diff --git a/pkg/services/ngalert/api.go b/pkg/services/ngalert/api.go
index 615ae09f574..69397381105 100644
--- a/pkg/services/ngalert/api.go
+++ b/pkg/services/ngalert/api.go
@@ -9,42 +9,52 @@ import (
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/api/routing"
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/middleware"
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/models"
+	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/services/datasources"
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/services/ngalert/eval"
+	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/setting"
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/tsdb"
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/util"
 )
 
-func (ng *AlertNG) registerAPIEndpoints() {
-	ng.RouteRegister.Group("/api/alert-definitions", func(alertDefinitions routing.RouteRegister) {
-		alertDefinitions.Get("", middleware.ReqSignedIn, routing.Wrap(ng.listAlertDefinitions))
-		alertDefinitions.Get("/eval/:alertDefinitionUID", middleware.ReqSignedIn, ng.validateOrgAlertDefinition, routing.Wrap(ng.alertDefinitionEvalEndpoint))
-		alertDefinitions.Post("/eval", middleware.ReqSignedIn, binding.Bind(evalAlertConditionCommand{}), routing.Wrap(ng.conditionEvalEndpoint))
-		alertDefinitions.Get("/:alertDefinitionUID", middleware.ReqSignedIn, ng.validateOrgAlertDefinition, routing.Wrap(ng.getAlertDefinitionEndpoint))
-		alertDefinitions.Delete("/:alertDefinitionUID", middleware.ReqEditorRole, ng.validateOrgAlertDefinition, routing.Wrap(ng.deleteAlertDefinitionEndpoint))
-		alertDefinitions.Post("/", middleware.ReqEditorRole, binding.Bind(saveAlertDefinitionCommand{}), routing.Wrap(ng.createAlertDefinitionEndpoint))
-		alertDefinitions.Put("/:alertDefinitionUID", middleware.ReqEditorRole, ng.validateOrgAlertDefinition, binding.Bind(updateAlertDefinitionCommand{}), routing.Wrap(ng.updateAlertDefinitionEndpoint))
-		alertDefinitions.Post("/pause", middleware.ReqEditorRole, binding.Bind(updateAlertDefinitionPausedCommand{}), routing.Wrap(ng.alertDefinitionPauseEndpoint))
-		alertDefinitions.Post("/unpause", middleware.ReqEditorRole, binding.Bind(updateAlertDefinitionPausedCommand{}), routing.Wrap(ng.alertDefinitionUnpauseEndpoint))
+type apiImpl struct {
+	Cfg             *setting.Cfg             `inject:""`
+	DatasourceCache datasources.CacheService `inject:""`
+	RouteRegister   routing.RouteRegister    `inject:""`
+	schedule        scheduleService
+	store           store
+}
+
+func (api *apiImpl) registerAPIEndpoints() {
+	api.RouteRegister.Group("/api/alert-definitions", func(alertDefinitions routing.RouteRegister) {
+		alertDefinitions.Get("", middleware.ReqSignedIn, routing.Wrap(api.listAlertDefinitions))
+		alertDefinitions.Get("/eval/:alertDefinitionUID", middleware.ReqSignedIn, api.validateOrgAlertDefinition, routing.Wrap(api.alertDefinitionEvalEndpoint))
+		alertDefinitions.Post("/eval", middleware.ReqSignedIn, binding.Bind(evalAlertConditionCommand{}), routing.Wrap(api.conditionEvalEndpoint))
+		alertDefinitions.Get("/:alertDefinitionUID", middleware.ReqSignedIn, api.validateOrgAlertDefinition, routing.Wrap(api.getAlertDefinitionEndpoint))
+		alertDefinitions.Delete("/:alertDefinitionUID", middleware.ReqEditorRole, api.validateOrgAlertDefinition, routing.Wrap(api.deleteAlertDefinitionEndpoint))
+		alertDefinitions.Post("/", middleware.ReqEditorRole, binding.Bind(saveAlertDefinitionCommand{}), routing.Wrap(api.createAlertDefinitionEndpoint))
+		alertDefinitions.Put("/:alertDefinitionUID", middleware.ReqEditorRole, api.validateOrgAlertDefinition, binding.Bind(updateAlertDefinitionCommand{}), routing.Wrap(api.updateAlertDefinitionEndpoint))
+		alertDefinitions.Post("/pause", middleware.ReqEditorRole, binding.Bind(updateAlertDefinitionPausedCommand{}), routing.Wrap(api.alertDefinitionPauseEndpoint))
+		alertDefinitions.Post("/unpause", middleware.ReqEditorRole, binding.Bind(updateAlertDefinitionPausedCommand{}), routing.Wrap(api.alertDefinitionUnpauseEndpoint))
 	})
 
-	ng.RouteRegister.Group("/api/ngalert/", func(schedulerRouter routing.RouteRegister) {
-		schedulerRouter.Post("/pause", routing.Wrap(ng.pauseScheduler))
-		schedulerRouter.Post("/unpause", routing.Wrap(ng.unpauseScheduler))
+	api.RouteRegister.Group("/api/ngalert/", func(schedulerRouter routing.RouteRegister) {
+		schedulerRouter.Post("/pause", routing.Wrap(api.pauseScheduler))
+		schedulerRouter.Post("/unpause", routing.Wrap(api.unpauseScheduler))
 	}, middleware.ReqOrgAdmin)
 
-	ng.RouteRegister.Group("/api/alert-instances", func(alertInstances routing.RouteRegister) {
-		alertInstances.Get("", middleware.ReqSignedIn, routing.Wrap(ng.listAlertInstancesEndpoint))
+	api.RouteRegister.Group("/api/alert-instances", func(alertInstances routing.RouteRegister) {
+		alertInstances.Get("", middleware.ReqSignedIn, routing.Wrap(api.listAlertInstancesEndpoint))
 	})
 }
 
 // conditionEvalEndpoint handles POST /api/alert-definitions/eval.
-func (ng *AlertNG) conditionEvalEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd evalAlertConditionCommand) response.Response {
+func (api *apiImpl) conditionEvalEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd evalAlertConditionCommand) response.Response {
 	evalCond := eval.Condition{
 		RefID:                 cmd.Condition,
 		OrgID:                 c.SignedInUser.OrgId,
 		QueriesAndExpressions: cmd.Data,
 	}
-	if err := ng.validateCondition(evalCond, c.SignedInUser, c.SkipCache); err != nil {
+	if err := api.validateCondition(evalCond, c.SignedInUser, c.SkipCache); err != nil {
 		return response.Error(400, "invalid condition", err)
 	}
 
@@ -53,9 +63,8 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) conditionEvalEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd evalAlertCond
 		now = timeNow()
 	}
 
-	evaluator := eval.Evaluator{Cfg: ng.Cfg}
-
-	evalResults, err := evaluator.ConditionEval(&evalCond, now)
+	evaluator := eval.Evaluator{Cfg: api.Cfg}
+	evalResults, err := evaluator.ConditionEval(&evalCond, timeNow())
 	if err != nil {
 		return response.Error(400, "Failed to evaluate conditions", err)
 	}
@@ -72,20 +81,20 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) conditionEvalEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd evalAlertCond
 	})
 }
 
-// alertDefinitionEvalEndpoint handles POST /api/alert-definitions/eval/:alertDefinitionUID.
-func (ng *AlertNG) alertDefinitionEvalEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext) response.Response {
+// alertDefinitionEvalEndpoint handles GET /api/alert-definitions/eval/:alertDefinitionUID.
+func (api *apiImpl) alertDefinitionEvalEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext) response.Response {
 	alertDefinitionUID := c.Params(":alertDefinitionUID")
 
-	condition, err := ng.LoadAlertCondition(alertDefinitionUID, c.SignedInUser.OrgId)
+	condition, err := api.LoadAlertCondition(alertDefinitionUID, c.SignedInUser.OrgId)
 	if err != nil {
 		return response.Error(400, "Failed to load alert definition conditions", err)
 	}
 
-	if err := ng.validateCondition(*condition, c.SignedInUser, c.SkipCache); err != nil {
+	if err := api.validateCondition(*condition, c.SignedInUser, c.SkipCache); err != nil {
 		return response.Error(400, "invalid condition", err)
 	}
 
-	evaluator := eval.Evaluator{Cfg: ng.Cfg}
+	evaluator := eval.Evaluator{Cfg: api.Cfg}
 	evalResults, err := evaluator.ConditionEval(condition, timeNow())
 	if err != nil {
 		return response.Error(400, "Failed to evaluate alert", err)
@@ -107,7 +116,7 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) alertDefinitionEvalEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext) response.Re
 }
 
 // getAlertDefinitionEndpoint handles GET /api/alert-definitions/:alertDefinitionUID.
-func (ng *AlertNG) getAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext) response.Response {
+func (api *apiImpl) getAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext) response.Response {
 	alertDefinitionUID := c.Params(":alertDefinitionUID")
 
 	query := getAlertDefinitionByUIDQuery{
@@ -115,7 +124,7 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) getAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext) response.Res
 		OrgID: c.SignedInUser.OrgId,
 	}
 
-	if err := ng.getAlertDefinitionByUID(&query); err != nil {
+	if err := api.store.getAlertDefinitionByUID(&query); err != nil {
 		return response.Error(500, "Failed to get alert definition", err)
 	}
 
@@ -123,7 +132,7 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) getAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext) response.Res
 }
 
 // deleteAlertDefinitionEndpoint handles DELETE /api/alert-definitions/:alertDefinitionUID.
-func (ng *AlertNG) deleteAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext) response.Response {
+func (api *apiImpl) deleteAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext) response.Response {
 	alertDefinitionUID := c.Params(":alertDefinitionUID")
 
 	cmd := deleteAlertDefinitionByUIDCommand{
@@ -131,7 +140,7 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) deleteAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext) response.
 		OrgID: c.SignedInUser.OrgId,
 	}
 
-	if err := ng.deleteAlertDefinitionByUID(&cmd); err != nil {
+	if err := api.store.deleteAlertDefinitionByUID(&cmd); err != nil {
 		return response.Error(500, "Failed to delete alert definition", err)
 	}
 
@@ -139,7 +148,7 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) deleteAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext) response.
 }
 
 // updateAlertDefinitionEndpoint handles PUT /api/alert-definitions/:alertDefinitionUID.
-func (ng *AlertNG) updateAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd updateAlertDefinitionCommand) response.Response {
+func (api *apiImpl) updateAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd updateAlertDefinitionCommand) response.Response {
 	cmd.UID = c.Params(":alertDefinitionUID")
 	cmd.OrgID = c.SignedInUser.OrgId
 
@@ -148,11 +157,11 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) updateAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd updat
 		OrgID:                 c.SignedInUser.OrgId,
 		QueriesAndExpressions: cmd.Data,
 	}
-	if err := ng.validateCondition(evalCond, c.SignedInUser, c.SkipCache); err != nil {
+	if err := api.validateCondition(evalCond, c.SignedInUser, c.SkipCache); err != nil {
 		return response.Error(400, "invalid condition", err)
 	}
 
-	if err := ng.updateAlertDefinition(&cmd); err != nil {
+	if err := api.store.updateAlertDefinition(&cmd); err != nil {
 		return response.Error(500, "Failed to update alert definition", err)
 	}
 
@@ -160,7 +169,7 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) updateAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd updat
 }
 
 // createAlertDefinitionEndpoint handles POST /api/alert-definitions.
-func (ng *AlertNG) createAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd saveAlertDefinitionCommand) response.Response {
+func (api *apiImpl) createAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd saveAlertDefinitionCommand) response.Response {
 	cmd.OrgID = c.SignedInUser.OrgId
 
 	evalCond := eval.Condition{
@@ -168,11 +177,11 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) createAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd saveA
 		OrgID:                 c.SignedInUser.OrgId,
 		QueriesAndExpressions: cmd.Data,
 	}
-	if err := ng.validateCondition(evalCond, c.SignedInUser, c.SkipCache); err != nil {
+	if err := api.validateCondition(evalCond, c.SignedInUser, c.SkipCache); err != nil {
 		return response.Error(400, "invalid condition", err)
 	}
 
-	if err := ng.saveAlertDefinition(&cmd); err != nil {
+	if err := api.store.saveAlertDefinition(&cmd); err != nil {
 		return response.Error(500, "Failed to create alert definition", err)
 	}
 
@@ -180,26 +189,26 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) createAlertDefinitionEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd saveA
 }
 
 // listAlertDefinitions handles GET /api/alert-definitions.
-func (ng *AlertNG) listAlertDefinitions(c *models.ReqContext) response.Response {
+func (api *apiImpl) listAlertDefinitions(c *models.ReqContext) response.Response {
 	query := listAlertDefinitionsQuery{OrgID: c.SignedInUser.OrgId}
 
-	if err := ng.getOrgAlertDefinitions(&query); err != nil {
+	if err := api.store.getOrgAlertDefinitions(&query); err != nil {
 		return response.Error(500, "Failed to list alert definitions", err)
 	}
 
 	return response.JSON(200, util.DynMap{"results": query.Result})
 }
 
-func (ng *AlertNG) pauseScheduler() response.Response {
-	err := ng.schedule.pause()
+func (api *apiImpl) pauseScheduler() response.Response {
+	err := api.schedule.Pause()
 	if err != nil {
 		return response.Error(500, "Failed to pause scheduler", err)
 	}
 	return response.JSON(200, util.DynMap{"message": "alert definition scheduler paused"})
 }
 
-func (ng *AlertNG) unpauseScheduler() response.Response {
-	err := ng.schedule.unpause()
+func (api *apiImpl) unpauseScheduler() response.Response {
+	err := api.schedule.Unpause()
 	if err != nil {
 		return response.Error(500, "Failed to unpause scheduler", err)
 	}
@@ -207,11 +216,11 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) unpauseScheduler() response.Response {
 }
 
 // alertDefinitionPauseEndpoint handles POST /api/alert-definitions/pause.
-func (ng *AlertNG) alertDefinitionPauseEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd updateAlertDefinitionPausedCommand) response.Response {
+func (api *apiImpl) alertDefinitionPauseEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd updateAlertDefinitionPausedCommand) response.Response {
 	cmd.OrgID = c.SignedInUser.OrgId
 	cmd.Paused = true
 
-	err := ng.updateAlertDefinitionPaused(&cmd)
+	err := api.store.updateAlertDefinitionPaused(&cmd)
 	if err != nil {
 		return response.Error(500, "Failed to pause alert definition", err)
 	}
@@ -219,11 +228,11 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) alertDefinitionPauseEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd update
 }
 
 // alertDefinitionUnpauseEndpoint handles POST /api/alert-definitions/unpause.
-func (ng *AlertNG) alertDefinitionUnpauseEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd updateAlertDefinitionPausedCommand) response.Response {
+func (api *apiImpl) alertDefinitionUnpauseEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext, cmd updateAlertDefinitionPausedCommand) response.Response {
 	cmd.OrgID = c.SignedInUser.OrgId
 	cmd.Paused = false
 
-	err := ng.updateAlertDefinitionPaused(&cmd)
+	err := api.store.updateAlertDefinitionPaused(&cmd)
 	if err != nil {
 		return response.Error(500, "Failed to unpause alert definition", err)
 	}
diff --git a/pkg/services/ngalert/common_test.go b/pkg/services/ngalert/common_test.go
index 5d437f64ad5..d9e0e4bbbf5 100644
--- a/pkg/services/ngalert/common_test.go
+++ b/pkg/services/ngalert/common_test.go
@@ -17,23 +17,20 @@ import (
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 )
 
-func setupTestEnv(t *testing.T) *AlertNG {
+func setupTestEnv(t *testing.T, baseIntervalSeconds int64) (AlertNG, *storeImpl) {
 	cfg := setting.NewCfg()
 	cfg.FeatureToggles = map[string]bool{"ngalert": true}
 
-	ng := overrideAlertNGInRegistry(cfg)
-
-	sqlStore := sqlstore.InitTestDB(t)
-	ng.SQLStore = sqlStore
+	ng := overrideAlertNGInRegistry(t, cfg)
+	ng.SQLStore = sqlstore.InitTestDB(t)
 
 	err := ng.Init()
 	require.NoError(t, err)
-	return &ng
+	return ng, &storeImpl{SQLStore: ng.SQLStore, baseInterval: time.Duration(baseIntervalSeconds) * time.Second}
 }
 
-func overrideAlertNGInRegistry(cfg *setting.Cfg) AlertNG {
+func overrideAlertNGInRegistry(t *testing.T, cfg *setting.Cfg) AlertNG {
 	ng := AlertNG{
-		SQLStore:      nil,
 		Cfg:           cfg,
 		RouteRegister: routing.NewRouteRegister(),
 		log:           log.New("ngalert-test"),
@@ -42,7 +39,7 @@ func overrideAlertNGInRegistry(cfg *setting.Cfg) AlertNG {
 	overrideServiceFunc := func(descriptor registry.Descriptor) (*registry.Descriptor, bool) {
 		if _, ok := descriptor.Instance.(*AlertNG); ok {
 			return &registry.Descriptor{
-				Name:         "AlertNG",
+				Name:         descriptor.Name,
 				Instance:     &ng,
 				InitPriority: descriptor.InitPriority,
 			}, true
@@ -55,7 +52,7 @@ func overrideAlertNGInRegistry(cfg *setting.Cfg) AlertNG {
 	return ng
 }
 
-func createTestAlertDefinition(t *testing.T, ng *AlertNG, intervalSeconds int64) *AlertDefinition {
+func createTestAlertDefinition(t *testing.T, store *storeImpl, intervalSeconds int64) *AlertDefinition {
 	cmd := saveAlertDefinitionCommand{
 		OrgID:     1,
 		Title:     fmt.Sprintf("an alert definition %d", rand.Intn(1000)),
@@ -76,7 +73,7 @@ func createTestAlertDefinition(t *testing.T, ng *AlertNG, intervalSeconds int64)
 		},
 		IntervalSeconds: &intervalSeconds,
 	}
-	err := ng.saveAlertDefinition(&cmd)
+	err := store.saveAlertDefinition(&cmd)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	t.Logf("alert definition: %v with interval: %d created", cmd.Result.getKey(), intervalSeconds)
 	return cmd.Result
diff --git a/pkg/services/ngalert/database.go b/pkg/services/ngalert/database.go
index e02a2fd7754..4956fe23a4f 100644
--- a/pkg/services/ngalert/database.go
+++ b/pkg/services/ngalert/database.go
@@ -5,11 +5,32 @@ import (
 	"errors"
 	"fmt"
 	"strings"
+	"time"
 
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/services/sqlstore"
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/util"
 )
 
+type store interface {
+	deleteAlertDefinitionByUID(*deleteAlertDefinitionByUIDCommand) error
+	getAlertDefinitionByUID(*getAlertDefinitionByUIDQuery) error
+	getAlertDefinitions(query *listAlertDefinitionsQuery) error
+	getOrgAlertDefinitions(query *listAlertDefinitionsQuery) error
+	saveAlertDefinition(*saveAlertDefinitionCommand) error
+	updateAlertDefinition(*updateAlertDefinitionCommand) error
+	getAlertInstance(*getAlertInstanceQuery) error
+	listAlertInstances(cmd *listAlertInstancesQuery) error
+	saveAlertInstance(cmd *saveAlertInstanceCommand) error
+	validateAlertDefinition(*AlertDefinition, bool) error
+	updateAlertDefinitionPaused(*updateAlertDefinitionPausedCommand) error
+}
+
+type storeImpl struct {
+	// the base scheduler tick rate; it's used for validating definition interval
+	baseInterval time.Duration
+	SQLStore     *sqlstore.SQLStore `inject:""`
+}
+
 func getAlertDefinitionByUID(sess *sqlstore.DBSession, alertDefinitionUID string, orgID int64) (*AlertDefinition, error) {
 	// we consider optionally enabling some caching
 	alertDefinition := AlertDefinition{OrgID: orgID, UID: alertDefinitionUID}
@@ -25,8 +46,8 @@ func getAlertDefinitionByUID(sess *sqlstore.DBSession, alertDefinitionUID string
 
 // deleteAlertDefinitionByID is a handler for deleting an alert definition.
 // It returns models.ErrAlertDefinitionNotFound if no alert definition is found for the provided ID.
-func (ng *AlertNG) deleteAlertDefinitionByUID(cmd *deleteAlertDefinitionByUIDCommand) error {
-	return ng.SQLStore.WithTransactionalDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
+func (st storeImpl) deleteAlertDefinitionByUID(cmd *deleteAlertDefinitionByUIDCommand) error {
+	return st.SQLStore.WithTransactionalDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
 		_, err := sess.Exec("DELETE FROM alert_definition WHERE uid = ? AND org_id = ?", cmd.UID, cmd.OrgID)
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
@@ -47,8 +68,8 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) deleteAlertDefinitionByUID(cmd *deleteAlertDefinitionByUIDCom
 
 // getAlertDefinitionByUID is a handler for retrieving an alert definition from that database by its UID and organisation ID.
 // It returns models.ErrAlertDefinitionNotFound if no alert definition is found for the provided ID.
-func (ng *AlertNG) getAlertDefinitionByUID(query *getAlertDefinitionByUIDQuery) error {
-	return ng.SQLStore.WithDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
+func (st storeImpl) getAlertDefinitionByUID(query *getAlertDefinitionByUIDQuery) error {
+	return st.SQLStore.WithDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
 		alertDefinition, err := getAlertDefinitionByUID(sess, query.UID, query.OrgID)
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
@@ -59,8 +80,8 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) getAlertDefinitionByUID(query *getAlertDefinitionByUIDQuery)
 }
 
 // saveAlertDefinition is a handler for saving a new alert definition.
-func (ng *AlertNG) saveAlertDefinition(cmd *saveAlertDefinitionCommand) error {
-	return ng.SQLStore.WithTransactionalDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
+func (st storeImpl) saveAlertDefinition(cmd *saveAlertDefinitionCommand) error {
+	return st.SQLStore.WithTransactionalDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
 		intervalSeconds := defaultIntervalSeconds
 		if cmd.IntervalSeconds != nil {
 			intervalSeconds = *cmd.IntervalSeconds
@@ -83,7 +104,7 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) saveAlertDefinition(cmd *saveAlertDefinitionCommand) error {
 			UID:             uid,
 		}
 
-		if err := ng.validateAlertDefinition(alertDefinition, false); err != nil {
+		if err := st.validateAlertDefinition(alertDefinition, false); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 
@@ -92,7 +113,7 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) saveAlertDefinition(cmd *saveAlertDefinitionCommand) error {
 		}
 
 		if _, err := sess.Insert(alertDefinition); err != nil {
-			if ng.SQLStore.Dialect.IsUniqueConstraintViolation(err) && strings.Contains(err.Error(), "title") {
+			if st.SQLStore.Dialect.IsUniqueConstraintViolation(err) && strings.Contains(err.Error(), "title") {
 				return fmt.Errorf("an alert definition with the title '%s' already exists: %w", cmd.Title, err)
 			}
 			return err
@@ -119,8 +140,8 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) saveAlertDefinition(cmd *saveAlertDefinitionCommand) error {
 
 // updateAlertDefinition is a handler for updating an existing alert definition.
 // It returns models.ErrAlertDefinitionNotFound if no alert definition is found for the provided ID.
-func (ng *AlertNG) updateAlertDefinition(cmd *updateAlertDefinitionCommand) error {
-	return ng.SQLStore.WithTransactionalDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
+func (st storeImpl) updateAlertDefinition(cmd *updateAlertDefinitionCommand) error {
+	return st.SQLStore.WithTransactionalDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
 		existingAlertDefinition, err := getAlertDefinitionByUID(sess, cmd.UID, cmd.OrgID)
 		if err != nil {
 			if errors.Is(err, errAlertDefinitionNotFound) {
@@ -157,7 +178,7 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) updateAlertDefinition(cmd *updateAlertDefinitionCommand) erro
 			UID:             existingAlertDefinition.UID,
 		}
 
-		if err := ng.validateAlertDefinition(alertDefinition, true); err != nil {
+		if err := st.validateAlertDefinition(alertDefinition, true); err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
 
@@ -169,7 +190,7 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) updateAlertDefinition(cmd *updateAlertDefinitionCommand) erro
 
 		_, err = sess.ID(existingAlertDefinition.ID).Update(alertDefinition)
 		if err != nil {
-			if ng.SQLStore.Dialect.IsUniqueConstraintViolation(err) && strings.Contains(err.Error(), "title") {
+			if st.SQLStore.Dialect.IsUniqueConstraintViolation(err) && strings.Contains(err.Error(), "title") {
 				return fmt.Errorf("an alert definition with the title '%s' already exists: %w", cmd.Title, err)
 			}
 			return err
@@ -196,8 +217,8 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) updateAlertDefinition(cmd *updateAlertDefinitionCommand) erro
 }
 
 // getOrgAlertDefinitions is a handler for retrieving alert definitions of specific organisation.
-func (ng *AlertNG) getOrgAlertDefinitions(query *listAlertDefinitionsQuery) error {
-	return ng.SQLStore.WithDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
+func (st storeImpl) getOrgAlertDefinitions(query *listAlertDefinitionsQuery) error {
+	return st.SQLStore.WithDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
 		alertDefinitions := make([]*AlertDefinition, 0)
 		q := "SELECT * FROM alert_definition WHERE org_id = ?"
 		if err := sess.SQL(q, query.OrgID).Find(&alertDefinitions); err != nil {
@@ -209,8 +230,8 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) getOrgAlertDefinitions(query *listAlertDefinitionsQuery) erro
 	})
 }
 
-func (ng *AlertNG) getAlertDefinitions(query *listAlertDefinitionsQuery) error {
-	return ng.SQLStore.WithDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
+func (st storeImpl) getAlertDefinitions(query *listAlertDefinitionsQuery) error {
+	return st.SQLStore.WithDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
 		alerts := make([]*AlertDefinition, 0)
 		q := "SELECT uid, org_id, interval_seconds, version, paused FROM alert_definition"
 		if err := sess.SQL(q).Find(&alerts); err != nil {
@@ -222,8 +243,8 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) getAlertDefinitions(query *listAlertDefinitionsQuery) error {
 	})
 }
 
-func (ng *AlertNG) updateAlertDefinitionPaused(cmd *updateAlertDefinitionPausedCommand) error {
-	return ng.SQLStore.WithDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
+func (st storeImpl) updateAlertDefinitionPaused(cmd *updateAlertDefinitionPausedCommand) error {
+	return st.SQLStore.WithDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
 		if len(cmd.UIDs) == 0 {
 			return nil
 		}
@@ -250,8 +271,8 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) updateAlertDefinitionPaused(cmd *updateAlertDefinitionPausedC
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
-		if cmd.ResultCount, err = res.RowsAffected(); err != nil {
-			ng.log.Debug("failed to get rows affected: %w", err)
+		if resultCount, err := res.RowsAffected(); err == nil {
+			cmd.ResultCount = resultCount
 		}
 		return nil
 	})
diff --git a/pkg/services/ngalert/database_test.go b/pkg/services/ngalert/database_test.go
index 827a4468407..e6a382c4bab 100644
--- a/pkg/services/ngalert/database_test.go
+++ b/pkg/services/ngalert/database_test.go
@@ -68,10 +68,12 @@ func TestCreatingAlertDefinition(t *testing.T) {
 			expectedError:        errEmptyTitleError,
 		},
 	}
+
+	_, store := setupTestEnv(t, baseIntervalSeconds)
+	t.Cleanup(registry.ClearOverrides)
+
 	for _, tc := range testCases {
 		t.Run(tc.desc, func(t *testing.T) {
-			ng := setupTestEnv(t)
-			t.Cleanup(registry.ClearOverrides)
 
 			q := saveAlertDefinitionCommand{
 				OrgID:     1,
@@ -95,7 +97,7 @@ func TestCreatingAlertDefinition(t *testing.T) {
 			if tc.inputIntervalSeconds != nil {
 				q.IntervalSeconds = tc.inputIntervalSeconds
 			}
-			err := ng.saveAlertDefinition(&q)
+			err := store.saveAlertDefinition(&q)
 			switch {
 			case tc.expectedError != nil:
 				require.Error(t, err)
@@ -111,7 +113,7 @@ func TestCreatingAlertDefinition(t *testing.T) {
 }
 func TestCreatingConflictionAlertDefinition(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Run("Should fail to create alert definition with conflicting org_id, title", func(t *testing.T) {
-		ng := setupTestEnv(t)
+		_, store := setupTestEnv(t, baseIntervalSeconds)
 		t.Cleanup(registry.ClearOverrides)
 
 		q := saveAlertDefinitionCommand{
@@ -134,12 +136,12 @@ func TestCreatingConflictionAlertDefinition(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 		}
 
-		err := ng.saveAlertDefinition(&q)
+		err := store.saveAlertDefinition(&q)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
-		err = ng.saveAlertDefinition(&q)
+		err = store.saveAlertDefinition(&q)
 		require.Error(t, err)
-		assert.True(t, ng.SQLStore.Dialect.IsUniqueConstraintViolation(err))
+		assert.True(t, store.SQLStore.Dialect.IsUniqueConstraintViolation(err))
 	})
 }
 
@@ -148,7 +150,7 @@ func TestUpdatingAlertDefinition(t *testing.T) {
 		mockTimeNow()
 		defer resetTimeNow()
 
-		ng := setupTestEnv(t)
+		_, store := setupTestEnv(t, baseIntervalSeconds)
 		t.Cleanup(registry.ClearOverrides)
 
 		q := updateAlertDefinitionCommand{
@@ -172,7 +174,7 @@ func TestUpdatingAlertDefinition(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 		}
 
-		err := ng.updateAlertDefinition(&q)
+		err := store.updateAlertDefinition(&q)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 	})
 
@@ -180,11 +182,11 @@ func TestUpdatingAlertDefinition(t *testing.T) {
 		mockTimeNow()
 		defer resetTimeNow()
 
-		ng := setupTestEnv(t)
+		_, store := setupTestEnv(t, baseIntervalSeconds)
 		t.Cleanup(registry.ClearOverrides)
 
 		var initialInterval int64 = 120
-		alertDefinition := createTestAlertDefinition(t, ng, initialInterval)
+		alertDefinition := createTestAlertDefinition(t, store, initialInterval)
 		created := alertDefinition.Updated
 
 		var customInterval int64 = 30
@@ -273,7 +275,7 @@ func TestUpdatingAlertDefinition(t *testing.T) {
 					q.OrgID = tc.inputOrgID
 				}
 				q.Title = tc.inputTitle
-				err := ng.updateAlertDefinition(&q)
+				err := store.updateAlertDefinition(&q)
 				switch {
 				case tc.expectedError != nil:
 					require.Error(t, err)
@@ -319,12 +321,12 @@ func TestUpdatingConflictingAlertDefinition(t *testing.T) {
 		mockTimeNow()
 		defer resetTimeNow()
 
-		ng := setupTestEnv(t)
+		_, store := setupTestEnv(t, baseIntervalSeconds)
 		t.Cleanup(registry.ClearOverrides)
 
 		var initialInterval int64 = 120
-		alertDef1 := createTestAlertDefinition(t, ng, initialInterval)
-		alertDef2 := createTestAlertDefinition(t, ng, initialInterval)
+		alertDef1 := createTestAlertDefinition(t, store, initialInterval)
+		alertDef2 := createTestAlertDefinition(t, store, initialInterval)
 
 		q := updateAlertDefinitionCommand{
 			UID:       (*alertDef2).UID,
@@ -346,15 +348,15 @@ func TestUpdatingConflictingAlertDefinition(t *testing.T) {
 			},
 		}
 
-		err := ng.updateAlertDefinition(&q)
+		err := store.updateAlertDefinition(&q)
 		require.Error(t, err)
-		assert.True(t, ng.SQLStore.Dialect.IsUniqueConstraintViolation(err))
+		assert.True(t, store.SQLStore.Dialect.IsUniqueConstraintViolation(err))
 	})
 }
 
 func TestDeletingAlertDefinition(t *testing.T) {
 	t.Run("zero rows affected when deleting unknown alert", func(t *testing.T) {
-		ng := setupTestEnv(t)
+		_, store := setupTestEnv(t, baseIntervalSeconds)
 		t.Cleanup(registry.ClearOverrides)
 
 		q := deleteAlertDefinitionByUIDCommand{
@@ -362,15 +364,15 @@ func TestDeletingAlertDefinition(t *testing.T) {
 			OrgID: 1,
 		}
 
-		err := ng.deleteAlertDefinitionByUID(&q)
+		err := store.deleteAlertDefinitionByUID(&q)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 	})
 
 	t.Run("deleting successfully existing alert", func(t *testing.T) {
-		ng := setupTestEnv(t)
+		_, store := setupTestEnv(t, baseIntervalSeconds)
 		t.Cleanup(registry.ClearOverrides)
 
-		alertDefinition := createTestAlertDefinition(t, ng, 60)
+		alertDefinition := createTestAlertDefinition(t, store, 60)
 
 		q := deleteAlertDefinitionByUIDCommand{
 			UID:   (*alertDefinition).UID,
@@ -384,21 +386,21 @@ func TestDeletingAlertDefinition(t *testing.T) {
 			State:           InstanceStateFiring,
 			Labels:          InstanceLabels{"test": "testValue"},
 		}
-		err := ng.saveAlertInstance(saveCmd)
+		err := store.saveAlertInstance(saveCmd)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 		listCommand := &listAlertInstancesQuery{
 			DefinitionOrgID: alertDefinition.OrgID,
 			DefinitionUID:   alertDefinition.UID,
 		}
-		err = ng.listAlertInstances(listCommand)
+		err = store.listAlertInstances(listCommand)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 		require.Len(t, listCommand.Result, 1)
 
-		err = ng.deleteAlertDefinitionByUID(&q)
+		err = store.deleteAlertDefinitionByUID(&q)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		// assert that alert instance is deleted
-		err = ng.listAlertInstances(listCommand)
+		err = store.listAlertInstances(listCommand)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		require.Len(t, listCommand.Result, 0)
diff --git a/pkg/services/ngalert/fetcher.go b/pkg/services/ngalert/fetcher.go
index f040163f3b2..64f0222ce44 100644
--- a/pkg/services/ngalert/fetcher.go
+++ b/pkg/services/ngalert/fetcher.go
@@ -4,11 +4,11 @@ import (
 	"time"
 )
 
-func (ng *AlertNG) fetchAllDetails(now time.Time) []*AlertDefinition {
+func (sch *schedule) fetchAllDetails(now time.Time) []*AlertDefinition {
 	q := listAlertDefinitionsQuery{}
-	err := ng.getAlertDefinitions(&q)
+	err := sch.store.getAlertDefinitions(&q)
 	if err != nil {
-		ng.schedule.log.Error("failed to fetch alert definitions", "now", now, "err", err)
+		sch.log.Error("failed to fetch alert definitions", "now", now, "err", err)
 		return nil
 	}
 	return q.Result
diff --git a/pkg/services/ngalert/instance_api.go b/pkg/services/ngalert/instance_api.go
index 26788458fb7..6551852d8b0 100644
--- a/pkg/services/ngalert/instance_api.go
+++ b/pkg/services/ngalert/instance_api.go
@@ -6,10 +6,10 @@ import (
 )
 
 // listAlertInstancesEndpoint handles GET /api/alert-instances.
-func (ng *AlertNG) listAlertInstancesEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext) response.Response {
+func (api *apiImpl) listAlertInstancesEndpoint(c *models.ReqContext) response.Response {
 	cmd := listAlertInstancesQuery{DefinitionOrgID: c.SignedInUser.OrgId}
 
-	if err := ng.listAlertInstances(&cmd); err != nil {
+	if err := api.store.listAlertInstances(&cmd); err != nil {
 		return response.Error(500, "Failed to list alert instances", err)
 	}
 
diff --git a/pkg/services/ngalert/instance_database.go b/pkg/services/ngalert/instance_database.go
index 32d87979c0f..9adea88665d 100644
--- a/pkg/services/ngalert/instance_database.go
+++ b/pkg/services/ngalert/instance_database.go
@@ -12,8 +12,8 @@ import (
 // getAlertInstance is a handler for retrieving an alert instance based on OrgId, AlertDefintionID, and
 // the hash of the labels.
 // nolint:unused
-func (ng *AlertNG) getAlertInstance(cmd *getAlertInstanceQuery) error {
-	return ng.SQLStore.WithDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
+func (st storeImpl) getAlertInstance(cmd *getAlertInstanceQuery) error {
+	return st.SQLStore.WithDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
 		instance := AlertInstance{}
 		s := strings.Builder{}
 		s.WriteString(`SELECT * FROM alert_instance
@@ -45,8 +45,8 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) getAlertInstance(cmd *getAlertInstanceQuery) error {
 
 // listAlertInstances is a handler for retrieving alert instances within specific organisation
 // based on various filters.
-func (ng *AlertNG) listAlertInstances(cmd *listAlertInstancesQuery) error {
-	return ng.SQLStore.WithDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
+func (st storeImpl) listAlertInstances(cmd *listAlertInstancesQuery) error {
+	return st.SQLStore.WithDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
 		alertInstances := make([]*listAlertInstancesQueryResult, 0)
 
 		s := strings.Builder{}
@@ -78,8 +78,8 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) listAlertInstances(cmd *listAlertInstancesQuery) error {
 
 // saveAlertDefinition is a handler for saving a new alert definition.
 // nolint:unused
-func (ng *AlertNG) saveAlertInstance(cmd *saveAlertInstanceCommand) error {
-	return ng.SQLStore.WithDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
+func (st storeImpl) saveAlertInstance(cmd *saveAlertInstanceCommand) error {
+	return st.SQLStore.WithDbSession(context.Background(), func(sess *sqlstore.DBSession) error {
 		labelTupleJSON, labelsHash, err := cmd.Labels.StringAndHash()
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) saveAlertInstance(cmd *saveAlertInstanceCommand) error {
 
 		params := append(make([]interface{}, 0), alertInstance.DefinitionOrgID, alertInstance.DefinitionUID, labelTupleJSON, alertInstance.LabelsHash, alertInstance.CurrentState, alertInstance.CurrentStateSince.Unix(), alertInstance.LastEvalTime.Unix())
 
-		upsertSQL := ng.SQLStore.Dialect.UpsertSQL(
+		upsertSQL := st.SQLStore.Dialect.UpsertSQL(
 			"alert_instance",
 			[]string{"def_org_id", "def_uid", "labels_hash"},
 			[]string{"def_org_id", "def_uid", "labels", "labels_hash", "current_state", "current_state_since", "last_eval_time"})
diff --git a/pkg/services/ngalert/instance_database_test.go b/pkg/services/ngalert/instance_database_test.go
index 8c522dd1ce9..24ac2c39f7f 100644
--- a/pkg/services/ngalert/instance_database_test.go
+++ b/pkg/services/ngalert/instance_database_test.go
@@ -9,18 +9,18 @@ import (
 )
 
 func TestAlertInstanceOperations(t *testing.T) {
-	ng := setupTestEnv(t)
+	_, store := setupTestEnv(t, baseIntervalSeconds)
 
-	alertDefinition1 := createTestAlertDefinition(t, ng, 60)
+	alertDefinition1 := createTestAlertDefinition(t, store, 60)
 	orgID := alertDefinition1.OrgID
 
-	alertDefinition2 := createTestAlertDefinition(t, ng, 60)
+	alertDefinition2 := createTestAlertDefinition(t, store, 60)
 	require.Equal(t, orgID, alertDefinition2.OrgID)
 
-	alertDefinition3 := createTestAlertDefinition(t, ng, 60)
+	alertDefinition3 := createTestAlertDefinition(t, store, 60)
 	require.Equal(t, orgID, alertDefinition3.OrgID)
 
-	alertDefinition4 := createTestAlertDefinition(t, ng, 60)
+	alertDefinition4 := createTestAlertDefinition(t, store, 60)
 	require.Equal(t, orgID, alertDefinition4.OrgID)
 
 	t.Run("can save and read new alert instance", func(t *testing.T) {
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ func TestAlertInstanceOperations(t *testing.T) {
 			State:           InstanceStateFiring,
 			Labels:          InstanceLabels{"test": "testValue"},
 		}
-		err := ng.saveAlertInstance(saveCmd)
+		err := store.saveAlertInstance(saveCmd)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		getCmd := &getAlertInstanceQuery{
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ func TestAlertInstanceOperations(t *testing.T) {
 			Labels:          InstanceLabels{"test": "testValue"},
 		}
 
-		err = ng.getAlertInstance(getCmd)
+		err = store.getAlertInstance(getCmd)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		require.Equal(t, saveCmd.Labels, getCmd.Result.Labels)
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ func TestAlertInstanceOperations(t *testing.T) {
 			DefinitionUID:   alertDefinition2.UID,
 			State:           InstanceStateNormal,
 		}
-		err := ng.saveAlertInstance(saveCmd)
+		err := store.saveAlertInstance(saveCmd)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		getCmd := &getAlertInstanceQuery{
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ func TestAlertInstanceOperations(t *testing.T) {
 			DefinitionUID:   saveCmd.DefinitionUID,
 		}
 
-		err = ng.getAlertInstance(getCmd)
+		err = store.getAlertInstance(getCmd)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		require.Equal(t, alertDefinition2.OrgID, getCmd.Result.DefinitionOrgID)
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ func TestAlertInstanceOperations(t *testing.T) {
 			Labels:          InstanceLabels{"test": "testValue"},
 		}
 
-		err := ng.saveAlertInstance(saveCmdOne)
+		err := store.saveAlertInstance(saveCmdOne)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		saveCmdTwo := &saveAlertInstanceCommand{
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ func TestAlertInstanceOperations(t *testing.T) {
 			State:           InstanceStateFiring,
 			Labels:          InstanceLabels{"test": "meow"},
 		}
-		err = ng.saveAlertInstance(saveCmdTwo)
+		err = store.saveAlertInstance(saveCmdTwo)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		listCommand := &listAlertInstancesQuery{
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ func TestAlertInstanceOperations(t *testing.T) {
 			DefinitionUID:   saveCmdOne.DefinitionUID,
 		}
 
-		err = ng.listAlertInstances(listCommand)
+		err = store.listAlertInstances(listCommand)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		require.Len(t, listCommand.Result, 2)
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ func TestAlertInstanceOperations(t *testing.T) {
 			DefinitionOrgID: orgID,
 		}
 
-		err := ng.listAlertInstances(listCommand)
+		err := store.listAlertInstances(listCommand)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		require.Len(t, listCommand.Result, 4)
@@ -117,7 +117,7 @@ func TestAlertInstanceOperations(t *testing.T) {
 			State:           InstanceStateNormal,
 		}
 
-		err := ng.listAlertInstances(listCommand)
+		err := store.listAlertInstances(listCommand)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		require.Len(t, listCommand.Result, 1)
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ func TestAlertInstanceOperations(t *testing.T) {
 			Labels:          InstanceLabels{"test": "testValue"},
 		}
 
-		err := ng.saveAlertInstance(saveCmdOne)
+		err := store.saveAlertInstance(saveCmdOne)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		saveCmdTwo := &saveAlertInstanceCommand{
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ func TestAlertInstanceOperations(t *testing.T) {
 			State:           InstanceStateNormal,
 			Labels:          InstanceLabels{"test": "testValue"},
 		}
-		err = ng.saveAlertInstance(saveCmdTwo)
+		err = store.saveAlertInstance(saveCmdTwo)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		listCommand := &listAlertInstancesQuery{
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ func TestAlertInstanceOperations(t *testing.T) {
 			DefinitionUID:   alertDefinition4.UID,
 		}
 
-		err = ng.listAlertInstances(listCommand)
+		err = store.listAlertInstances(listCommand)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 
 		require.Len(t, listCommand.Result, 1)
diff --git a/pkg/services/ngalert/middleware.go b/pkg/services/ngalert/middleware.go
index 066a18da013..c28b5c8739e 100644
--- a/pkg/services/ngalert/middleware.go
+++ b/pkg/services/ngalert/middleware.go
@@ -4,12 +4,17 @@ import (
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/models"
 )
 
-func (ng *AlertNG) validateOrgAlertDefinition(c *models.ReqContext) {
+func (api *apiImpl) validateOrgAlertDefinition(c *models.ReqContext) {
 	uid := c.ParamsEscape(":alertDefinitionUID")
 
+	if uid == "" {
+		c.JsonApiErr(403, "Permission denied", nil)
+		return
+	}
+
 	query := getAlertDefinitionByUIDQuery{UID: uid, OrgID: c.SignedInUser.OrgId}
 
-	if err := ng.getAlertDefinitionByUID(&query); err != nil {
+	if err := api.store.getAlertDefinitionByUID(&query); err != nil {
 		c.JsonApiErr(404, "Alert definition not found", nil)
 		return
 	}
diff --git a/pkg/services/ngalert/ngalert.go b/pkg/services/ngalert/ngalert.go
index 837a0e267d5..76dcbf28ce0 100644
--- a/pkg/services/ngalert/ngalert.go
+++ b/pkg/services/ngalert/ngalert.go
@@ -6,12 +6,12 @@ import (
 
 	"github.com/benbjohnson/clock"
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/services/ngalert/eval"
+	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/services/sqlstore"
 
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/api/routing"
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/infra/log"
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/registry"
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/services/datasources"
-	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/services/sqlstore"
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/services/sqlstore/migrator"
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/setting"
 )
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ type AlertNG struct {
 	RouteRegister   routing.RouteRegister    `inject:""`
 	SQLStore        *sqlstore.SQLStore       `inject:""`
 	log             log.Logger
-	schedule        *schedule
+	schedule        scheduleService
 }
 
 func init() {
@@ -46,21 +46,34 @@ func init() {
 func (ng *AlertNG) Init() error {
 	ng.log = log.New("ngalert")
 
-	ng.registerAPIEndpoints()
+	baseInterval := baseIntervalSeconds * time.Second
+
+	store := storeImpl{baseInterval: baseInterval, SQLStore: ng.SQLStore}
+
 	schedCfg := schedulerCfg{
 		c:            clock.New(),
-		baseInterval: baseIntervalSeconds * time.Second,
+		baseInterval: baseInterval,
 		logger:       ng.log,
 		evaluator:    eval.Evaluator{Cfg: ng.Cfg},
+		store:        store,
 	}
 	ng.schedule = newScheduler(schedCfg)
+
+	api := apiImpl{
+		Cfg:             ng.Cfg,
+		DatasourceCache: ng.DatasourceCache,
+		RouteRegister:   ng.RouteRegister,
+		schedule:        ng.schedule,
+		store:           store}
+	api.registerAPIEndpoints()
+
 	return nil
 }
 
 // Run starts the scheduler
 func (ng *AlertNG) Run(ctx context.Context) error {
 	ng.log.Debug("ngalert starting")
-	return ng.alertingTicker(ctx)
+	return ng.schedule.Ticker(ctx)
 }
 
 // IsDisabled returns true if the alerting service is disable for this instance.
@@ -85,14 +98,14 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) AddMigration(mg *migrator.Migrator) {
 }
 
 // LoadAlertCondition returns a Condition object for the given alertDefinitionID.
-func (ng *AlertNG) LoadAlertCondition(alertDefinitionUID string, orgID int64) (*eval.Condition, error) {
+func (api *apiImpl) LoadAlertCondition(alertDefinitionUID string, orgID int64) (*eval.Condition, error) {
 	q := getAlertDefinitionByUIDQuery{UID: alertDefinitionUID, OrgID: orgID}
-	if err := ng.getAlertDefinitionByUID(&q); err != nil {
+	if err := api.store.getAlertDefinitionByUID(&q); err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
 	alertDefinition := q.Result
 
-	err := ng.validateAlertDefinition(alertDefinition, true)
+	err := api.store.validateAlertDefinition(alertDefinition, true)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
 	}
diff --git a/pkg/services/ngalert/schedule.go b/pkg/services/ngalert/schedule.go
index 3a74d40e2a6..0bfe5e4790e 100644
--- a/pkg/services/ngalert/schedule.go
+++ b/pkg/services/ngalert/schedule.go
@@ -13,8 +13,19 @@ import (
 	"golang.org/x/sync/errgroup"
 )
 
-func (ng *AlertNG) definitionRoutine(grafanaCtx context.Context, key alertDefinitionKey, evalCh <-chan *evalContext, stopCh <-chan struct{}) error {
-	ng.log.Debug("alert definition routine started", "key", key)
+type scheduleService interface {
+	Ticker(context.Context) error
+	Pause() error
+	Unpause() error
+
+	// the following are used by tests only used for tests
+	evalApplied(alertDefinitionKey, time.Time)
+	stopApplied(alertDefinitionKey)
+	overrideCfg(cfg schedulerCfg)
+}
+
+func (sch *schedule) definitionRoutine(grafanaCtx context.Context, key alertDefinitionKey, evalCh <-chan *evalContext, stopCh <-chan struct{}) error {
+	sch.log.Debug("alert definition routine started", "key", key)
 
 	evalRunning := false
 	var start, end time.Time
@@ -33,13 +44,13 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) definitionRoutine(grafanaCtx context.Context, key alertDefini
 				// fetch latest alert definition version
 				if alertDefinition == nil || alertDefinition.Version < ctx.version {
 					q := getAlertDefinitionByUIDQuery{OrgID: key.orgID, UID: key.definitionUID}
-					err := ng.getAlertDefinitionByUID(&q)
+					err := sch.store.getAlertDefinitionByUID(&q)
 					if err != nil {
-						ng.schedule.log.Error("failed to fetch alert definition", "key", key)
+						sch.log.Error("failed to fetch alert definition", "key", key)
 						return err
 					}
 					alertDefinition = q.Result
-					ng.schedule.log.Debug("new alert definition version fetched", "title", alertDefinition.Title, "key", key, "version", alertDefinition.Version)
+					sch.log.Debug("new alert definition version fetched", "title", alertDefinition.Title, "key", key, "version", alertDefinition.Version)
 				}
 
 				condition := eval.Condition{
@@ -47,19 +58,19 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) definitionRoutine(grafanaCtx context.Context, key alertDefini
 					OrgID:                 alertDefinition.OrgID,
 					QueriesAndExpressions: alertDefinition.Data,
 				}
-				results, err := ng.schedule.evaluator.ConditionEval(&condition, ctx.now)
+				results, err := sch.evaluator.ConditionEval(&condition, ctx.now)
 				end = timeNow()
 				if err != nil {
 					// consider saving alert instance on error
-					ng.schedule.log.Error("failed to evaluate alert definition", "title", alertDefinition.Title, "key", key, "attempt", attempt, "now", ctx.now, "duration", end.Sub(start), "error", err)
+					sch.log.Error("failed to evaluate alert definition", "title", alertDefinition.Title, "key", key, "attempt", attempt, "now", ctx.now, "duration", end.Sub(start), "error", err)
 					return err
 				}
 				for _, r := range results {
-					ng.schedule.log.Debug("alert definition result", "title", alertDefinition.Title, "key", key, "attempt", attempt, "now", ctx.now, "duration", end.Sub(start), "instance", r.Instance, "state", r.State.String())
+					sch.log.Debug("alert definition result", "title", alertDefinition.Title, "key", key, "attempt", attempt, "now", ctx.now, "duration", end.Sub(start), "instance", r.Instance, "state", r.State.String())
 					cmd := saveAlertInstanceCommand{DefinitionOrgID: key.orgID, DefinitionUID: key.definitionUID, State: InstanceStateType(r.State.String()), Labels: InstanceLabels(r.Instance), LastEvalTime: ctx.now}
-					err := ng.saveAlertInstance(&cmd)
+					err := sch.store.saveAlertInstance(&cmd)
 					if err != nil {
-						ng.schedule.log.Error("failed saving alert instance", "title", alertDefinition.Title, "key", key, "attempt", attempt, "now", ctx.now, "instance", r.Instance, "state", r.State.String(), "error", err)
+						sch.log.Error("failed saving alert instance", "title", alertDefinition.Title, "key", key, "attempt", attempt, "now", ctx.now, "instance", r.Instance, "state", r.State.String(), "error", err)
 					}
 				}
 				return nil
@@ -69,12 +80,10 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) definitionRoutine(grafanaCtx context.Context, key alertDefini
 				evalRunning = true
 				defer func() {
 					evalRunning = false
-					if ng.schedule.evalApplied != nil {
-						ng.schedule.evalApplied(key, ctx.now)
-					}
+					sch.evalApplied(key, ctx.now)
 				}()
 
-				for attempt = 0; attempt < ng.schedule.maxAttempts; attempt++ {
+				for attempt = 0; attempt < sch.maxAttempts; attempt++ {
 					err := evaluate(attempt)
 					if err == nil {
 						break
@@ -82,10 +91,8 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) definitionRoutine(grafanaCtx context.Context, key alertDefini
 				}
 			}()
 		case <-stopCh:
-			if ng.schedule.stopApplied != nil {
-				ng.schedule.stopApplied(key)
-			}
-			ng.schedule.log.Debug("stopping alert definition routine", "key", key)
+			sch.stopApplied(key)
+			sch.log.Debug("stopping alert definition routine", "key", key)
 			// interrupt evaluation if it's running
 			return nil
 		case <-grafanaCtx.Done():
@@ -110,43 +117,73 @@ type schedule struct {
 	// evalApplied is only used for tests: test code can set it to non-nil
 	// function, and then it'll be called from the event loop whenever the
 	// message from evalApplied is handled.
-	evalApplied func(alertDefinitionKey, time.Time)
+	evalAppliedFunc func(alertDefinitionKey, time.Time)
 
 	// stopApplied is only used for tests: test code can set it to non-nil
 	// function, and then it'll be called from the event loop whenever the
 	// message from stopApplied is handled.
-	stopApplied func(alertDefinitionKey)
+	stopAppliedFunc func(alertDefinitionKey)
 
 	log log.Logger
 
 	evaluator eval.Evaluator
+
+	store store
 }
 
 type schedulerCfg struct {
-	c            clock.Clock
-	baseInterval time.Duration
-	logger       log.Logger
-	evalApplied  func(alertDefinitionKey, time.Time)
-	evaluator    eval.Evaluator
+	c               clock.Clock
+	baseInterval    time.Duration
+	logger          log.Logger
+	evalAppliedFunc func(alertDefinitionKey, time.Time)
+	stopAppliedFunc func(alertDefinitionKey)
+	evaluator       eval.Evaluator
+	store           store
 }
 
 // newScheduler returns a new schedule.
 func newScheduler(cfg schedulerCfg) *schedule {
 	ticker := alerting.NewTicker(cfg.c.Now(), time.Second*0, cfg.c, int64(cfg.baseInterval.Seconds()))
 	sch := schedule{
-		registry:     alertDefinitionRegistry{alertDefinitionInfo: make(map[alertDefinitionKey]alertDefinitionInfo)},
-		maxAttempts:  maxAttempts,
-		clock:        cfg.c,
-		baseInterval: cfg.baseInterval,
-		log:          cfg.logger,
-		heartbeat:    ticker,
-		evalApplied:  cfg.evalApplied,
-		evaluator:    cfg.evaluator,
+		registry:        alertDefinitionRegistry{alertDefinitionInfo: make(map[alertDefinitionKey]alertDefinitionInfo)},
+		maxAttempts:     maxAttempts,
+		clock:           cfg.c,
+		baseInterval:    cfg.baseInterval,
+		log:             cfg.logger,
+		heartbeat:       ticker,
+		evalAppliedFunc: cfg.evalAppliedFunc,
+		stopAppliedFunc: cfg.stopAppliedFunc,
+		evaluator:       cfg.evaluator,
+		store:           cfg.store,
 	}
 	return &sch
 }
 
-func (sch *schedule) pause() error {
+func (sch *schedule) overrideCfg(cfg schedulerCfg) {
+	sch.clock = cfg.c
+	sch.baseInterval = cfg.baseInterval
+	sch.heartbeat = alerting.NewTicker(cfg.c.Now(), time.Second*0, cfg.c, int64(cfg.baseInterval.Seconds()))
+	sch.evalAppliedFunc = cfg.evalAppliedFunc
+	sch.stopAppliedFunc = cfg.stopAppliedFunc
+}
+
+func (sch *schedule) evalApplied(alertDefKey alertDefinitionKey, now time.Time) {
+	if sch.evalAppliedFunc == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	sch.evalAppliedFunc(alertDefKey, now)
+}
+
+func (sch *schedule) stopApplied(alertDefKey alertDefinitionKey) {
+	if sch.stopAppliedFunc == nil {
+		return
+	}
+
+	sch.stopAppliedFunc(alertDefKey)
+}
+
+func (sch *schedule) Pause() error {
 	if sch == nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("scheduler is not initialised")
 	}
@@ -155,7 +192,7 @@ func (sch *schedule) pause() error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (sch *schedule) unpause() error {
+func (sch *schedule) Unpause() error {
 	if sch == nil {
 		return fmt.Errorf("scheduler is not initialised")
 	}
@@ -164,20 +201,20 @@ func (sch *schedule) unpause() error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (ng *AlertNG) alertingTicker(grafanaCtx context.Context) error {
+func (sch *schedule) Ticker(grafanaCtx context.Context) error {
 	dispatcherGroup, ctx := errgroup.WithContext(grafanaCtx)
 	for {
 		select {
-		case tick := <-ng.schedule.heartbeat.C:
-			tickNum := tick.Unix() / int64(ng.schedule.baseInterval.Seconds())
-			alertDefinitions := ng.fetchAllDetails(tick)
-			ng.schedule.log.Debug("alert definitions fetched", "count", len(alertDefinitions))
+		case tick := <-sch.heartbeat.C:
+			tickNum := tick.Unix() / int64(sch.baseInterval.Seconds())
+			alertDefinitions := sch.fetchAllDetails(tick)
+			sch.log.Debug("alert definitions fetched", "count", len(alertDefinitions))
 
 			// registeredDefinitions is a map used for finding deleted alert definitions
 			// initially it is assigned to all known alert definitions from the previous cycle
 			// each alert definition found also in this cycle is removed
 			// so, at the end, the remaining registered alert definitions are the deleted ones
-			registeredDefinitions := ng.schedule.registry.keyMap()
+			registeredDefinitions := sch.registry.keyMap()
 
 			type readyToRunItem struct {
 				key            alertDefinitionKey
@@ -191,24 +228,24 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) alertingTicker(grafanaCtx context.Context) error {
 
 				key := item.getKey()
 				itemVersion := item.Version
-				newRoutine := !ng.schedule.registry.exists(key)
-				definitionInfo := ng.schedule.registry.getOrCreateInfo(key, itemVersion)
-				invalidInterval := item.IntervalSeconds%int64(ng.schedule.baseInterval.Seconds()) != 0
+				newRoutine := !sch.registry.exists(key)
+				definitionInfo := sch.registry.getOrCreateInfo(key, itemVersion)
+				invalidInterval := item.IntervalSeconds%int64(sch.baseInterval.Seconds()) != 0
 
 				if newRoutine && !invalidInterval {
 					dispatcherGroup.Go(func() error {
-						return ng.definitionRoutine(ctx, key, definitionInfo.evalCh, definitionInfo.stopCh)
+						return sch.definitionRoutine(ctx, key, definitionInfo.evalCh, definitionInfo.stopCh)
 					})
 				}
 
 				if invalidInterval {
 					// this is expected to be always false
 					// give that we validate interval during alert definition updates
-					ng.schedule.log.Debug("alert definition with invalid interval will be ignored: interval should be divided exactly by scheduler interval", "key", key, "interval", time.Duration(item.IntervalSeconds)*time.Second, "scheduler interval", ng.schedule.baseInterval)
+					sch.log.Debug("alert definition with invalid interval will be ignored: interval should be divided exactly by scheduler interval", "key", key, "interval", time.Duration(item.IntervalSeconds)*time.Second, "scheduler interval", sch.baseInterval)
 					continue
 				}
 
-				itemFrequency := item.IntervalSeconds / int64(ng.schedule.baseInterval.Seconds())
+				itemFrequency := item.IntervalSeconds / int64(sch.baseInterval.Seconds())
 				if item.IntervalSeconds != 0 && tickNum%itemFrequency == 0 {
 					readyToRun = append(readyToRun, readyToRunItem{key: key, definitionInfo: definitionInfo})
 				}
@@ -219,7 +256,7 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) alertingTicker(grafanaCtx context.Context) error {
 
 			var step int64 = 0
 			if len(readyToRun) > 0 {
-				step = ng.schedule.baseInterval.Nanoseconds() / int64(len(readyToRun))
+				step = sch.baseInterval.Nanoseconds() / int64(len(readyToRun))
 			}
 
 			for i := range readyToRun {
@@ -232,13 +269,13 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) alertingTicker(grafanaCtx context.Context) error {
 
 			// unregister and stop routines of the deleted alert definitions
 			for key := range registeredDefinitions {
-				definitionInfo, err := ng.schedule.registry.get(key)
+				definitionInfo, err := sch.registry.get(key)
 				if err != nil {
-					ng.schedule.log.Error("failed to get alert definition routine information", "err", err)
+					sch.log.Error("failed to get alert definition routine information", "err", err)
 					continue
 				}
 				definitionInfo.stopCh <- struct{}{}
-				ng.schedule.registry.del(key)
+				sch.registry.del(key)
 			}
 		case <-grafanaCtx.Done():
 			err := dispatcherGroup.Wait()
diff --git a/pkg/services/ngalert/schedule_test.go b/pkg/services/ngalert/schedule_test.go
index ca44cbe1ef0..3850b74dddc 100644
--- a/pkg/services/ngalert/schedule_test.go
+++ b/pkg/services/ngalert/schedule_test.go
@@ -8,9 +8,7 @@ import (
 	"testing"
 	"time"
 
-	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/infra/log"
 	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/registry"
-	"github.com/grafana/grafana/pkg/services/ngalert/eval"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/assert"
 	"github.com/stretchr/testify/require"
 
@@ -23,40 +21,37 @@ type evalAppliedInfo struct {
 }
 
 func TestAlertingTicker(t *testing.T) {
-	ng := setupTestEnv(t)
+	ng, store := setupTestEnv(t, 1)
 	t.Cleanup(registry.ClearOverrides)
 
-	mockedClock := clock.NewMock()
-	schefCfg := schedulerCfg{
-		c:            mockedClock,
-		baseInterval: time.Second,
-		logger:       log.New("ngalert.schedule.test"),
-		evaluator:    eval.Evaluator{Cfg: ng.Cfg},
-	}
-	ng.schedule = newScheduler(schefCfg)
-
 	alerts := make([]*AlertDefinition, 0)
-
 	// create alert definition with zero interval (should never run)
-	alerts = append(alerts, createTestAlertDefinition(t, ng, 0))
+	alerts = append(alerts, createTestAlertDefinition(t, store, 0))
 
 	// create alert definition with one second interval
-	alerts = append(alerts, createTestAlertDefinition(t, ng, 1))
+	alerts = append(alerts, createTestAlertDefinition(t, store, 1))
 
 	evalAppliedCh := make(chan evalAppliedInfo, len(alerts))
 	stopAppliedCh := make(chan alertDefinitionKey, len(alerts))
 
-	ng.schedule.evalApplied = func(alertDefKey alertDefinitionKey, now time.Time) {
-		evalAppliedCh <- evalAppliedInfo{alertDefKey: alertDefKey, now: now}
-	}
+	mockedClock := clock.NewMock()
+	baseInterval := time.Second
 
-	ng.schedule.stopApplied = func(alertDefKey alertDefinitionKey) {
-		stopAppliedCh <- alertDefKey
+	schefCfg := schedulerCfg{
+		c:            mockedClock,
+		baseInterval: baseInterval,
+		evalAppliedFunc: func(alertDefKey alertDefinitionKey, now time.Time) {
+			evalAppliedCh <- evalAppliedInfo{alertDefKey: alertDefKey, now: now}
+		},
+		stopAppliedFunc: func(alertDefKey alertDefinitionKey) {
+			stopAppliedCh <- alertDefKey
+		},
 	}
+	ng.schedule.overrideCfg(schefCfg)
 
 	ctx := context.Background()
 	go func() {
-		err := ng.alertingTicker(ctx)
+		err := ng.schedule.Ticker(ctx)
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 	}()
 	runtime.Gosched()
@@ -69,7 +64,7 @@ func TestAlertingTicker(t *testing.T) {
 
 	// change alert definition interval to three seconds
 	var threeSecInterval int64 = 3
-	err := ng.updateAlertDefinition(&updateAlertDefinitionCommand{
+	err := store.updateAlertDefinition(&updateAlertDefinitionCommand{
 		UID:             alerts[0].UID,
 		IntervalSeconds: &threeSecInterval,
 		OrgID:           alerts[0].OrgID,
@@ -95,7 +90,7 @@ func TestAlertingTicker(t *testing.T) {
 		assertEvalRun(t, evalAppliedCh, tick, expectedAlertDefinitionsEvaluated...)
 	})
 
-	err = ng.deleteAlertDefinitionByUID(&deleteAlertDefinitionByUIDCommand{UID: alerts[1].UID, OrgID: alerts[1].OrgID})
+	err = store.deleteAlertDefinitionByUID(&deleteAlertDefinitionByUIDCommand{UID: alerts[1].UID, OrgID: alerts[1].OrgID})
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	t.Logf("alert definition: %v deleted", alerts[1].getKey())
 
@@ -116,7 +111,7 @@ func TestAlertingTicker(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 
 	// create alert definition with one second interval
-	alerts = append(alerts, createTestAlertDefinition(t, ng, 1))
+	alerts = append(alerts, createTestAlertDefinition(t, store, 1))
 
 	expectedAlertDefinitionsEvaluated = []alertDefinitionKey{alerts[2].getKey()}
 	t.Run(fmt.Sprintf("on 7th tick alert definitions: %s should be evaluated", concatenate(expectedAlertDefinitionsEvaluated)), func(t *testing.T) {
@@ -125,7 +120,7 @@ func TestAlertingTicker(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 
 	// pause alert definition
-	err = ng.updateAlertDefinitionPaused(&updateAlertDefinitionPausedCommand{UIDs: []string{alerts[2].UID}, OrgID: alerts[2].OrgID, Paused: true})
+	err = store.updateAlertDefinitionPaused(&updateAlertDefinitionPausedCommand{UIDs: []string{alerts[2].UID}, OrgID: alerts[2].OrgID, Paused: true})
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	t.Logf("alert definition: %v paused", alerts[2].getKey())
 
@@ -141,7 +136,7 @@ func TestAlertingTicker(t *testing.T) {
 	})
 
 	// unpause alert definition
-	err = ng.updateAlertDefinitionPaused(&updateAlertDefinitionPausedCommand{UIDs: []string{alerts[2].UID}, OrgID: alerts[2].OrgID, Paused: false})
+	err = store.updateAlertDefinitionPaused(&updateAlertDefinitionPausedCommand{UIDs: []string{alerts[2].UID}, OrgID: alerts[2].OrgID, Paused: false})
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	t.Logf("alert definition: %v unpaused", alerts[2].getKey())
 
diff --git a/pkg/services/ngalert/validator.go b/pkg/services/ngalert/validator.go
index 745e0816d90..a1b1133284d 100644
--- a/pkg/services/ngalert/validator.go
+++ b/pkg/services/ngalert/validator.go
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ var errEmptyTitleError = errors.New("title is empty")
 
 // validateAlertDefinition validates the alert definition interval and organisation.
 // If requireData is true checks that it contains at least one alert query
-func (ng *AlertNG) validateAlertDefinition(alertDefinition *AlertDefinition, requireData bool) error {
+func (st storeImpl) validateAlertDefinition(alertDefinition *AlertDefinition, requireData bool) error {
 	if !requireData && len(alertDefinition.Data) == 0 {
 		return fmt.Errorf("no queries or expressions are found")
 	}
@@ -24,8 +24,8 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) validateAlertDefinition(alertDefinition *AlertDefinition, req
 		return errEmptyTitleError
 	}
 
-	if alertDefinition.IntervalSeconds%int64(ng.schedule.baseInterval.Seconds()) != 0 {
-		return fmt.Errorf("invalid interval: %v: interval should be divided exactly by scheduler interval: %v", time.Duration(alertDefinition.IntervalSeconds)*time.Second, ng.schedule.baseInterval)
+	if alertDefinition.IntervalSeconds%int64(st.baseInterval.Seconds()) != 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("invalid interval: %v: interval should be divided exactly by scheduler interval: %v", time.Duration(alertDefinition.IntervalSeconds)*time.Second, st.baseInterval)
 	}
 
 	// enfore max name length in SQLite
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) validateAlertDefinition(alertDefinition *AlertDefinition, req
 }
 
 // validateCondition validates that condition queries refer to existing datasources
-func (ng *AlertNG) validateCondition(c eval.Condition, user *models.SignedInUser, skipCache bool) error {
+func (api *apiImpl) validateCondition(c eval.Condition, user *models.SignedInUser, skipCache bool) error {
 	var refID string
 
 	if len(c.QueriesAndExpressions) == 0 {
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ func (ng *AlertNG) validateCondition(c eval.Condition, user *models.SignedInUser
 			continue
 		}
 
-		_, err = ng.DatasourceCache.GetDatasourceByUID(datasourceUID, user, skipCache)
+		_, err = api.DatasourceCache.GetDatasourceByUID(datasourceUID, user, skipCache)
 		if err != nil {
 			return fmt.Errorf("failed to get datasource: %s: %w", datasourceUID, err)
 		}