# SQL Level 1

Canonical URL: <https://www.creativelive.com/classes/sql-level-1>

## Overview

This SQL starter course will give you strong foundational skills to explore the tables, columns, and rows stored in a database and write SQL queries to extract and begin analyzing that data. Using practical, hands-on exercises, our expert instructor will guide you through understanding the basics of database architecture and develop your skills in writing real SQL code.

You will learn how to write SELECT statements to choose specific columns from tables and filter results using WHERE, AND/OR, IN, and NOT. You will also learn how to use wildcard filters and mathematical comparisons like equals, greater than, and less than to retrieve only the data you want. Finally, you will combine data from multiple tables with INNER JOINs.

By the end of this introductory course, you will be able to write basic SQL queries for Microsoft SQL Server. You will learn how to use the free SQL Server Management Studio app to explore the database and execute your queries. The concepts you learn in SQL Server can be applied to other varieties of SQL such as Microsoft Access, PostgreSQL, and MySQL with minor syntax differences.

## What you'll learn

- Understand core database concepts, including tables, rows, columns, and various types of SQL
- Connect to databases and navigate SQL Server Management Studio using tools such as Object Explorer and Query Editor
- Write SELECT statements to retrieve data, specify columns, sort results, and remove duplicates
- Use WHERE, AND, OR, IN, and NOT clauses to filter data and apply pattern matching with wildcard characters
- Explore data types, comparison operators, and case sensitivity to refine queries with more control
- Learn how to join tables using INNER JOIN and understand relational database concepts with ER diagrams and table aliases

## Curriculum

### Foundations of SQL & Databases

#### SQL Fundamental Concepts

- What is SQL & why is it used?
- Flavors of SQL: SQL Server vs Postgres, etc.
- Database Tables, Rows, & Columns

#### Exploring Databases & Writing SQL Statements (with the free SQL Server Management Studio app)

- Connecting to a Database
- Object Explorer
- SQL Query Editor
- Using Code Hints
- Viewing the Results of your SQL query
- Setting Preferences (Options)

### Writing SQL Queries

#### Writing SELECT Statements

- Syntax of a SELECT statement
- Selecting all columns or specific columns from a table
- Limiting the number of results using TOP
- Ordering the results using ORDER BY
- Returning only DISTINCT records (eliminating duplicates)

#### Filtering Results

- Data Types (Strings vs Numbers)
- Comparison Operators: equal to, greater or less than, not equal to, etc.
- Filtering results using WHERE, AND, OR, IN, and NOT
- Pattern Matching: Wildcard Filters
- Case Sensitivity

### Using Joins to Combine Data from Multiple Tables

#### Understanding Table Relationships

- What are Primary vs Primary Keys
- Creating ER (Entity Relationship) Diagrams to visual what’s in a database
- Database Relations: One-to-One, One-to-Many, & Many-to-Many

#### Combining Tables with JOIN

- Inner Joins
- Column & Table Aliases

## Schedule
- Jun 10, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — Live Online
- Jul 27, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — Live Online
- Sep 22, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — Live Online
- Nov 2, 2026 10:00am–5:00pm — Live Online

## FAQ

### How is this class structured?

In this hands-on course you’ll learn to get started with SQL. You will learn to explore data using the graphical interface of SQL Server Management Studio, write SQL queries, combine information from multiple tables, and more. There will be a combination of lectures explaining the concepts, coding demonstrations showing you how to write SQL, and time for you to write SQL queries based on challenge questions we provide.

### What flavor of SQL will I learn in this class?

In this training you’ll learn Microsoft SQL Server, but the core concepts can be applied to other flavors of SQL (such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, etc.) with minor syntax differences.

### Is there mandatory work outside of the classroom? 

You are not required to complete any work outside of class.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $350