Thank you for your interest in our Database Certificate Programs. Below are answers to questions we frequently receive from students. If you don’t find the answer to your question below, please contact us at (425) 564-4005.

The programs were created by the Computers & Technology department faculty and staff with significant input from local industry professionals representing corporations and small businesses. Those professionals helped us create curriculums that best reflect the sets of skills that database professionals need to succeed in the field. Many of the classes have been part of our Continuing Education program for years; others were created specifically for the program. Database Business Intelligence Analysts (BIAs) use specialized tools to extract data from a regular database, clean it up, and organize it into data warehouses and OLAP cubes. They create queries to retrieve data from these repositories using analysis tools and MDX query language. They generate reports based on the queries created. In general, BIAs organize and analyze mountains of data to help an organization's leaders make better decisions. These decisions can range from sales strategies to medical treatments to fraud detection. BIAs are valued members of an organization’s decision team.

A Database Administrator’s primary job is to keep a database system online and running efficiently and securely. A Database Administrator must monitor a database system to avoid potential downtime and must bring the system back online as quickly as possible if it does go down. All the skills learned in this program are designed to help you achieve these goals.

A Database Developer designs and implements databases, and designs and implements the programs that interact with those databases. The programs that a Database Developer creates run on the database server and act as a gateway between users and the data. These programs become the interface that client applications work with, using technologies such as ADO.NET.

• Complex problem solving
• Critical thinking
• Technology design
• Quality control analysis
• Judgment and decision making
• Operations analysis

According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, the top 15 industries that employ database professionals in King County are:

• Computer and Peripheral Equipment
• Aerospace Product & Parts Manufacturing
• Computer Systems Design and Related Services
• Software Publishers
• Commercial Goods Merchant Wholesalers
• Management of Companies and Enterprises
• Wireless Telecommunications Carriers
• Scientific Research and Development Services
• Newspaper, Book and Directory Publishers
• Management and Technical Consulting Services
• Data Processing and Related Services
• Depository Credit Intermediation
• Insurance Carriers
• Advertising and Related Services
• Architectural and Engineering Services

For more details see http://www.workforceexplorer.com.

Yes, there are both industry specific and many general websites you can search for database jobs. The list below is only a sampling of sites, and we do not endorse any specific company.

• www.monster.com
• careers.microsoft.com
• www.dice.com

We recommend that, before you make a training commitment, you research many job descriptions to familiarize yourself with the types of skills employers require. Because software is used extensively and changes frequently, this list is just a guideline. Skills can vary immensely from industry to industry. The following list provides some of the basic common technical skills potential job seekers might find in a job posting.

Technical

• Extract data from one or more operational databases
• Combine and clean up extracted data to prepare it for analysis
• Create data repositories (data warehouses and OLAP cubes)
• Use a variety of analysis tools to examine data in data repositories
• Design and create queries using data in data repositories
• Design and create reports that will be run on a regular schedule
• Generate one-time, ad hoc reports based on needs of company leaders
• Design and implement strategies to verify observed trends and patterns

Non-Technical

• Self-motivated
• Ability to learn technical concepts and tools quickly
• Attention to detail
• Able to manage time
• Able to work on one's own
• Able to resolve conflicts
• Able to work effectively with others who may want to do things differently
• Able to be flexible and change objectives
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to understand an organization's business goals and operations
• Ability to work well with organization decision makers
• Ability to think logically
• Ability to devise strategies to make sense out of mounds of data
• Ability to apply the scientific method to problem solving
• Requires working in a seated position and looking at a computer screen for prolonged periods

High. This technology is changing rapidly, and one must stay current to be effective. Remaining current can be accomplished by reading industry publications and books as they come out, attending conferences, and taking short courses. After finishing this program you should have enough technical tools to pursue entry-level database jobs. Often you will be working with a team and will learn additional skills from your experienced co-workers. The salary range varies by experience, industry and geographic area. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook provides information on demand and salary ranges. Additional labor market information is available for King County and Washington State. Any one of these database certificate programs will usually take up to 1 1/2 years on a part-time basis to complete but needs to be completed in no more than 13 quarters, starting with the quarter in which you begin your first class. The program was created with a busy student in mind. It's up to you to select the number of classes you take in a quarter. Our only requirement is that you complete the certificate within 13 quarters, starting with the quarter in which you begin your first class. This assures your knowledge is current. You should be familiar with Windows, have basic computer skills, and have taken SQL: Structured Query Language or have equivalent experience or knowledge before taking any of the database program classes. In addition, the Database Business Intelligence Analyst program will assume that you have taken Excel Levels 1 and 2 and Introduction to Programming using C#. You can take classes in any order except where otherwise noted in class prerequisites (for example, you will need to take Beginning SQL Server (using 2008) before taking SQL Server 2008 Security). In any case, instructors will assume a readiness for the class materials and will not use class time to discuss prerequisite material. The common entry point for students for all database programs is Database Design.

Some electives may be taken prior to completing the required classes. Be sure to check the prerequisites for any electives prior to registering.

All required classes must be completed before enrolling in any of the certificate Capstone courses.

Taking the required classes in the order outlined below for each of the three certificate programs is recommended:

Database Business Intelligence Analyst Certificate Program
      Database Design
      Beginning SQL Server (using 2008)
      T-SQL Query Extensions to SQL
      SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services (SSAS) and Business Intelligence
      SQL Server 2008 Integration Services (SSIS)
      Excel: Level 3
      SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services (SSRS)
      Database Business Intelligence Analyst Certificate Capstone

Database Developer Certificate Program
       Database Design
       Beginning SQL Server (using 2008)
       Database Testing Concepts
       T-SQL Query Extensions to SQL
       C# Programming–Level 1
       T-SQL Programming
       Data Access using C#
       SQL Server 2008 Optimization and Performance Tuning
       XML Introduction
       Database Developer Certificate Capstone

Database Administrator Certificate Program
       Database Design
       Beginning SQL Server (using 2008)
       T-SQL Query Extensions to SQL
       SQL Server 2008 Administration (Advanced)
       SQL Server 2008 Security
       PowerShell
       SQL Server 2008 Optimization and Performance Tuning
       Database Administrator Certificate Capstone

Yes, on a case-by-case basis and subject to approval based on work history/experience and prior education, one of the required classes might be substituted with an elective class. However, you must still complete the total number of required/substituted classes and elective classes to receive your certificate. To request a class substitution, please fill out the Database Class Substitution Request Form. We'll accept any classes taken at Bellevue (Community) College from September 2006 forward as long as you have your completion certificate. Any prior class you wish to include will start the count in your 13 quarter completion timeline. No, there is no formal entry process. You can start the program any time you like by simply enrolling in a class of your choice. We will allow for an extension or select/approve a substitute class for you to complete the program. We use mostly Microsoft software: Office, SQL Server, and Visual Studio. Concepts covered in the courses apply to non-Microsoft products as well as Microsoft products, but specific techniques might vary with those products. You don't need to purchase the software to take your class. Our classrooms are equipped with PCs with current versions of software loaded for your use. By taking a class at Bellevue College, you are eligible to purchase full version software at a discounted price at our bookstore. Please note that this software is for academic use only. If a book is required for your class, you'll be given the book when you arrive. The exception is books for Software Testing classes, which need to be purchased by the student prior to the first class. We recommend you bring a USB drive to class, and paper and pencil for taking notes. If you prefer to use a Mac, you may bring your laptop. However, you may not connect it to our network. Please check the BC class schedule or website for current class prices. With the exception of Software Testing classes, books are included in the price of your class and will be given to you at the first class session. We cannot manage student absences by offering make-up sessions. No-charge retakes are not available. You must complete all required and elective courses in your program before receiving a Certificate of Completion. Once you’ve completed all your courses, click here to Request a Certificate of Completion. You’ll be asked to complete a brief program survey, and then will be directed to the certificate request page. Your request will be forwarded electronically to an advisor for review. You will be contacted by the college if there are any questions. You can expect to receive your Certificate of Completion in the mail about three weeks after filling out your request. Retain your individual class completion certificates in case there is any discrepancy. These classes are held at the Bellevue College North Campus at 14673 NE 29th Place, Bellevue, 98007. The current quarterly print and web schedule always specifies the location of each class. Our classrooms are equipped with PCs with current versions of software. The Bellevue College online course catalog has current prices for courses.

• Register online
• Register by phone by calling Customer Service at (425) 564-2263
• register in person at our New North Campus
• mail in registration to 14673 NE 29th Place, Bellevue, WA 98007
• Register by fax at (425) 564-3113

Print out a current registration form.