SQL is the most common language for working with data in modern organizations, and SQL Server is widely used across analytics, finance, and business intelligence teams. This course provides a practical foundation for writing SQL queries in an analyst-friendly way.

The focus is on producing accurate result sets: selecting the right fields, narrowing outputs to what matters, summarizing data with grouped totals, and sorting for analysis and reporting. Along the way, the course emphasizes writing readable scripts with comments and consistent formatting, plus avoiding common beginner mistakes that lead to confusing results. Throughout, you’ll work with real sample data and short exercises that reinforce each concept so you can apply core SQL patterns immediately in day-to-day work.

By the end of this course, you’ll possess the fundamental skills necessary to navigate and manipulate database data confidently. You’ll understand best practices and common pitfalls in SQL, equipping you with the knowledge to become a proficient business analyst and a valuable asset in any data-driven role.

Software requirements: https://code.visualstudio.com/

 

Access expires 180 days from purchase date

This course is for beginners who want to learn SQL from scratch, and for Excel/Power BI users who want a practical foundation for querying data in SQL Server. It’s also useful for analysts who can “read” SQL but want to write cleaner, more confident queries.

SQL Fundamentals builds practical query-writing skills for retrieving, filtering, summarizing, and combining data - using a hands-on workflow with SQL Server in Visual Studio Code. Participants will learn to write and structure queries for pulling the right rows and columns, with clear sorting and summarizing. They will also utilize common analysis patterns for limiting results, handling duplicates, conditional logic, and NULL behavior. Finally, they will have a chance to create a repeatable VS Code workflow to connect, write, format, run, and validate results.

Course Content Created: March 2026

The information is current as of the creation  or last updated date. While we strive to keep our inventory updated and periodically remove outdated titles, changes in accounting, tax, legislation and technology may occur. Purchasers should note the date and verify for themselves if the course is still relevant to their needs.

About This Product

On-Demand Courses by CFI. Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) courses are designed for finance professionals and industry practitioners who want to master the art of corporate finance. The instructions on how to access this course will be included on your registration confirmation.

Please note that not all on-demand courses include downloadable materials such as course notes or slides.

How to get started

Upon completion of purchase, go to mylms.bccpa.ca and log in using your CPABC Online Services credentials. Click “Go to your Courses and Materials” to go to your Learning Center, then find and click on your course title.