Overview
Gain skills and knowledge needed to deploy, maintain and protect data.
If you are a database professional wanting to land a database administrator role, a DBA who wants to validate their skill set or another type of IT pro seeking database management skills, you need CompTIA DataSys+. By earning this certification, you’ll prove to employers that you can identify database structure types; develop, modify and run code; and gather, store and drive data assets. You’ll also confirm your knowledge of:
- The various aspects of database design and planning
- The different phases of the implementation, testing and deployment of data
- The purpose of monitoring and reporting database performance
- Common database maintenance processes
- The production of essential documentation
- Best practices for backup and data restoration
CompTIA DataSys+ certified professionals demonstrate their ability to secure databases, protect against cyberattacks and control authorization. Moreover, they prove they can ensure governance and regulatory compliance.
Skills Covered
CompTIA DataSys+ covers the following skills:
- Understanding database design and structure, including planning, implementation, testing and deployment
- Comparing and contrasting scripting methods and developing, modifying and running SQL code
- Explaining the impact of programming on database operations
- Monitoring and maintaining the data, reporting on and documenting any incidents
- Implementing critical data management tasks
- Securing the data by limiting access and defending against attacks
- Understanding and meeting regulation and governance requirements
- Creating and saving back-ups, and preparing for restoration/disaster recovery
Who Should Attend
- Database administrators
- Database managers
- Database designers
- Data warehouse specialists
- Data warehouse developers
Course Curriculum
Prerequisites
CompTIA recommend sthat you have 2-3 years of hands-on experience working as a database administrator or equivalent experience.
Although CompTIA DataSys+ is designed for those with 2-3 years of experience in a database administrator role, other professionals, such as IT support specialists, software developers, network administrators, and database developer, are well-positioned to pursue a successful career as database administrators.
Download Course Syllabus
Course Modules
Topic 1A: Identify Relational and Non Relational Databases
Exam objectives covered:
1.1 Compare and contrast database structure types.
Topic 1B: Understand Different Types of NoSQL Databases and Tools
Exam objectives covered:
1.1 Compare and contrast database structure types.
Topic 1C: Understand Relational Database Design
Exam objectives covered:
2.1 Compare and contrast aspects of database planning and design.
3.4 Given a scenario, implement data management tasks.
Topic 1D: Identify Other Data Systems
Exam objectives covered:
1.1 Compare and contrast database structure types.
Topic 2A: Understand Standards and Principles
Exam objectives covered:
1.2 Given a scenario, develop, modify, and run SQL code
Topic 2B: Examine Operating Systems and Command Line Scripting
Exam objectives covered:
1.3 Compare and contrast scripting methods and scripting environments.
Topic 3A: Create and Alter Objects Using Data Definition Language
Exam objectives covered:
1.2 Given a scenario, develop, modify, and run SQL code.
3.4 Given a scenario, implement data management tasks
Topic 3B: Manipulate Data using Data Manipulation Language
Exam objectives covered:
1.2 Given a scenario, develop, modify, and run SQL code.
3.4 Given a scenario, implement data management tasks.
Topic 3C: Work with Transactions
Exam objectives covered:
1.2 Given a scenario, develop, modify, and run SQL code.
Topic 3D: Perform Data Management Tasks
Exam objectives covered:
3.4 Given a scenario, implement data management tasks.
Topic 4A: Work with Views
Exam objectives covered:
1.2 Given a scenario, develop, modify, and run SQL code.
3.4 Given a scenario, implement data management tasks.
Topic 4B: Understand Object Relational Mapping
Exam objectives covered:
1.4 Explain the impact of programming on database operations.
Topic 4C: Program with SQL
Exam objectives covered:
1.2 Given a scenario, develop, modify, and run SQL code.
2.2 Explain database implementation, testing, and deployment phases.
Topic 4D: Write Functions
Exam objectives covered:
1.2 Given a scenario, develop, modify, and run SQL code.
Topic 5A: Understand Types of Architecture
Exam objectives covered:
2.1 Compare and contrast aspects of database planning and design.
Topic 5B: Gather Data System Requirements
Exam objectives covered: 2.1 Compare and contrast aspects of database planning and design.
Topic 5C: Review Documentation Requirements
Exam objectives covered:
2.1 Compare and contrast aspects of database planning and design.
3.3 Given a scenario, produce documentation and use relevant tools.
Topic 6A: Prepare for Deployment
Exam objectives covered:
2.2 Explain database implementation, testing, and deployment phases.
3.1 Explain the purpose of monitoring and reporting for database management and performance.
Topic 6B: Conduct Testing and Other Quality Measures
Exam objectives covered:
2.2 Explain database implementation, testing, and deployment phases.
Topic 6C: Understand Validation Techniques and Methods
Exam objectives covered:
2.2 Explain database implementation, testing, and deployment phases
Topic 7A: Consider Database Connectivity Needs
Exam objectives covered:
1.3 Compare and contrast scripting methods and scripting environments.
2.2 Explain database implementation, testing, and deployment phases.
Topic 7B: Monitor the Database
Exam objectives covered:
3.1 Explain the purpose of monitoring and reporting for database management and performance.
Topic 7C: Understand and Address Deadlocks
Exam objectives covered:
3.1 Explain the purpose of monitoring and reporting for database management and performance.
Topic 8A: Explain Patch Management
Exam objectives covered:
3.2 Explain common database maintenance processes
Topic 8B: Ensure Database Performance
Exam objectives covered: 2.2 Explain database implementation, testing, and deployment phases.
3.2 Explain common database maintenance processes
Topic 8C: Ensure Database Integrity
Exam objectives covered:
3.2 Explain common database maintenance processes
Topic 9A: Understand the Importance of Protecting Data and Preventing Data Loss
Exam objectives covered:
4.2 Explain the purpose of governance and regulatory compliance.
Topic 9B: Understand Data Retention Policies
Exam objectives covered:
4.2 Explain the purpose of governance and regulatory compliance.
Topic 9C: Classify Data
Exam objectives covered:
4.2 Explain the purpose of governance and regulatory compliance.
Topic 9D: Consider Global Jurisdiction and Regional Regulations
Exam objectives covered:
4.2 Explain the purpose of governance and regulatory compliance.
Topic 9E: Understand Third-Party Agreements and Release Approvals
Exam objectives covered:
3.4 Given a scenario, implement data management tasks
Topic 10A: Understand Data Encryption
Exam objectives covered:
4.1 Explain data security concepts.
Topic 10B: Understand Data Masking
Exam objectives covered:
4.1 Explain data security concepts
Topic 10C : Describe Data Destruction Techniques
Exam objectives covered:
4.1 Explain data security concepts.
Topic 10D: Audit Data Access
Exam objectives covered:
3.2 Explain common database maintenance processes.
4.1 Explain data security concepts.
Topic 10E: Audit Code and Changes
Exam objectives covered:
3.2 Explain common database maintenance processes.
4.1 Explain data security concepts.
Topic 11A: Understand Identity and Access Management
Exam objectives covered:
4.3 Given a scenario, implement policies and best practices related to authentication and
authorization.
Topic 11B: Understand Access Controls
Exam objectives covered:
4.3 Given a scenario, implement policies and best practices related to authentication and authorization.
Topic 11C: Understand Password Policies
Exam objectives covered:
4.3 Given a scenario, implement policies and best practices related to authentication and
authorization.
Topic 11D: Work with Service Accounts
Exam objectives covered:
4.3 Given a scenario, implement policies and best practices related to authentication and
authorization.
Topic 12A: Utilize Physical Security
Exam objectives covered:
4.4 Explain the purpose of database infrastructure security
Topic 12B: Utilize Logical Security
Exam objectives covered:
2.2 Explain database implementation, testing, and deployment phases.
4.4 Explain the purpose of database infrastructure security
Topic 13A: Mitigate the SQL Injection Attack
Exam objectives covered:
4.5 Describe types of attacks and their effects on data systems.
Topic 13B: Mitigate the Denial of Service (DoS) Attack
Exam objectives covered:
4.5 Describe types of attacks and their effects on data systems.
Topic 13C: Mitigate the On-Path Attack
Exam objectives covered:
4.5 Describe types of attacks and their effects on data systems.
Topic 13D: Mitigate the Brute Force Attack
Exam objectives covered:
4.5 Describe types of attacks and their effects on data systems.
Topic 13E: Mitigate Social Engineering Attacks
Exam objectives covered:
4.5 Describe types of attacks and their effects on data systems.
Topic 13F: Mitigate Malware
Exam objectives covered:
4.5 Describe types of attacks and their effects on data systems
Topic 14A: Plan for Disaster Recovery
Exam objectives covered:
3.1 Explain the purpose of monitoring and reporting for database management and performance.
5.1 Explain the importance of disaster recovery and relevant techniques.
Topic 14B: Conduct DR Plan Testing
Exam objectives covered:
5.1 Explain the importance of disaster recovery and relevant techniques.
Topic 14C: Transition/Failback to Normal Operations
Exam objectives covered:
5.1 Explain the importance of disaster recovery and relevant techniques.
Topic 15A: Identify Types of Backups
Exam objectives covered:
5.2 Explain backup and restore best practices and processes
Topic 15B: Implement a Backup Strategy
Exam objectives covered:
5.2 Explain backup and restore best practices and processes
Topic 15C: Store and Purge Backups
Exam objectives covered:
5.2 Explain backup and restore best practices and processes.
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Training Options
- ILT: Instructor-Led Training
- VILT: Virtual Instructor-Led Training
Exam & Certification
Validate the skills required for high-stakes database management.
The CompTIA DataSys+ (DS0-001) certification exam is vendor neutral and covers what database administrators need to deploy, manage, and maintain systems, including employing the fundamentals of scripting and programming in a database environment while using security and business continuity best-practices. The exam covers the following objectives:
- Database Fundamentals – Gain a solid understanding of database structure types and the ability to develop, modify and run code, providing the groundwork for database administrators to gather, store, and drive data assets.
- Database Deployment – Compare and contrast the various aspects of database planning and design and explain the various phases of the implementation, testing, and deployment of collected data.
- Database Management and Maintenance – Understand the purpose of monitoring and reporting database performance, explain common database maintenance processes, and produce critical documentation.
- Data and Database Security – Secure databases, protect against attacks, and control authorization while ensuring governance and regulatory compliance.
- Business Continuity – Prepare for and recover from incidents by implementing best practices for backup and restoration of data.
The CompTIA DataSys+ certification validates that those managing databases can properly collect, store, organize, protect and maintain data throughout its lifecycle to ensure its availability, accuracy, consistency and security. CompTIA DataSys+ is designed for those with 2-3 years of hands-on experience working in a database administrator (DBA) role.
Training & Certification Guide
The CompTIA DataSys+ exam sets a unified standard of skills for the successful management and securing of data assets. It covers what database administrators need to deploy, manage, and maintain high-availability systems, including employing the fundamentals of scripting and programming in a relational database environment while using security and business continuity best-practices.
- Number of Questions: Maximum of 90 questions
- Type of Questions: Multiple choice and performance-based
- Length of Test: 90 Minutes
- Passing Score: 700 (on a scale of 100 to 900)
- Recommended Experience: No prerequisites, but 2-3 years of experience in a database administrator role is recommended.
- Languages: English
- Retirement: Usually three years after launch
Database Fundamentals (24%)
- Compare and contrast database structure types.
- Develop, modify, and run SQL code.
- Compare and contrast scripting methods and scripting environments.
- Explain the impact of programming on database operations.
Database Deployment (26%)
- Compare and contrast aspects of database planning and design.
- Explain database implementation, testing, and deployment phases.
Management and Maintenance (25%)
- Explain the purpose of monitoring and reporting for database management and performance.
- Explain common database maintenance processes.
- Produce documentation and use relevant tools.
- Implement data management tasks.
Data and Database Security (23%)
- Explain data security concepts.
- Explain the purpose of governance and regulatory compliance.
- Implement policies and best practices related to authentication and authorization.
- Explain the purpose of database infrastructure security.
- Describe types of attacks and their effects on data systems.
Business Continuity (12%)
- Explain the importance of disaster recovery and relevant techniques.
- Explain backup and restore best practices and processes.
CT-Data+: CompTIA Data+ Certification
As the importance for data analytics grows, more job roles are required to set context and better communicate vital business intelligence. Collecting, analyzing, and reporting on data can drive your organization’s priorities and lead business decision-making
CompTIA Data+ is an early-career data analytics certification that gives you the confidence to bring data analysis to life and make data-driven business decisions.
CT-CLOUD+: CompTIA Cloud+ Certification
The CompTIA Cloud+ certification is a highly sought-after credential that is recognized worldwide for validating the technical skills needed to deploy and automate secure cloud environments. This certification is designed to equip professionals with the expertise needed to support the high availability of business systems and data in the cloud.
CT-NETWORK+: CompTIA Network+ Certification
As one of the top IT certifications for beginners, the CompTIA Network+ credential is the essential certification for networking professionals. It covers the hands-on skills and precise knowledge needed in today’s networking environments. With this certification, you will be able to support networks on any platform.
CT-SECURITY+: CompTIA Security+ (Plus) Certification
The CompTIA Security+ credential is a global cybersecurity certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. It is the first security certification a candidate should earn. It establishes the core knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
As the need for data management becomes a broader business imperative, database administrators are becoming commonplace in organizations of all sizes and all industries.
Let’s take a look at some key statistics that prove the increasing demand for database administrators:
- Database administration is a substantial tech occupation category with an estimated base of 144,887 employed U.S. workers in 2023.
- In the last 12 months there were more than 23,400 job postings by U.S. employers for database administrators.
- Employers listed more than 2.1 million job postings in the United States seeking candidates with database-related skills over the past 12 months.
- The need for database administrators will continue to grow, reaching about 163,000 by 2033.
- The 10-year projected growth rate for database administrators is 35% above the national rate
CompTIA DataSys+
- A foundational certification intended for beginner to intermediate data professionals pursuing a job in data management as a database administrator (DBA) or related role.
- For professionals on the data management career pathway.
- Certified CompTIA DataSys+ professionals are qualified for database administrator (DBA) roles. Once in a DBA role, candidates could pursue the role of data engineer as a next step.
CompTIA Data+
- Intended for early-career data analytics professionals tasked with developing and promoting data-driven business decision-making.
- For professionals on the data interpretation career pathway.
- Certified CompTIA Data+ professionals are qualified for data analyst roles. Once in a data analyst role, candidates could pursue the role of data scientist as a next step.
CompTIA DataSys+ is the only option for developing and validating data systems skills.
And CompTIA exams are developed through an intensive process that includes workshops where IT pros come together and discuss what current knowledge, skills and abilities are required to perform certain job roles. So, the topics covered by CompTIA DataSys+ match the knowledge, skills and abilities database administrators need today.
Additionally, CompTIA DataSys+ is a vendor-neutral certification, which means that the knowledge and skills you learn can be used to perform various job roles regardless of the specific programs and tools being used. Vendor-specific certifications, on the other hand, only prepare you to work with just one platform.
For individuals:
CompTIA DataSys+ certification shows employers you have a standardized skill set to transition to a data management role. It also shows hiring managers your commitment to staying current with industry trends and addressing organizational needs.
For employers:
As needs evolve and grow, CompTIA DataSys+ learning provides a consistent solution to develop talent from within. Because of inconsistency in education programs, organizations seeking to hire database administrators can rely on CompTIA DataSys+ certification to validate the skills of candidates.
The amount of time you’ll need to prepare for CompTIA DataSys+ depends on your existing knowledge of the topics and your hands-on data management experience. We recommend that you have 2-3 years of hands-on experience working as a database administrator or equivalent experience. We also suggest that you dedicate between 30 and 40 hours of studying before taking the exam.
The CompTIA DataSys+ exam will include topics on:
- Database structure types
- How to develop, modify and run code
- How to gather, store and drive data assets
- The different aspects of database planning and design
- The various phases of the implementation, testing and deployment of data
- The purpose of monitoring and reporting database performance
- Common database maintenance processes
- How to produce critical documentation
- How to secure databases, protect against attacks and control authorization while ensuring governance and regulatory compliance
- How to prepare and recover from incidents by implementing best practices for backup and restoration of data
But you won’t just learn in theory. Because you learn and test with performance-based questions, you will be able to prove your skills in real-world scenarios, meaning you can jump right in and add value to any organization.
The primary job role for CompTIA DataSys+ is database administrator, but that job role has many different titles. Some of the most common include:
- Senior database administrator
- System database administrator
- Task-oriented database administrator
- Application database administrator
- Cloud database administrator
- Specialist database administrator
- Database manager
- Database designer
- Performance database administrator
Becoming certified in CompTIA DataSys+ opens doors to a variety of data management jobs such as but not limited to:
Database Administrator
Skilled database administrators are needed to oversee, maintain and protect the increasing quantity of data that organizations are collecting.
A database administrator’s responsibilities include:
- Configuring and maintaining the database management system
- Creating policies for the maintenance, security and use of the database management system
- Training employees in how to use the database management system
- Updating the database code as new technologies emerge
- Recovering and backing up data as needed
Different types of database administrators include:
- System database administrator
- Application database administrator
- Cloud database administrator
- Performance database administrator
Database Designer
A database designer is responsible for creating and maintaining the structure of a database system, ensuring that it meets the needs of the organization and provides efficient data storage and retrieval.
Database designers support their organization in the following ways:
- Analyzing and understanding business requirements to design an appropriate database structure
- Creating and maintaining Entity-Relationship (ER) diagrams and data dictionaries to document database design
- Optimizing database performance by designing efficient table structures, indexes and relationships
- Collaborating with database developers and administrators to implement and maintain the database design
- Continuously reviewing and updating the database design to accommodate changes in business requirements or technology
Database Manager
A database manager is responsible for overseeing the administration, maintenance and security of an organization’s database systems, ensuring optimal performance and data integrity.
A database manager’s responsibilities include:
- Managing and monitoring database systems to ensure optimal performance, availability and security
- Developing and implementing database backup and recovery strategies to protect data from loss or corruption
- Collaborating with IT teams to plan and execute database upgrades, migrations and integrations
- Establishing and enforcing database policies, procedures and standards to maintain data integrity and security
- Training and mentoring database administrators and other team members on best practices for database management
A database manager is essential for maintaining the health and security of an organization’s database systems, ensuring that data is readily available and protected from potential threats.
Database Developer
A database developer is responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining database solutions that meet an organization’s data storage and retrieval needs.
Database developers support their organization in the following ways:
- Developing and maintaining database objects such as tables, views, stored procedures and triggers
- Writing and optimizing SQL queries to ensure efficient data retrieval and manipulation
- Collaborating with database designers to implement and maintain database structures
- Troubleshooting and resolving database-related issues, including performance bottlenecks and data inconsistencies
- Assisting in the development and implementation of database security measures to protect sensitive data
A database developer plays a vital role in creating and maintaining the database systems that power an organization’s data-driven processes and applications.
Database Specialist
A database specialist focuses on the design, development and optimization of databases to ensure efficient data storage, retrieval and management.
A database specialist’s responsibilities include:
- Creating and implementing database structures, schemas and data models to ensure efficient data storage and organization
- Developing and maintaining processes for data extraction, transformation and loading (ETL) to ensure seamless integration of data from various sources into the database
- Monitoring and analyzing database performance, identifying bottlenecks and implementing necessary optimizations to improve query response times and overall database efficiency
- Implementing and maintaining security measures to protect sensitive data, ensuring data integrity and complying with regulations and industry best practices
- Working closely with database administrators, developers and other stakeholders to provide technical expertise, troubleshoot issues and ensure the database meets the evolving needs of the organization
Database specialists play a crucial role in the effective management of organizations’ data assets. By designing and optimizing databases, they ensure that data is stored and accessed efficiently, securely, and in compliance with relevant regulations, ultimately contributing to the success of the organization.
If you want to land one of these jobs, the new CompTIA DataSys+ certification can validate your data skills and advance your career.
