How do I ask questions about the classes?

When you have a question about a particular module, leave a comment on the page for that module. I answer those questions within a business day or two.

If you have a private question about your specific server, and you need to send supporting files like execution plans, you can email me at Help@BrentOzar.com. Keep it simple and straightforward, though: if it involves reading pages of text, it's probably a better fit for one of my consulting engagements.

What order should I attend the classes in?

Each class has its own prerequisites listed, but overall, here's what I'd recommend:

1. How to Think Like the Engine (free)
2. How I Use the First Responder Kit
3. Fundamentals of Index Tuning 2026
4. Optional: Fundamentals of Columnstore Indexes
5. Fundamentals of Query Tuning 2026
6. Fundamentals of Server Tuning 2026
7. Optional: Fundamentals of Parameter Sniffing
8. Optional: Fundamentals of TempDB
9. Mastering Index Tuning
10. Mastering Query Tuning
11. Mastering Parameter Sniffing
12. Mastering Server Tuning

I can't tell you how many times folks have told me, "Whoa, I thought I knew what I was doing - I've been working with databases for 10 years - but it turns out I didn't even know the fundamentals!" Don't skip classes: you're only going to feel terrible if you can't keep up at the Mastering level.

What do I need to follow along with the labs?

In each of the classes, there are modules about prerequisites and how to set up your own lab server. In the recorded classes, I don't gauge your homework - you do the homework lab, and then you watch the video lab of me doing it, and compare your results.