PostgreSQL Database Administration Certified Professional V15 SC-PSQLDP15

PostgreSQL Database Administration Certified Professional V15 SC-PSQLDP15

Advanced Skills Validation

The PostgreSQL Database Administration Certified Professional V15 (SC-PSQLDP15) certification validates a comprehensive range of advanced skills and competencies specific to PostgreSQL 15. Based on the provided syllabus and including advanced activities such as clustering, advanced backup methodologies, replication, and performance tuning, the specific skills validated include:

1. Clustering

• Knowledge of PostgreSQL Clustering Techniques: Understanding the principles of database clustering, including master-slave, multi-master, and shared-nothing architectures.
• Implementation of Clustering Solutions: Setting up and configuring PostgreSQL clusters using tools like Patroni, Stolon, or built-in logical replication.
• High Availability and Failover: Ensuring high availability through automated failover mechanisms and testing failover scenarios.
• Data Consistency and Conflict Resolution: Managing data consistency across clusters and resolving conflicts in multi-master setups.

2. Backup Methodologies (3-2-1-1 Rule)

• Understanding the 3-2-1-1 Backup Rule:
  • 3: Maintain three copies of your data.
  • 2: Store the copies on two different media types.
  • 1: Keep one copy offsite.
  • 1: Ensure one copy is air-gapped or offline.
• Implementation of Backup Strategies:
  • Logical Backups: Using pg_dump and pg_dumpall for logical backups.
  • Physical Backups: Using pg_basebackup and other tools for hot physical backups.
  • Incremental Backups: Implementing WAL archiving and tools like Barman for incremental backups.
• Backup Validation and Restoration Testing: Regularly testing backup integrity and performing restoration drills to ensure data recovery capabilities.
• Automated Backup Management: Setting up automated backup schedules and monitoring backup processes.

3. Replication

• Setting Up Streaming Replication: Configuring primary-standby replication using PostgreSQL’s built-in streaming replication.
• Logical Replication: Implementing logical replication for selective data replication and cross-version upgrades.
• Monitoring and Maintenance: Monitoring replication status, lag, and performance. Performing routine maintenance tasks to ensure replication health.
• Conflict Resolution and Failover Handling: Addressing replication conflicts and managing failover processes to promote standby servers to the primary role.

4. Performance and Tuning

• Query Optimization: Analyzing and optimizing SQL queries using EXPLAIN, query plans, and indexes.
• Database Configuration Tuning: Adjusting PostgreSQL configuration parameters ( postgresql.conf ) to optimize performance based on workload characteristics.
• Resource Management: Efficiently managing CPU, memory, and I/O resources to prevent bottlenecks.
• Monitoring and Diagnostics: Using tools like pg_stat_statements, pgBadger, and other monitoring utilities to track performance metrics and identify issues.
• Vacuuming and Bloat Management: Regularly running VACUUM and managing table bloat to maintain database health.
• Connection Pooling: Implementing connection pooling using PgBouncer or similar tools to optimize connection handling and reduce latency.

5. Security and Compliance

• Advanced Security Configurations: Implementing advanced security measures, including SSL/TLS encryption, LDAP integration, and robust authentication mechanisms.
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Setting up granular role-based access controls to enforce least privilege and secure database access.
• Compliance with Regulations: Ensuring database configurations and practices comply with industry standards and regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.
• Auditing and Logging: Implementing auditing and logging to track access and changes to the database for security and compliance purposes.

Assessment Methods

• Theoretical Exam: A comprehensive theoretical exam testing knowledge across all fundamental and advanced topics.
• Practical Exam: A hands-on practical exam where candidates must demonstrate their ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot a PostgreSQL 15 database environment.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Situational questions that test candidates' ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, including disaster recovery, performance troubleshooting, and replication setup.
• Performance Metrics: Evaluation based on specific performance metrics, such as the ability to reduce query execution times, ensure high availability, and maintain data consistency across clusters.