Certificaton/6 Objectives
This is the ability to use Base to organise and store structured information and generate reports.
Summary
A. A foundation user can use basic database software tools and techniques to:
- enter straightforward or routine information into Base
- set up a single table in a flat file database;
- retrieve information by running routine queries; and
- produce reports using predefined menus or short cuts.
The structure and functionality of the database will be predefined. Any aspects that are unfamiliar will require support and advice from others.
Database tools and techniques will be described as ‘basic’ because:
- the tools and functions will be predefined or commonly used; and
- the techniques for inputting, manipulation and outputting will be straightforward or routine.
B. An intermediate user can select and use intermediate database software tools and techniques to:
- enter information into databases, that is at times non-routine or unfamiliar;
- retrieve information by creating queries using multiple selection criteria; and
- produce reports by setting up menus or short cuts.
They will also be able to create and modify single table, non-relational databases. Any aspects that are unfamiliar may require support and advice from others.
Database tools, functions and techniques will be described as ‘intermediate’ because:
- the software tools and functions involved will at times be non-routine or unfamiliar; and
- the choice and use of input, manipulation and output techniques will need to take account of a number of factors or elements.
C. An advanced user can select and use advanced database software tools and techniques efficiently to:
- enter complex information into databases;
- retrieve information by creating queries using multiple selection criteria; and
- produce reports by setting up menus or short cuts.
They will also be able to design, create and interrogate multiple-table relational databases.
Database tools, functions and techniques will be described as ‘advanced’ because:
- the software tools and functions involved will be complex and at times involve having the idea that there may be a tool or function to do something (eg improve efficiency or create an effect), exploring technical support, self-teaching and applying; and
- the input, manipulation and output techniques involved will be complex, which will involve research, identification and application.
Level 1
At level 1, the competent person will
A1 Enter, edit and organise structured information in a database
To demonstrate this competence they can
A1.1 Identify the main components of a database
A1.2 Create a database table for a purpose using specified fields
A1.3 Enter structured data into records to meet requirements
A1.4 Locate and amend data records
A1.5 Respond appropriately to data entry error messages
A1.6 Check data meets needs, using IT tools and making corrections as necessary
A2 Use database software tools to extract information and produce reports
To demonstrate this competence they can
A2.1 Identify queries which meet information requirements
A2.2 Run simple database queries
A2.3 Identify reports which meet information requirements
A2.4 Generate and print pre-defined database reports
Content examples
Database design What types of information are stored: tables, forms, queries, reports
Data entry errors Due to field size, data type, validation checks; duplicate records; format; using help
Amend data records Find, search and replace; edit record, sort, use wild cards
Enter data Tables, fields, records. Use of data entry form; create new record; add record to table
Database reports Using menus or short cuts
Database queries Alphanumeric sort, filter, single criteria
Check database data Completeness, accuracy, security
Level 2
At level 1, the competent person will
B1 Create and modify non-relational database tables
To demonstrate this competence they can
B1.1 Identify the components of a database design
B1.2 Describe the properties for the required data fields
B1.3 Create and modify database tables using a range of field types
B1.4 Describe ways to maintain data integrity
B1.5 Respond appropriately to problems with database tables
B1.6 Use database tools and techniques to ensure data integrity is maintained
B2 Enter, edit and organise structured information in a database
B2.1 Create forms to enter, edit and organise data in a database
B2.2 Select and use appropriate tools and techniques to format data entry forms
B2.3 Check data entry meets needs, using IT tools and making corrections as necessary
B2.4 Respond appropriately to data entry errors
B3 Use database software tools to run queries and produce reports
B3.1 Create and run database queries using multiple criteria to display or amend selected data
B3.2 Plan and produce database reports from a single table non-relational database
B3.3 Select and use appropriate tools and techniques to format database reports
B3.4 Check reports meet needs, using IT tools and making corrections as necessary
Content examples
Format database reports Data fields; page and section layout; add text or images; adjust page set up for printing
Format data entry forms Field characteristics and layout, tables, colour, lookups
Problems with database tables Security, redundant data, duplication, table structure, field characteristics and validation, sources of help
Modify database table Add/amend/delete field; field characteristics
Database design What types of information are stored, use of data entry form, routine queries, how data is structured in a single table non-relational database; use of indexes and key field to organise data
Data entry errors Due to field size, data type, validation checks; duplicate records, format, using help; data that does not fit parameters, alerts, reminders; problems with forms
Enter data Select and update fields, create new records, locate and amend records; using wildcards, search operators; error checking; data validation
Data integrity Methods for maintaining integrity of existing data in a single table non-relational database, how field characteristics contribute to data validation
Field characteristics Data type, field name, field size, field format
Database reports Using menus or short cuts
Database queries Alphanumeric sort, filter, single criteria, multiple criteria
Check database data Completeness, accuracy, security, spell checking, sorting, formatting, layout
Level 3
At level 3, the competent person will
C1 Plan, create and modify relational database tables to meet requirements
To demonstrate this competence they can
C1.1 Explain how a relational database design enables data to be organised and queried
C1.2 Plan and create multiple tables for data entry with appropriate fields and properties
C1.3 Set up and modify relationships between database tables
C1.4 Explain why and how to maintain data integrity
C1.5 Respond appropriately to problems with database tables
C1.6 Use database tools and techniques to ensure data integrity is maintained
C2 Enter, edit and organise structured information in a database
C2.1 Design and create forms to access, enter, edit and organise data in a database
C2.2 Select and use appropriate tools and techniques to format data entry forms
C2.3 Check data entry meets needs, using IT tools and making corrections as appropriate
C2.4 Respond appropriately to data entry errors
C3 Use database software tools to create, edit and run data queries and produce reports
C3.1 Explain how to select and generate information from queries according to requirements
C3.2 Create and run database queries to display, amend or calculate selected data
C3.3 Plan and produce database reports from a multiple-table relational database
C3.4 Select and use appropriate tools and techniques to format database reports
C3.5 Check reports meet needs, using IT tools and making corrections as appropriate
Content examples
Format database reports Data fields; page and section layout; add text or images; adjust page setup for printing; styles
Format data entry forms Field characteristics and layout, tables, colour, lookups, styles, subforms
Problems with database tables Redundant data, duplication, table structure, field characteristics and validation; sources of help; access control, data type; indexing; analytical tools
Database relationships One to one; one to many; many to many
Database design What types of information are stored, use of data entry form, routine queries, how data is structured in a single table non-relational database, use of indexes and key field to organise data, how relationships are established in a multiple-table database, how data is structured in a multiple-table database, what logical operators are and how to use them; schema
Data entry errors Due to field size, data type, validation checks; duplicate records; format; using help, error codes, troubleshooting; logging, reporting and dealing with application errors
Enter data Select and update fields, create new records, locate and amend records; using wildcards, search operators; error checking; data validation; menus, sub-forms
Data integrity Methods for maintaining integrity of existing data in a single table non-relational database, how field characteristics contribute to data validation, methods for maintaining integrity of data in a multiple table database
Field characteristics Data type, field name, field size, field format, validation
Database reports Using menus or short cuts
Database queries Alphanumeric sort, filter, single criteria, multiple criteria, update, append
Check database data As for level 2
