Course Information
Introduction to SQL for Auditors
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A course coordinator will email you a parking permit prior to the course start date. A permit must be displayed or you will be ticketed.
Course Description
This course teaches the basics of the Structured Query Language (SQL) Language in a fast paced and hands-on environment. The course begins discussion of relational concepts and terminology and quickly moves into a practical discussion of data retrieval and manipulation using SQL. The focus of this class is understanding how SQL is used from an Auditors point of view.
Course Objectives
Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
•Understand the concepts of databases and SQL.
•Read and Write SQL queries that:
•Use the SELECT and FROM statements.
•Use the WHERE clause to select specific rows.
•Use the LIKE keyword, wildcards, logical operators, and NULL testing.
•Transform data using scalar functions, aggregate functions, and mathematical operators.
•Group data via the GROUP BY and HAVING clauses.
•Sort the results.
•Use multiple tables via join operations.
•Understand how SQL accesses data.
•Understand an Auditors point of view to SQL
Outline
Relational Database Concepts
•Database Management Systems
•Relational Model of Data
Common Relational Terminology
•Creating Tables
•Column Definitions in a Table
•Column Data Types
Lab Database Schema Review
Basic Data Retrieval
•SQL Syntax
•SELECT Statement
•Computed Columns
•WHERE Clause
Using SQL Developer
•Starting SQL Developer
•Customizing SQL Developer Preferences
•Issuing SQL via SQL Developer
•WHERE Clause Predicates
?IN
?BETWEEN
?LIKE
Using Boolean Operators
•Processing Null Values
•SQL CASE Clause
•Sorting Result Sets
•Built-in Functions
•The Difference Between Scalar and Aggregate Functions
•Removing Null Values From a Result Set
•CAST Function
•Using Basic Numeric and String Functions
Date Processing
•Date Datatypes
•Using Date Functions
•Time Datatypes
•Using Tine and Timestamp Functions
Aggregating Data
•Using Aggregate Functions
•GROUP BY Clause
•HAVING Clause
Joining Tables
•Introduction to the Join Operation
•Join Syntax
•Qualifying Ambiguous Column Names
•Join Operations Involving More Than Two Tables
•Compare and Contrast Inner vs. Outer Joins
•Outer Join Syntax
•ON Clause Extensions and Their Impact on Outer Joins
•Self-Joins
Auditors Point of View
•Reading SQL to determine the source of the data
•Determining whether SQL is outputting the correct data
•Using SQL functions
•Using SQL Procedures
Prerequisites
None
Instructors
Jonathan Earl is a highly accomplished technical training professional with more than 25 years of experience designing and delivering advanced, results-driven learning solutions across both private industry and government sectors. As a Certified Technical Trainer (CTT) and Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), he brings deep expertise in Unix/Linux systems, SQL, Python, Java, .NET, cloud computing, and enterprise development environments. Jonathan has developed and led courses for organizations such as Sun Microsystems, Siemens, the IRS, and the Naval Surface Warfare Center, consistently translating complex technical concepts into practical, high-impact learning experiences.
In addition to his work as an instructor, Jonathan is a seasoned consultant, curriculum architect, and mentor who has built comprehensive training programs—including multi-week bootcamps and graduate-level curricula—for institutions like Regis University and state and federal agencies. Known for his ability to tailor content to diverse audiences and evolving technologies, he combines real-world application with instructional excellence to equip professionals with the skills needed to perform, adapt, and lead in today’s rapidly changing technical landscape.