Introduction to MySQL

Overview Learning objectives What you’ll learn Key facts FAQs What our customers say Get in touch

Course overview

This introductory MySQL course helps you build a working understanding of relational databases, SQL syntax and core database operations. Through guided practice, you will learn how to retrieve, organise and maintain data in MySQL, with context for using these skills in technical, reporting or data-support roles. The course will also help you prepare for the MySQL 8.0 Developer certification, while keeping the emphasis on practical workplace application.

Database skills for new MySQL users

This three-day course gives early-career technical professionals and database newcomers a structured introduction to MySQL. You will learn how to use SQL to retrieve, update and organise data accurately, while developing the foundations needed to understand how relational databases are built and maintained. The course is suited to learners that work in development, reporting, analysis or technical support roles where reliable access to database content is part of the job.

Learning objectives

Explore MySQL databases
Retrieve data with SQL
Refine query results
Combine related table data
Apply MySQL functions
Maintain database tables
Work with views and indexes
Manage user permissions
Import and export data

What you’ll learn

Develop the MySQL skills needed to work with database content accurately, securely and with greater independence during this three-day live virtual classroom course. You will learn how SQL supports everyday data tasks, from retrieving useful information to maintaining tables, applying functions, managing access and moving data between systems. The course includes practical exercises to help you apply your learnings in real technical environments.

Working in MySQL

Learn how to access and use the MySQL environment so you can work with databases from the start of the course. You will practice connecting to a database, running SQL statements and understanding how information is organised across tables, rows and columns. This gives you the working context needed to move beyond theory and begin handling database tasks with more control and accuracy.

Finding useful data

The Introduction to MySQL course teaches you the skills to retrieve the information you need from database tables using SQL. You will work with clauses and conditions that help narrow results, combine related records and present data in a more useful form. This is valuable if you are in a role where you need to check records, investigate issues, support reporting or provide reliable answers from stored data. As you will be able to find reliable answers in stored data, reducing manual checking and helping technical or reporting teams respond more quickly.

Improving query results

Learn how functions, expressions and grouping techniques can make query results more useful during this course. You will practice using functions, expressions and grouping techniques to make raw query results easier to compare, summarise and explain. This helps you produce outputs that are more useful for reporting, troubleshooting and day-to-day data requests, rather than leaving colleagues to interpret unstructured results.

Maintaining database structures

Understand how databases and tables are created, adapted and maintained as requirements change. You will explore table design, constraints, indexes and views, with a focus on keeping database content organised and easier to work with. This helps you support cleaner data structures, reduce avoidable errors and make information more accessible to the people and systems that rely on it.

Protecting and moving data

Over three days, you will learn how to update records, manage transactions, control access and move data in and out of MySQL. You will practice using permissions, roles, imports and exports to reduce avoidable errors and protect shared database content. This helps you handle changes more safely, support data transfer tasks and keep database information usable for the people and systems that depend on it.

What’s included

Instructor-led training over three-days
Live virtual classroom environment
Hands-on exercises and live labs
All relevant course materials

Key facts

Certification

This course supports preparation for the MySQL 8.0 Developer Oracle Certified Professional exam.

Who it’s for

This course is suitable for beginners, entry-level developers, analysts and anyone starting out with databases or SQL.

Prerequisites

This course requires no prior database experience, though basic IT familiarity is beneficial.

Exam information

The MySQL 8.0 Developer Oracle Certified Professional exam is not included with this course.

Optional extras

This course includes hands-on labs and access to learning materials for continued practice.

Pre-course

No preparation work is required for this course.

FAQs

Over three-days, the Introduction to MySQL course teaches you about the database and the SQL skills needed to retrieve, update, organise and protect data. It is designed for learners building their first working knowledge of relational databases, with practical exercises that connect core MySQL topics to common technical and data-support tasks.

Is this course suitable if I am new to MySQL?

Yes. The course is designed for learners who are starting with MySQL, SQL or relational databases. It begins with core database concepts before moving into practical SQL tasks, helping understand how data is stored, retrieved and maintained. No previous database experience is required, although general IT familiarity will help.

What practical skills will I develop?

You will learn how to retrieve records, refine query results, update database content, work with tables, use functions, manage views and indexes, control access and move data in and out of MySQL. These skills help you handle database content more accurately and support tasks such as reporting, analysis, development support and technical troubleshooting.

Does this course include certification?

The course supports preparation for the MySQL 8.0 Developer Oracle Certified Professional exam. The exam is not included, but learners that want to pursue certification will need to arrange it separately. The course itself focuses on building practical MySQL skills that can be applied in technical and data-focused roles.

Will I use MySQL tools during the course?

Yes. The course includes guided practical work using MySQL tools, including Workbench and the MySQL command-line client. This helps you understand how SQL is used in real database environments, not just in theory, and enables you to practice with the tools that are commonly used for querying, maintaining and moving data.

What roles can this course support?

This course is useful if your role involves working with stored data but you do not yet have a structured grounding in MySQL. It can help developers, analysts, reporting teams and technical support staff retrieve information, update records and understand database structures without relying solely on others for basic SQL or database tasks.

What our customers say

‘Tarn is an excellent instructor. Everything was clearly communicated. One of the best courses I have attended in recent years.’

Simon, Senior DBA – Government

‘Very knowledgeable instructor, well paced, not rushed. Everything was explained clearly.’

Kimberley, Community Risk Reduction IT Systems - Fire

Why study with TSG?

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Join a network of learners focused on developing their software testing skills

98% customer satisfaction

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