Practice Exam: Microsoft 70-761 Querying Data with Transact-SQL

This training program provides a complete practice test and study preparation for the Microsoft MCSA 70-761 certification exam, which focuses on querying data using Transact-SQL in SQL Server 2016. It has been designed for learners who are aiming to pass the exam on their first attempt, while at the same time developing solid, practical expertise in writing and managing queries with T-SQL in a professional environment.

What you’ll learn

By the end of this course, you will have gained both exam-ready knowledge and practical skills in Transact-SQL. The structured practice questions and detailed explanations ensure you understand not only how to write queries but also why specific solutions work. This balanced approach prepares you to handle exam challenges confidently while also applying your expertise in real projects. You will learn to write efficient queries, manage large datasets, and implement advanced SQL Server features. The course covers everything from basic SELECT statements to complex joins, subqueries, and programmable database objects. It also equips you with techniques to manage transactions, handle errors, and work with modern data formats like JSON and temporal data. With these skills, you will be prepared to pass the Microsoft 70-761 exam and apply T-SQL in professional environments.

• Create and optimize SELECT queries
  
  

• Retrieve data from multiple tables with joins
  
  

• Use aggregate functions for analysis
  
  

• Implement subqueries and table expressions
  
  

• Manage and modify data with INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE
  
  

• Work with transactions and error handling
  
  

• Create functions, stored procedures, triggers, and views
  
  

• Query JSON, temporal, and non-relational data

Requirements

To get the most benefit from this course and successfully prepare for the Microsoft 70-761 certification exam, certain foundational skills and resources are recommended. While the course includes detailed explanations and comprehensive practice questions, having prior exposure to databases and SQL will make your learning smoother. The practice questions are designed for learners with at least some hands-on experience, so it is important to come prepared with basic knowledge of relational database concepts. You should also be comfortable working with SQL Server Management Studio or a similar SQL environment to practice queries in real time. A solid understanding of tables, rows, and columns is assumed. If you already use SQL in your daily tasks, this course will help sharpen and expand your knowledge. If you are a beginner, you can still follow along, but additional self-study of SQL basics may be required.

• A computer with SQL Server installed or access to SQL Server Management Studio
  
  

• Basic understanding of relational database concepts (tables, rows, columns, relationships)
  
  

• Familiarity with simple SQL commands like SELECT and WHERE
  
  

• Willingness to practice queries hands-on while reviewing course materials
  
  

• At least six months to two years of database or development experience recommended

Course Description

This course provides a complete practice test and preparation resource for the Microsoft Certification Exam 70-761, which focuses on querying data using Transact-SQL in SQL Server 2016. It is designed for learners who want to strengthen their understanding of T-SQL and gain the confidence required to pass the exam on their very first attempt.

The practice test that accompanies this course contains 310 questions. With such a comprehensive question bank, you will have the opportunity to practice across all exam objectives, ensuring that no area of the subject is left uncovered. Every question is paired with an explanation, so you can understand why an answer is correct and deepen your conceptual knowledge along the way. By completing this course, you will have developed the technical abilities and exam-ready confidence needed to succeed in the Querying Data with Transact-SQL certification exam.

The main goal of this training is to help you become fluent in writing queries and handling data using Transact-SQL. SQL Server is one of the most widely used relational database management systems in the industry, and T-SQL is the core query language used to interact with it. By mastering T-SQL, you will not only prepare for your certification but also improve your ability to perform real-world tasks, such as data analysis, reporting, and database programming.

In this course, you will explore a broad range of skills, starting with the foundations of data management and moving into advanced query design, programmability, and performance. Below are the key areas that are included in the course, reflecting the exam domains:

You will first learn how to manage data using Transact-SQL. This involves understanding the syntax and structure of SQL queries, learning how to retrieve data accurately, applying filters, and managing the order of results. These skills form the starting point for working with any relational database. You will practice using SELECT statements, applying conditions with WHERE clauses, and organizing results with ORDER BY. Handling null values and working with logical operators will also be emphasized, giving you the ability to manage the full variety of data you may encounter.

The course then moves into creating queries across multiple tables. In real-world databases, information is rarely isolated in a single table, so being able to combine data from different tables is an essential skill. You will gain experience with inner joins, outer joins, cross joins, and self-joins. You will also learn how to use subqueries and correlated queries in situations where joins may not be the most effective solution. These techniques allow you to retrieve meaningful insights from related data sources in complex database environments.

Another important area of focus is the use of functions and aggregation. Here you will learn how to apply aggregate functions such as COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, and MAX to summarize large datasets. Grouping data with GROUP BY clauses and filtering grouped results with HAVING will also be covered. Built-in functions for manipulating text, numeric, and date values will help you transform and adapt your results according to specific needs. These capabilities are crucial for analysis, reporting, and supporting decision-making.

The course also covers grouping and pivoting data, which are especially useful for analytical reporting. You will learn how to create pivot tables in SQL Server, turn rows into columns, and unpivot data back into normalized form. Additional techniques such as ROLLUP and CUBE will be introduced to support multidimensional data analysis. These skills are highly valuable for producing business reports and advanced summaries directly from SQL queries.

Modern data management often involves working with temporal and non-relational data, and this course provides guidance on those topics as well. You will learn to query temporal tables, which allow you to track changes in data over time. You will also practice retrieving and processing JSON documents stored in SQL Server, gaining the ability to work with semi-structured data in a relational database system. These newer features extend the power of SQL Server and prepare you for contemporary data challenges.

Programming with Transact-SQL is another important part of the syllabus. You will learn to create stored procedures that can automate complex queries, build functions for reusable calculations, and implement triggers for automated database responses. Views will also be introduced, allowing you to simplify complex queries and create abstractions for end users. By understanding these programmability objects, you will be able to create robust, maintainable, and scalable database solutions.

The course concludes with topics related to error handling, transactions, data types, and null values. You will practice managing transactions with commands like BEGIN, COMMIT, and ROLLBACK, ensuring that your data operations are both reliable and consistent. Error handling with TRY and CATCH will be explained, preparing you to manage exceptions in production environments. A strong understanding of SQL Server data types and conversions will help you write efficient queries, while learning to properly handle null values will prevent common errors and misunderstandings.

Course structure

The content of the practice test and study material is organized into thematic areas, each of which corresponds to a major objective domain of the official Microsoft 70-761 exam. The following sections describe what is covered in each domain and what you can expect to learn.

Managing data using Transact-SQL

The first objective is to build a foundation in data management with Transact-SQL. You will become comfortable with writing SELECT queries, understanding syntax, applying filtering conditions, and retrieving the specific data you need from large tables. This includes learning to work with WHERE clauses, ORDER BY, and various operators.

Key learning outcomes:

• Retrieve and filter data using SELECT statements
  
  

• Sort and order results according to required criteria
  
  

• Manage NULL values within query results
  
  

• Apply logical conditions for precise filtering

By mastering these techniques, you will ensure that you can query any dataset accurately and efficiently, which is the basis for more advanced querying topics.

Creating queries across multiple tables

In practical scenarios, data is rarely stored in a single table. This section emphasizes combining data from multiple tables through joins and related techniques. You will practice working with inner joins, outer joins, cross joins, and self-joins to retrieve related information spread across multiple entities.

Key learning outcomes:

• Understand relational database design and table relationships
  
  

• Write join queries that combine information from multiple sources
  
  

• Distinguish between different join types and when to apply each
  
  

• Use subqueries and correlated queries as alternatives to joins

These skills are essential for anyone working with relational databases since most real-world business questions require retrieving data that spans several tables.

Using functions and performing aggregation

Aggregate functions allow you to summarize and analyze large datasets. In this section, you will learn how to use COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, and MAX, as well as how to group data using GROUP BY. You will also explore scalar and table-valued functions to manipulate and transform data.

Key learning outcomes:

• Apply aggregate functions to summarize results
  
  

• Group data effectively with GROUP BY clauses
  
  

• Filter aggregated results using HAVING
  
  

• Work with built-in functions for text, numbers, and dates

Learning to aggregate and manipulate data enables you to produce meaningful summaries that support reporting and business decision-making.

Modifying data

In addition to reading data, database professionals must also be able to insert, update, and delete information. This portion of the course focuses on data modification statements and the proper use of transactions to ensure integrity and consistency.

Key learning outcomes:

• Insert new rows into tables
  
  

• Update existing data using the UPDATE statement
  
  

• Delete rows selectively with DELETE
  
  

• Apply transactions to ensure reliability of data modifications

This section prepares you to handle the full life cycle of database operations, from querying to maintaining and updating information securely.

Advanced querying techniques

Once the foundations are mastered, you will move on to more advanced querying capabilities of Transact-SQL. This includes subqueries, APPLY operators, table expressions, and common table expressions (CTEs).

Key learning outcomes:

• Use subqueries in SELECT, FROM, and WHERE clauses
  
  

• Implement CROSS APPLY and OUTER APPLY to work with table-valued functions
  
  

• Define and use common table expressions for modular queries
  
  

• Build recursive queries using CTEs

Advanced techniques like these allow you to solve complex business questions and optimize your queries for better performance.

Grouping and pivoting data

Many business scenarios require data to be pivoted or reshaped for analysis. This section demonstrates how to create pivot tables and groupings within SQL Server.

Key learning outcomes:

• Group and summarize data for analytical purposes
  
  

• Transform rows into columns with PIVOT
  
  

• Unpivot datasets to normalize data
  
  

• Apply rollup and cube operators for multidimensional analysis

Mastering these methods helps you prepare queries for advanced reporting and data visualization scenarios.

Querying temporal and non-relational data

SQL Server includes support for temporal tables, JSON, and other non-relational data formats. This section prepares you for questions involving these newer features.

Key learning outcomes:

• Query temporal tables to track historical data changes
  
  

• Retrieve and analyze JSON documents within SQL Server
  
  

• Work with semi-structured data in a relational environment

Understanding how to query modern data formats ensures that you are ready to work with diverse data sources.

Programming with Transact-SQL

This section moves beyond querying into creating programmable objects within SQL Server. You will learn how to create stored procedures, functions, triggers, and views to encapsulate business logic.

Key learning outcomes:

• Build stored procedures for reusability and performance
  
  

• Create functions to encapsulate reusable expressions
  
  

• Define triggers for automated actions
  
  

• Design and implement views to simplify queries

By programming with T-SQL, you can automate processes and create more reliable and scalable applications.

Error handling and transactions

Reliable applications require robust error handling and proper management of transactions. This section of the course ensures that you can implement these practices correctly.

Key learning outcomes:

• Manage transactions with BEGIN, COMMIT, and ROLLBACK
  
  

• Implement TRY…CATCH blocks for error handling
  
  

• Ensure data integrity with transaction isolation levels
  
  

• Apply error handling techniques within stored procedures

Learning these techniques prepares you to write production-ready queries that handle exceptions gracefully.

Data types and working with NULL values

Data types form the foundation of any database system. This section teaches you to manage data types effectively and work with NULL values in a consistent way.

Key learning outcomes:

• Understand different SQL Server data types
  
  

• Convert between data types using CAST and CONVERT
  
  

• Handle NULLs in expressions and aggregations
  
  

• Apply best practices for defining and enforcing data integrity

Mastery of data types ensures that your queries run efficiently and that data remains accurate and consistent.

Course Benefits

Enrolling in this course provides more than just practice questions. It offers a structured path to prepare for the Microsoft 70-761 Querying Data with Transact-SQL certification and ensures that you build skills that can be applied immediately in professional environments. The 310-question practice database gives you exposure to the full range of scenarios you may encounter on the exam, while detailed explanations help reinforce your understanding and improve retention.

Key benefits include:

• Comprehensive coverage of all Microsoft 70-761 exam objectives
  
  

• Largest available question bank with 310 practice questions
  
  

• Detailed explanations to improve conceptual clarity
  
  

• Hands-on exposure to real-world T-SQL scenarios
  
  

• Improved ability to write efficient queries and manage data
  
  

• Strong preparation for database administrator, developer, or engineer roles
  
  

• Confidence to pass the certification exam on the first attempt

Who should take this course

This program is designed for professionals who already have at least two years of practical experience with databases and SQL Server. It is ideal for:

• Database administrators seeking to validate their query-writing skills
  
  

• Developers who write queries as part of application development
  
  

• System engineers who support SQL Server environments
  
  

• Anyone preparing for the Microsoft MCSA 70-761 certification exam

If you fall into one of these categories, this course will help you consolidate your knowledge, prepare thoroughly for the exam, and improve your practical skills in managing and querying relational data.

The Microsoft 70-761 Querying Data with Transact-SQL exam is a significant milestone for any database professional. Passing this exam requires more than casual knowledge of SQL; it demands the ability to apply T-SQL techniques across a variety of real-world scenarios. With 310 carefully prepared practice questions, detailed explanations, and coverage of 100 percent of the exam syllabus, this course provides everything you need to succeed.

By working through the practice material, you will gain not only the ability to answer exam questions but also the competence to write queries confidently in your day-to-day work. This combination of theoretical understanding and practical ability is what will ultimately make you stand out as a certified SQL Server professional.

Enroll Today

Taking the next step in your career begins with building the right skills and validating them through recognized certifications. This course gives you everything you need to prepare for and pass the Microsoft 70-761 Querying Data with Transact-SQL exam. With 310 carefully designed practice questions, clear explanations, and coverage of every exam objective, you will be fully equipped to succeed on your first attempt. More than just a practice test, this program provides you with the confidence to write efficient queries, solve real-world problems, and advance your professional capabilities.

By enrolling today, you are investing in your future and setting yourself apart as a certified SQL Server professional. Whether you are a database administrator, developer, or system engineer, this course will help you achieve your goals and expand your career opportunities.