SQL Server 2012 Database Administration (70-462) Part 2
SQL Server downtime costs organisations thousands per hour—and Part 2 teaches you the operational skills that prevent it. This course dives into backup strategies, disaster recovery, and security hardening that separate competent DBAs from critical infrastructure guardians. If you’re managing production databases, this isn’t optional.
AIU.ac Verdict: Ideal for DBAs preparing for the 70-462 exam or those managing SQL Server 2012 environments who need hands-on recovery and security expertise. The course assumes you’ve completed Part 1; jumping in cold will leave gaps in foundational knowledge.
What This Course Covers
Part 2 focuses on the operational backbone of SQL Server administration: backup and recovery strategies (full, differential, and transaction log backups), point-in-time recovery scenarios, and disaster recovery planning. You’ll work through real-world failure simulations, configure automated backup jobs, and understand recovery models that match your organisation’s RTO/RPO requirements.
The course also covers security hardening—authentication modes, login and user management, role-based access control (RBAC), and encryption at rest and in transit. Sean McCown’s approach emphasises why each decision matters: you’ll learn not just *how* to configure SQL Server, but *when* and *why* specific configurations protect your data and meet compliance requirements.
Who Is This Course For?
Ideal for:
- SQL Server DBAs managing production environments: You need recovery and security expertise to minimise downtime and meet compliance. This course translates directly to your daily responsibilities.
- 70-462 exam candidates: Part 2 covers the backup, recovery, and security domains tested in the Microsoft certification. Hands-on labs reinforce exam-critical concepts.
- Infrastructure engineers moving into database operations: You understand systems thinking; this course teaches SQL Server-specific operational patterns and failure scenarios you won’t encounter elsewhere.
May not suit:
- SQL Server beginners without Part 1 foundation: This course assumes familiarity with SQL Server architecture, instance management, and basic administration. Start with Part 1 first.
- Developers seeking query optimisation skills: This is operations-focused. If you’re writing T-SQL or tuning queries, look for performance-tuning or development-focused courses instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does SQL Server 2012 Database Administration (70-462) Part 2 take?
5 hours 1 minute of video content. Most learners spend 8–12 hours total when including hands-on lab exercises and exam preparation.
Do I need to complete Part 1 first?
Yes. Part 2 assumes you understand SQL Server instance architecture, service accounts, and basic configuration from Part 1. Skipping Part 1 will create knowledge gaps.
Is this course still relevant for SQL Server 2016 and later?
Core concepts—backup, recovery, and security—remain largely unchanged. However, newer versions introduce additional features (e.g., Always On Availability Groups, Transparent Data Encryption improvements). Use this as a foundation and supplement with version-specific training.
What hands-on labs are included?
Pluralsight provides sandbox environments where you’ll configure backup jobs, perform recovery scenarios, and implement security controls. You’ll work in live SQL Server instances, not simulations.
Will this prepare me for the 70-462 exam?
It covers the backup, recovery, and security domains thoroughly. Combine it with Part 1, official Microsoft exam guides, and practice tests for complete exam readiness.
Course by Sean McCown on Pluralsight. Duration: 5h 1m. Last verified by AIU.ac: March 2026.
