Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL

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Learn essential skills

Course overview

Handle data more effectively with this Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course. Our trainers will guide you through the essentials of querying and managing data, starting with the basics and progressing to more advanced techniques.

Access, filter and transform data in Microsoft SQL Server

Over three days, this expert-led course gives you the skills to work with data in Microsoft SQL Server. You’ll learn by doing; writing queries, managing data and handling common real-world challenges.

Learning objectives

Create queries to extract specific data
Organise, sort and apply filters to query results
Summarise datasets using grouping and aggregate calculations
Merge query results using set operations like UNION
Retrieve data from multiple related tables
Apply built-in functions to manipulate numbers, text and dates
Construct subqueries for more targeted data retrieval
Modify records by adding, updating or removing data
Manage data integrity using transaction control techniques

What you’ll learn

Through practical examples and exercises, you’ll understand how to use Transact-SQL in Microsoft SQL Server. Write queries in SSMS and work on real scenarios involving joins, filtering, modifying data, and using built-in functions.

Understanding database fundamentals

First, you’ll be introduced to the core concepts behind relational databases, helping you build a strong foundation before writing any SQL. Consider how data is structured into tables, the role of indexes in speeding up queries, and what terms like primary keys, foreign keys, and constraints mean in practice. Gain a clear understanding of how relational databases work and how their components support reliable, organised data storage.

Writing clear and effective SELECT queries

Learn how to retrieve exactly the data you need using the SQL SELECT statement. Discover how to shape your results with ORDER BY, apply column aliases to simplify output, and write expressions that make your queries easier to read and maintain. This portion of the course will help you develop clean, well-structured code that’s easy to understand.

Summarising data with grouping and totals

Organise your query results into meaningful groups using the GROUP BY clause and apply aggregate functions like COUNT, SUM and AVG to generate totals and summaries. This session also covers how to filter grouped results using the HAVING clause, giving you the tools to analyse large datasets and extract key insights with precision and clarity.

Shaping query results with built-in functions

This course shows you how to refine and transform data directly within your queries using SQL Server’s built-in functions. You’ll apply numeric, text and date functions to adjust formats and extract specific values, use CASE statements to introduce conditional logic, and handle NULL values with confidence. These tools help you present cleaner, more meaningful results.

What’s included

3 days of instructor-led training in a live virtual classroom
Interactive hands-on live labs
All relevant course materials
Course completion certificate

Key facts

Ideal for

From developers to support teams and analysts, this course is ideal for beginners, career changers or anyone working with SQL Server data.

Prerequisites

No prior experience is required, making it accessible for those new to SQL. However, a basic understanding of database structures and terminology would be useful.

Learning experience

Our experienced trainers and interactive labs create a focused, practical environment – so you can put theory into practice from day one.

FAQs

This live virtual classroom course introduces Microsoft SQL Server using Transact-SQL. It’s highly practical and perfect for beginners looking to enhance their data management skills.

What is Microsoft SQL Server?

Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system used to store, retrieve, and manage structured data. This course introduces you to SQL Server through practical use of its tools, including SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), giving you the skills to query and manipulate data effectively within this widely-used environment.

What are subqueries and when should I use them?

Subqueries are nested SQL queries used within another query to isolate or refine results. You’ll learn when to use them – whether to test conditions, calculate values, or filter datasets – giving you greater control over complex data retrieval tasks.

How do I insert, update or delete data in SQL Server?

You can modify data using INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE statements. Our expert trainers will walk you through each one, and you’ll gain experience using them in given scenarios.

What is transaction control in SQL and why is it important?

Transaction control ensures that changes to data are handled reliably and can be confirmed or reversed as needed. This course covers how to use COMMIT and ROLLBACK commands to manage transactions safely, which is critical for maintaining data integrity in professional settings.

What our customers say

‘Always good courses from ILX. Tutor explained the course very well.’

Paul, Development Analyst, Application Support – Transport

‘I really enjoyed this course, it was clear the instructor had in-depth knowledge about the subject and was keen on answering questions and explaining problems thoroughly. I also appreciated learning about the principles, best practice standards, and the reasoning behind these.’

Michaela, Data Scientist - Government

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