Database Administration

Knowledge and ability to apply the methods, practices and policies to ensure that databases are always available and in working condition.

Proficiency Level

Level 1 (Follow)

  • Demonstrate basic understanding of database management, logical design concepts and levels of database security.
  • Understand the difference between different database structures (e.g, relational vs. network).
  • Comprehend database design (e.g., diagrams, schemas, models).
  • Demonstrate basic understanding of data manipulation language (DML).
  • Demonstrate an awareness of performance issues (e.g., distribution of data, size definitions).

Level 2 (Assist)

  • Understand a single database management system (DBMS), its components and how they relate to each other.
  • Demonstrate a good knowledge of data manipulation language (DML) and data definition language (DDL).
  • Code/test basic database access modules (e.g., stored procedures).
  • Troubleshoot, at a basic level, to understand database problem and identify where to direct it (e.g., basic database accessibility).
  • Recognise the importance of database basic recovery and, with guidance, perform backup and recovery.
  • Understand database release management, applications business rules, data integrity issues, database security implementation, workload manager and interaction with DBMS.
  • Perform data population, debugging and testing.
  • Conduct basic impact analysis for database change management.
  • Assist in database support activities.

Level 3 (Apply)

  • Use database management system software and tools to collect agreed performance statistics.
  • Carry out agreed database maintenance and administration tasks.
  • Demonstrate working level understanding of single DBMS relevant operating systems, applications business rules and its dependencies with other applications, databases and/or business partners.
  • Apply wide range of concepts to the corporate/vendor environment (e.g., database security and/or individual profiles).
  • Make recommendations on logical/physical models (e.g., converts from logical model, implements, and maintains physical model to meet storage, availability, and performance requirements).
  • Develop, code, test, and review complex database access modules.
  • Solve problems that impact on the business or service, resolves data integrity issues and implements data integrity safeguards, and use diagnostic and monitoring tools to prevent problems/enhance performance and availability.
  • Demonstrate a solid knowledge of system testing and integration environments.
  • Develop, select, recommend, and implement strategies for backup and recovery, data population and migration.
  • Conduct general impact analysis on database change.

Level 4 (Ensure)

  • Use database management system software and tools, and knowledge of logical database schemata, to investigate problems and collect performance statistics and create reports.
  • Carry out routine configuration, installation, and reconfiguration of database and related products.
  • Develop and configure tools to enable automation of database administration tasks.
  • Identify problems and issues and recommend corrective actions.

Level 5 (Strategise)

  • Develop and maintain procedures and documentation for databases.
  • Identify, evaluate and manage the adoption of appropriate database administration tools and processes, including automation.
  • Contribute to the setting of standards for definition, security and integrity of database objects and ensures conformance to these standards.
  • Manage database configuration including installing and upgrading software and maintaining relevant documentation.
  • Monitor database activity and resource usage.
  • Optimise database performance and plans for forecast resource needs.