Last month we looked at
the MySQL Core certification, aimed at MySQL users and developers. For people
wanting to go even further, there is another MySQL certification - the MySQL
Professional certification, aimed at database administrators. The Core
certification is a prerequisite for the Professional certification. The Pro
test is more difficult, and requires experience in administrating and
configuring a MySQL database server, so it is not for everybody. This month we
provide an outline of the Pro certification, and list of resources you will find
invaluable in preparing for the test.
MySQL Professional Certification Outline
The test covers MySQL
4.1, and tests the typical skills required by a MySQL administrator. In
general, this includes installing (on different platforms), configuring
optimizing and securing installations, as well as in-depth knowledge of the
MyISAM and InnoDB table types.
The complete list of exam
topics (as defined by MySQL in May 2005) follows, as well as links to relevant
Database Journal and other articles that can help you study this topic: As of
February 1st, 2005, questions on the certification exam pertain to MySQL 4.1.
MySQL
Architecture (15%). Includes client-server issues, choosing and connecting
clients, hard drive and memory footprints, log and status files and table
types.
Installing
and configuring MySQL (20%). Includes installing (on Windows and Linux,
from binaries and source), starting up and shutting down (on Windows and Unix),
configuring, compiling, upgrading and optimizing MySQL, configuring disks
and choosing hardware.
Optimizing
for Query Speed (15%). Includes using and optimizing indexes, using
EXPLAIN for analysis, enhancing query performance and optimizing the
logical database structure.
Advanced
Features (15%). Includes understanding the mysqld server information,
measuring load, tuning server parameters, the query cache, using multiple
servers and replication.
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