The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Database administration DBAD

Installing, configuring, monitoring, maintaining and improving the performance of databases and data stores.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

2 3 4 5

Updates for SFIA 9

  • There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 9.
  • Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Application of SFIA skills for cloud-based working, Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Support for cyber security working practices (both specialised and general).
  • Content changes have been made to levels 2, 3, 4, and 5.
  • You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
  • Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

Database administration may support live operational databases in production use or internal/interim databases used for iterative developments and testing. 

Activities may include — but are not limited to:

  • identifying and acting on automation opportunities to improve performance and value from databases, data stores and data pipelines
  • using database management system software and tools 
  • applying knowledge of the logical database schema.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...
  • Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

  • Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
  • Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
  • Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Database administration: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

Assists in database support activities.

Database administration: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Performs standard database maintenance and administration tasks.

Uses database management system software and tools to collect performance statistics.

Database administration: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Develops and configures tools to enable automation of database administration tasks.

Monitors performance statistics and create reports.

Identify and investigates complex problems and issues and recommends corrective actions.

Performs routine configuration, installation, and reconfiguration of database and related products.

Database administration: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Identifies, evaluates and manages the adoption of database administration tools and processes, including automation.

Develops and maintains procedures and documentation for databases. Contributes to the setting of standards for definition, security and integrity of database objects and ensures conformance to these standards.

Manages database configuration including installing and upgrading software and maintaining relevant documentation.

Monitors database activity and resource usage. Optimises database performance and plans for forecast resource needs.