Database administrator
Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data.[1] The role may include capacity planning, installation, configuration, database design, migration, performance monitoring, security, troubleshooting, as well as backup and data recovery.[2]
Occupation | |
---|---|
Activity sectors | Information Technology |
Description | |
Competencies | Databases, RDBMS, SQL, distributed computing, operating systems, storage technologies, networking, maintenance, recovery |
Education required | BS or MS in comp sci; associate degree or certificate with work experience |
Skills
Some common and useful skills for database administrators are:[3][4][5]
- Knowledge of database queries
- Knowledge of database theory
- Knowledge of database design
- Knowledge about the RDBMS itself, e.g. Microsoft SQL Server or MySQL
- Knowledge of SQL, e.g. SQL/PSM or Transact-SQL
- General understanding of distributed computing architectures, e.g. Client–server model
- General understanding of operating system, e.g. Windows or Linux
- General understanding of storage technologies and networking
- General understanding of routine maintenance, recovery, and handling failover of a database
Database administrators benefit from a bachelor's degree or master's degree in computer science. An associate degree or a certificate may be sufficient with work experience.[6]
Certification
There are many certifications available for becoming a certified database administrator. Many of these certifications are offered by database vendors themselves. Database administrator certifications may be earned by passing a series of tests and sometimes other requirements. Schools offering Database Administration degrees can also be found.[7]
For example:
- IBM Certified Advanced Database Administrator – DB2 10.1 for Linux, Unix and Windows[8]
- IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 10.1 for Linux, Unix, and Windows[8]
- Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional[9]
- Oracle MySQL 5.6 Database Administrator Certified Professional[10]
- MCSA SQL Server 2012[11]
- MCSE Data Platform Solutions Expert[12]
References
- "Database Administrators". 11/04/2015. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- "What does a DBA do all day?". 11/04/2015. techrepublic.com. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
- Spenik, Mark; Sledge, Orryn (20 March 2001). "What is a Database Administrator? (DBA)". Developer.com. Archived from the original on 13 June 2011. Retrieved 6 February 2012.
- "Oracle DBA job skills". Burleson Consulting.
- "Roles and Responsibilities – Oracle FAQ".
- "Database Administrator: Job Description and Requirements". 11/4/2015. study.com. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- "How Do I Become a Certified Database Administrator?". learn.org. learn.org. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
- "IBM Professional Certification Program". ibm.com. IBM. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
- "Oracle Certification Program". oracle.com. Oracle Corporation. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
- "Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.6 Database Administrator". oracle.com. Oracle Corporation. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
- "MCSA: SQL Server". microsoft.com. Microsoft. Retrieved 3 November 2015.
- "MCSE: Data Platform". 11/4/2015. microsoft.com. Retrieved 4 November 2015.