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Description

SQL for Beginners: Querying Databases, Filtering Results and Joining Tables

Retrieve your own data directly from the database instead of waiting for an extract from IT

  • 1 day — 7 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Intermediate
  • Up to 6 participants

Every analysis starts with an extraction request and then a wait. The file arrives incomplete so it is requested again and the delay starts over. Meanwhile the figures circulate as copied spreadsheets whose exact source nobody can trace any more.

This one-day programme makes participants self-sufficient in querying a database. They write their first queries, select the relevant columns, filter rows and then combine several tables using joins. Finally they learn to group and count in order to produce a result that can be used directly in their reporting.

Learning objectives

  • Describe how a relational database is organised into tables and keys
  • Write a selection query choosing columns and aliases
  • Filter rows using combined conditions and null values
  • Sort, limit and de-duplicate a result set
  • Combine several tables using inner and outer joins
  • Produce aggregates by group and filter them

What makes this programme different

Every concept is written out immediately in an editor on a sample database
The most common syntax errors are deliberately triggered and then corrected together
Participants leave with the queries matching their own extraction needs

Programme

1Understanding the Database and Selecting Data

First queries

  • Tables, columns, data types and keys
  • Structure of a selection query
  • Choosing columns, aliases and simple calculations
  • Reading a database schema to locate the information sought

2Filtering, Sorting and Joining

Obtaining exactly the rows you want

  • Filter conditions and logical operators
  • Handling null values and duplicates
  • Sorting and limiting the number of rows
  • Inner join between two tables
  • Outer joins and rows without a match

3Grouping and Producing a Result

From detail to a commented figure

  • Aggregation functions and grouping by column
  • Filtering on an aggregate
  • Simple subqueries
  • Formatting dates and text
  • Exporting the result to a spreadsheet

Who is it for

Analysts, research officers, business managers and management controllers who wish to extract the data they need themselves.

Prerequisites

Ability to work with a spreadsheet and to reason about data organised in columns.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.