SQL-related certifications can prepare you for several database professional roles like database administrator, database engineer, SQL developer, and data analyst.
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In this article, we describe common SQL server certifications and how to obtain the one you need.
SQL server certifications
Here are seven common SQL certifications that might boost your resume:
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals
This certification is intended for candidates beginning to work with data in the cloud. It certifies that you know how to describe core data concepts and how to work with relational and nonrelational data on Azure.
Take the DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals exam to earn this certification.
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Passing score: 700
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Cost: $99
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Duration: 45 minutes
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Microsft offers free and paid Learning Path courses to prepare for this exam. An official practice test is available for $99-$109.
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Candidates for this exam should have a foundational knowledge of core data concepts and how they’re implemented using Microsoft Azure data services.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate
An Azure database administrator implements and manages the operational aspects of cloud-native and hybrid data platform solutions built with SQL Server and Microsoft Azure Data Services.
Take the DP-300: Administering Relational Databases on Microsoft Azure exam to earn this certification.
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Passing score: 700
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Cost: $165
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Duration:
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Microsft offers free and paid Learning Path courses to prepare for this exam. An official practice test is available for $99-$109.
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Candidates for this exam should understand all concepts covered in Exam DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals.
3. Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification
This certification demonstrates that you understand fundamental SQL concepts needed to undertake database projects, especially when working with the Oracle Database server.
Take the Oracle Database SQL 1Z0-071 exam to earn this certification.
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Passing score: 63%
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Cost: $245
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Duration: 120 minutes
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Oracle’s Learning Path for this credential includes over 17 hours of training, plus a practice exam.
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Candidates for this exam should have knowledge of general computing concepts, knowledge of command line interfaces, and experience working in the command line.
4. Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator
This professional certification demonstrates that you have sufficient knowledge of MySQL, a relational database management system developed by Oracle.
Take the MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator 1Z0-888 exam to earn this certification.
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Passing score: 58%
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Cost: $245
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Duration: 120 minutes
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Oracle’s Learning Path for this credential includes over 31 hours of training.
5. IBM Certified Database Associate – DB2 11.1 Fundamentals for LUW
This certification is an entry-level exam for a user of any of the DB2 for the LUW family of products. Those taking this exam should have basic knowledge of SQL, including how to create databases and database objects.
Take the C2090-616: DB2 11.1 Fundamentals for the LUW exam to earn this certification.
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Passing score: 68%
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Cost: $200
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Duration: 90 minutes
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Use the assessment, sample test, and study guide to prepare for this exam.
6. IBM Associate Certified DBA – Db2 12 for z/OS Fundamentals
This certification is an entry-level exam for a user of Db2 12 for z/OS. Those taking this exam should have basic knowledge of SQL, including database security and transaction isolation.
Take the C1000-122: Db2 12 for the z/OS DBA Fundamentals exam to earn this certification.
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Passing score: 70%
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Cost: $200
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Duration: 90 minutes
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Use the assessment exam, sample test and study guide to prepare for this exam.
7. EDB PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification
This certification shows that you know how to set up, deploy, maintain and monitor high-performance databases for enterprise applications using open-source PostgreSQL.
Take the PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification exam to earn this certification.
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Passing score: 70%
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Cost: $200
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Duration: 60 minutes
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Candidates are encouraged to complete the Foundations of PostgreSQL course before earning this certification.
Benefits of SQL certification
If you’re considering an SQL server certification, here are several benefits:
Generate new business
If you’re in the business of development, your customers expect trained professionals to handle their database needs. To better serve those who count on you, be it internal or external customers, it’s important to ensure that qualified people are doing the work. One way to do that is to hire professionals with certifications in SQL.
Because having certified employees can lead to more business, some companies may choose to hire only certified professionals or to make sure certified professionals get leadership roles in their internal database development teams.
Advance your career
Increasing your knowledge in a particular area and specializing in a subject matter is a great way to advance your career. When you take certification courses, you also can expand your network. Your employer also may recognize the work you put into certification via a promotion or other commendation.
Get paid more
Some people opt to become certified because they can get higher-paying jobs. The more education you have, the better the case you can make for asking for a raise or negotiating your salary. If you get an SQL certification, you may be able to use it to your advantage in pay negotiations.
Enjoy a sense of accomplishment
When you allow yourself to feel a sense of achievement for refining your skills, you may act more confidently and competently at work.
Additionally, for others, simply getting the certificate is enough to inspire a sense of accomplishment. It may just be a piece of paper, but it represents the work you put into starting and finishing a program that resulted in skill development.
I hope you find this article helpful.
