This focused MySQL DBA course shows you how to keep MySQL servers running smoothly. Over five immersive days, you’ll learn everything from setup to backup and gain the confidence to manage databases effectively. This course is perfect if you’re working toward certification or just want to enhance your skills.
MySQL Database Administration
Harness the potential of MySQL to advance your career development
Whether you're supporting MySQL full-time or beginning to explore database administration, this proactive 5-day course gives you a solid foundation in MySQL essentials. Led by expert instructors, this course is practical, examines the latest developments and shows you how to deal with real challenges. You'll be learning all about key MySQL aspects, including tuning, security and replication.
Learning objectives
- Install and configure MySQL 8
- Monitor server activity and performance
- Work with InnoDB and other engines
- Backup and restore databases
- Set up and manage replication
- Use logs and metadata for troubleshooting
- Manage users and roles
- Handle transactions and locks
What you’ll learn
You’ll gain a clear understanding of how MySQL operates and learn how to configure, manage and optimise it for performance, reliability and security. From mastering essential tools to implementing replication for high availability, you’ll apply skills in hands-on live labs that reflect real-world database administration challenges.
Server, clients and tools
Build a solid foundation in MySQL administration by exploring the MySQL Server architecture, supported versions and release cycles. Learn to install, configure and manage the server on Linux, connect using secure protocols, and work with essential client tools including MySQL Workbench, the mysql CLI and mysqladmin. You’ll practise using key commands and configure log files for monitoring. This course also covers managing status files, starting and stopping the server, and using the MySQL Enterprise Edition auditing plugin.
Storage engines
Discover how storage engines determine how MySQL stores, retrieves and processes data. You’ll examine the InnoDB engine in depth, including its system tablespace, file-per-table configuration, buffer pool, undo logs and shutdown options. The module also covers MyISAM’s strengths and limitations, along with specialist engines such as Archive, Memory, Blackhole, CSV, Spider and MyRocks. You’ll learn how to choose the right engine for performance and reliability, mix storage engines within a database, and maintain tables effectively with important operations.
Backup and recovery
Develop a complete backup and recovery strategy by learning the advantages and trade-offs of different backup methods. You’ll perform hot and cold backups, logical and binary backups for both InnoDB and MyISAM tables and understand what to back up beyond just the data. The module includes practical exercises using mysqldump, mysqlimport and other tools, plus import/export techniques from the command line and within SQL. You’ll also work with MySQL Enterprise Backup, test restores and troubleshoot common recovery challenges to minimise downtime.
User and privilege management
Master the process of creating, renaming, and deleting user accounts, along with secure password management and validation plugins. You’ll learn how to grant and revoke privileges at different scopes, apply resource limits to control usage, and manage roles for more streamlined permission handling. Practical exercises cover reading from the mysql.user table and ensuring secure yet functional access policies. You’ll also explore connection validation and techniques for locking down the system without affecting productivity.
What’s included
- 5 days of expert-led training
- Hands-on labs for enhanced practise
- Course notes for future reference
- Certificate of attendance
- Live Q&A with your trainer
- Linux-based virtual setup
Key facts
Ideal for
Anyone who manages or supports MySQL: DBAs, devs, sysadmins or anyone who wants to step into a DBA role.
Prerequisites
You should be familiar with SQL and basic MySQL. Some Linux/UNIX experience is also helpful for getting the most out of the course.
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 targeted course is an extensive introduction to MySQL administration, from setup and security to performance and backups. If you look after MySQL, this course will help you expand your technical skill set.
Is this course suitable for someone preparing for the Oracle MySQL 8.0 DBA certification?
Absolutely. The content closely follows the official Oracle MySQL 8.0 curriculum, covering all major topics required for the 1Z0-908 exam. While the exam isn’t included, you’ll leave the course well-prepared to pursue certification.
What operating system is used for the training environment?
The course runs on a Linux-based platform, giving you valuable experience in a commonly used environment for MySQL. If you’re less familiar with Linux, our Linux Introduction course is a great way to get up to speed before starting.
What topics are covered in the MySQL Database Administration course?
The course covers MySQL server architecture, client tools, storage engines, backup and recovery methods, user and privilege management, transactions, locking, server tuning, replication, high availability, and deployment security. Each topic includes theory, demonstrations, and hands-on practice.
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in this MySQL DBA course?
You should have a basic understanding of MySQL, including SQL queries, joins, and DDL/DML commands, plus some familiarity with Linux/UNIX. These skills can be gained through our Introduction to MySQL and Linux Introduction courses.
What replication techniques will I learn?
You’ll explore master-slave replication setups, including GTID-based replication, semi-synchronous replication, and controlled failover strategies. You’ll also practise monitoring replication health, troubleshooting issues, and optimising replication for your workloads.
What our customers say
‘John was a great, kind instructor and thoroughly explained SQL concepts and commands alongside the use of multiple examples to demonstrate. He was very helpful in answering any questions that arose with detailed explanations and/or examples when relevant.’
Jessica, Systems Developer – IT
‘This is now my second course with John at StayAhead and once again the delivery was simply excellent. Best fun I've had at work for a while now and would very highly recommend the course to anyone who's taking on more PL/SQL work in their job. Hoping to come back for more in the future!’
Ashley, AppOps Engineer (Jr DBA) - Government
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Courses are delivered by experienced instructors using hands-on, practical live labs