no separation between the schema and the data.