ICDL Professional

ADVANCED
DATABASE
Syllabus 2.0

Syllabus Document
Purpose
This document details the syllabus for the Advanced Database module. The syllabus describes,
through learning outcomes, the knowledge and skills that a candidate for the Advanced
Database module should possess. The syllabus also provides the basis for the theory and
practice-based test in this module.

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Although every care has been taken by ICDL Foundation in the preparation of this publication,
no warranty is given by ICDL Foundation, as publisher, as to the completeness of the
information contained within it and neither shall ICDL Foundation be responsible or liable for
any errors, omissions, inaccuracies, loss or damage whatsoever arising by virtue of such
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© 2003-2023 ICDL Foundation Ref: ICDL Advanced Database - Syllabus – V2.0 Page 2 of 5
 Advanced Database

The following is the Syllabus for Advanced Database, which provides the basis for the module’s
theory and practice-based test. The Syllabus for AM5 is over and above the skills and
knowledge contained within ICDL Module 5, Using Databases. Advanced Database anticipates
that the candidate has already acquired the skills and knowledge outlined in ICDL Module 5.

Module Goals

Advanced Database requires the candidate to understand key database concepts and use a
relational database application to create an advanced database structure and outputs.
The candidate shall be able to:
• Understand key concepts of database development and usage.
• Create a relational database using advanced table creation features and complex
relationships between tables.
• Design and use queries to create a table, update, delete and append data. Refine
queries using wildcards, parameters and calculations.
• Use controls and subforms to enhance forms and improve functionality.
• Create report controls to perform calculations. Create subreports and enhance report
presentation.
• Enhance productivity by working with macros and use linking and importing features
to integrate data.

CATEGORY SKILL SET REF. TASK ITEM

AM5.1 Database AM5.1.1 Database AM5.1.1.1 Know that different types of database
Concepts Development models exist like: hierarchical,
and Use relational, object-oriented.

AM5.1.1.2 Know the life cycle stages of a

database: logical design, database
creation, data entry, data maintenance,
information retrieval.

AM5.1.1.3 Recognize common business

applications of databases like: dynamic
website, customer relationship
management systems, enterprise
resource planning systems, website
content management systems.

AM5.1.1.4 Know the term SQL (structured query

language) and understand its main use
in querying database content.

AM5.2 Tables and AM5.2.1 Fields/Columns AM5.2.1.1 Create, modify, delete a lookup in a
Relationships field/column.

© 2003-2023 ICDL Foundation Ref: ICDL Advanced Database - Syllabus – V2.0 Page 3 of 5
 CATEGORY SKILL SET REF. TASK ITEM

AM5.2.1.2 Create, modify, delete an input mask in

a field/column.

AM5.2.1.3 Set data entry for a field/column:

required, not required.

AM5.2.2 Relationships and AM5.2.2.1 Create, modify, delete a one-to-one,

Joins one-to-many relationship between
tables.

AM5.2.2.2 Create, modify a many-to-many

relationship using a junction table.

AM5.2.2.3 Apply referential integrity between

tables.

AM5.2.2.4 Apply automatic update of related

fields.

AM5.2.2.5 Apply automatic deletion of related

records.

AM5.2.2.6 Apply, modify an inner join, outer join.

AM5.2.2.7 Create, modify a subtract join.

AM5.2.2.8 Apply a self join.

AM5.3 Queries AM5.3.1 Query Types AM5.3.1.1 Create, run a query to update data in a
table.

AM5.3.1.2 Create, run a query to append records

to a table.

AM5.3.1.3 Create, run a query to delete records in

a table.

AM5.3.1.4 Create, run a query to save selected

data as a new table.

AM5.3.1.5 Create, run a crosstab query.

AM5.3.1.6 Create, run a query to show duplicated

records within a table.

AM5.3.1.7 Create, run a query to show unmatched

records in related tables.

AM5.3.2 Refining a Query AM5.3.2.1 Create, modify, run a one, two variable
parameter query.

AM5.3.2.2 Use wildcards in a query: [ ], !, -, #.

AM5.3.2.3 Show highest, lowest range of values in

a query.

AM5.3.2.4 Create and name a calculated field that

performs arithmetic operations.

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 CATEGORY SKILL SET REF. TASK ITEM

AM5.3.2.5 Group information in a query using

functions: sum, count, average, max,
min.

AM5.4 Forms AM5.4.1 Controls AM5.4.1.1 Create, modify, delete bound controls:
text box, combo box, list box, check
box, option groups.

AM5.4.1.2 Apply, remove bound control properties

like: limit to list, distinct values.

AM5.4.1.3 Create, modify, delete unbound

controls containing arithmetic, logical
expressions.

AM5.4.1.4 Modify sequential tab order of controls

on a form.

AM5.4.1.5 Create, delete a linked subform.

AM5.5 Reports AM5.5.1 Controls AM5.5.1.1 Format arithmetic calculation controls in

a report: percentage, currency, to a
specific number of decimal places.

Apply a running sum for a group, over

AM5.5.1.2
all.

AM5.5.1.3 Concatenate fields in a report.

AM5.5.2 Presentation AM5.5.2.1 Insert, delete a data field in group,

page, report headers and footers.

AM5.5.2.2 Sort, group records in a report by

field(s).

AM5.5.2.3 Force page breaks for groups in a

report.

AM5.5.2.4 Create, delete a linked subreport.

AM5.6 Enhancing AM5.6.1 Linking, Importing AM5.6.1.1 Link external data to a database:
Productivity spreadsheet, text (.txt, .csv), existing
database files.

AM5.6.1.2 Import spreadsheet, text (.txt, .csv),

XML, existing database files into a
database.

AM5.6.2 Automation AM5.6.2.1 Create a simple macro like: close an

object and open another object, open
and maximize an object, open and
minimize an object, print and close an
object.

AM5.6.2.2 Assign/attach a macro to a command

button, object, control.

© 2003-2023 ICDL Foundation Ref: ICDL Advanced Database - Syllabus – V2.0 Page 5 of 5