10 Best SQL Certifications To Grow Your Skillset in 2024

Structured query language experts—or SQL for short—are in increasingly high demand, as their skillset in retrieving data from databases becomes increasingly important for businesses around the globe.

So if you’re looking to become an SQL expert, then you may be wondering: How do I make that happen? Because there aren’t bachelor’s degrees in SQL programming, a plethora of courses have emerged. How do you know which one is right for you? With this guide, of course! Below, we’ll detail everything you need to know about the ten best SQL courses so that you can pick the course that’s right for you.

What Is an SQL Certification?

An SQL Certification prepares students for careers in data science by helping students understand complex database operations and theory. They also offer hands-on practice, which is an excellent way to build the SQL skills necessary for an entry-level position.

Best SQL Certifications

SQL certifications are valuable for database professionals because they help you stand out from your peers on job applications, even if you don’t have much practical experience. Once you choose the best SQL certification, you will face myriad options, including paid courses, instructor-led courses, or online learning platforms such as LinkedIn Learning.

Here are the top 10 SQL certifications that can help take your career to the next level.

Data Analytics Career Track – Springboard

Rating 

4.7 on SwitchUp

Overview

The Springboard Data Analytics Bootcamp will help you develop the technical and business thinking skills needed to be a data analytics professional. You’ll work one-on-one with a mentor, building your industry-level projects.

The Springboard Data Analytics Bootcamp is a remote bootcamp that provides job-ready skills in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The program is designed for people interested in learning more about data analytics but may not have the time or funds necessary for a full-time degree program.

Best For

The program is designed for beginners who have little to no experience with data science and covers major topics like Python, SQL, Tableau, Excel, and R. Through hands-on projects and mentorship from experienced practitioners and professionals; you’ll gain valuable skills in data visualization, data manipulation, data cleaning and transformation, business intelligence reporting tools, predictive modeling techniques (including regression analysis), and more.

The online training program is also great for experienced coders who want to learn how to apply those skills toward solving real-world problems with actual companies’ datasets.

Duration

Springboard’s Data Analytics Bootcamp is designed to be completed in 6 months. You can complete it faster if you dedicate more time to the online course. You should expect to spend 15-20 hours per week studying and completing assignments.

Price

The Springboard Bootcamp costs $8,500 if you pay upfront. However, there are many other different payment options available.

Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification

Rating

4.1 on Vinsys

Overview

If you’re looking for a way to stand out from the crowd as a SOC analyst, then becoming an Oracle Database administration expert is a great way to do this. The OCA certification will help you hone your skills and prove them to potential employers looking for someone with more than just basic foundational knowledge.

Best For

This certification would be an excellent place to start if you have general SQL knowledge but little experience with command-line interfaces or working in them. It is ideal for candidates who have experience working in command-line interfaces but are not yet familiar with SQL fundamental concepts.

Duration

The certification can take as little as 12 hours, depending on how quickly you can process the information and how much time you dedicate to taking the tests.

Price

The Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Exam costs $245. This is a one-time fee, including the cost of the certification exam itself and access to the certificate of completion.

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals

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N/A

Overview

This certification is designed to help you master the technical skills required to become an SQL analyst and enables you to understand core data concepts such as big data, analytics, or relational database concepts.

Best For

Candidates should have basic core data science concepts and experience working with Azure. You’ll also want to start by studying self-paced content on Microsoft Learn or even sign up for instructor-led events with a Microsoft Learning Partner.

Duration

The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals certification can be completed in less than two weeks if you are already familiar with data science or basic technologies or around a month for complete beginners.

Price

The instructor-led certification program costs $99 for US candidates. The price varies depending on your location.

IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate

Rating 

4.6 on Coursera

Overview

The IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate is a data analyst certification that teaches you core principles of data analytics, including how to build job-ready skills in data analysis. You’ll get hands-on experience with the tools and techniques you need to succeed, such as:

• Fundamentals of data analysis
• The importance of data science and big data technologies
• How to formulate questions and make data-driven decisions based

Best For

The certificate does not require programming skills, and is designed for candidates without a college degree who want to enter the field with minimal prior training or a basic understanding of SQL.

Duration

All the interactive courses in the IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate program last 11 months. Your studies can be spread out over two years, depending on how many hours per week you want to spend on your studies and how quickly you want to complete them.

Price

You can enroll for free and opt for the 7-day free trial. After that, you pay the Coursera monthly subscription fee, which costs $39.

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

Rating

4.8 on Coursera

Overview

This program is for professionals who want to expand or advance their careers in data analytics by learning the principles and techniques used in data science. You will gain experience working with real-world datasets and learn how to process, analyze, and visualize data using analysis tools that can inform key business decisions.

Best For

The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate is best for people with no degree or experience.

This certificate provides the tools and in-depth knowledge you need to become a qualified data analyst, whether you’re making a living in this field or looking to broaden your skill set.

Duration

The certificate lasts for six months, with less than 10 hours of study each week.

Price

A free trial is available for seven days, after which you only need to pay the $38 per month Coursera subscription fee.

Administering Microsoft Azure SQL Solutions

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N/A

Overview

You should consider taking this certificate if you are a database administrator who manages on-premises and cloud platform databases built with SQL server and SQL database services. The exam covers the skills needed to build, implement, manage, and maintain a Microsoft Azure SQL database solution.

Best For

The Administering Microsoft Azure SQL Solutions exam is designed to validate your subject matter expertise in building database solutions. It’s also designed for experienced database administrators who want to demonstrate their ability to ensure high availability, performance, and database security for SQL database services.

Duration

The DP-300 exam lasts for approximately 120 minutes.

Price

The certificate costs $165 in the US but might be cheaper, depending on your location.

EDB PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification

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N/A

Overview

The PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification proves that the candidate has experience managing PostgreSQL servers and related applications. The certification is designed to validate the skills of database administrators and developers working with the PostgreSQL database management system.

Best For

This certification is an excellent way for database professionals with proven experience to prove their skills and get recognized. It’s also a great way to get your foot in the door at an established company, where you can use your certification to stand out from other applicants.

Duration

You can take the exam within six weeks of your purchase.

Price

The PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification costs $200.

Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification

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N/A

Overview

The MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification from Oracle is perfect for those who want to land a job as an SQL analyst. By taking this certification, candidates can demonstrate their knowledge of MySQL architecture. It also proves that you’re skilled in configuring and installing SQL relational databases.

Best For

The Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification is best for people who want to learn the ins and outs of the MySQL database. It’s a great certification for programmers who want to get into database creation or for techs who already have experience with MySQL and want to expand their knowledge.

Duration

The Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification is a multiple-choice exam with 75 questions and a passing score of 58%. The exam has a duration of 120 minutes.

Price

The Oracle MySQL exam costs $245 or the local currency equivalent.

The Complete SQL Bootcamp 2022: Go From Zero to Hero (Udemy)

Rating

4.7 on Udemy

Overview

This SQL bootcamp teaches query optimization for databases using complex queries that replicate real-world situations, such as retrieving information from a table or finding records based on specific criteria. You’ll also learn how to replicate reports commonly found in businesses today.

Best For

The course is designed for beginners who have never used SQL before and those who have some experience with database languages.

Duration

The Complete SQL Bootcamp is designed to be completed in a weekend with the help of hours of video content and articles. But if that’s not enough time for you, they’ve got flexible options. The video lectures last for 9 hours and include 14 articles. You also get access to 13 downloadable resources that will help you practice what you learn and review it later.

Price

The Udemy platform often has more than 80% discount on some of their SQL courses, including this one. You can now get the Complete SQL Bootcamp for $29.99.

SQL for Data Science (UC Davis on Coursera)

Rating

4.6 on Coursera

Overview

The SQL for Data Science course will give students a solid foundation in SQL and data science and practical skills they can apply in the real world. You’ll gain hands-on experience through exercises, then learn to use SQL for data cleaning, manipulation, and business analysis. Once you’ve mastered SQL, you’ll be ready for more advanced courses.

Best For

The SQL for Data Science certification is designed for anyone who wants to learn about and master SQL for Data Science. This course is ideal for beginners who want to kick-start their careers in the data science industry. 

Duration

The SQL for Data Science certification takes approximately 14 hours to complete and is the first part of the Learn SQL Basics for Data Science Specialization, which provides a complete introduction to the world of SQL.

Price

After completing the 7-day free trial, you’ll need to sign up for the Coursera monthly subscription for $38.

How Do You Choose an SQL Certification?

Several factors will help you choose the certification that best fits your needs.

Reputation

The most crucial factor in choosing the proper certification is the reputation of the program and its instructors. You want to ensure that the company behind the courses has been around for a while and has built up a good reputation in the industry. How Do You Choose SQL Certification? The most crucial factor in choosing the proper certification is the reputation of the program and its instructors. You want to ensure that the company behind the courses has been around for a while and has built up a good reputation in the industry.

A good certification program will have an established track record. You also want to ensure that you are comfortable with the instructors and feel they genuinely care about your success.

Instructors and Curriculum

The instructors at the school must have a strong background in database technologies and SQL programming and be able to guide the coursework. Their curriculum should cover all relevant areas of study, such as theory, practical applications, and hands-on lab work. Students should not only be able to learn about SQL concepts but also how they can apply these concepts within real-world situations such as business environments or government agencies.

Course Support

You’ll want access to resources that can help you learn more about what it takes to succeed in an industry like this. Is there a dedicated team available 24/7? How many opportunities are there for networking with peers? Can you connect with other students who are going through similar experiences?

Career Goals

Your career goals can help you narrow down your options. If you’re looking to work in database administration, then a different certification might be the right fit for you than if you’re looking to become a coder. If you’re unsure what learning path you want to follow, look for certifications that will cover a broad range of fields. This way, when you decide which job to pursue, it will be easier for you to find the proper training.

Related Read: 10 Best Database Management Courses & Trainings

Time Commitment

How much time do you have available? Some certifications require more time and dedication than others, so choosing one that fits your schedule is essential. A certification that requires extensive study time may not be the best option if you’re a busy professional. On the other hand, if you have all the time in the world and want to learn as much as possible about your chosen field, then go for it!

Pricing and Payment Options

Finally, how much do you want to spend on your certification? Many options with varying prices and payment plans allow you to pay off your course over time if need be. The more you spend on your training, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to find a certification that meets all of your needs and expectations. If you can afford to pay for the best, go ahead and do so. However, plenty of options are available for those who want to save money.

Making the Most Out of Your SQL Certification

Pursuing an SQL certification is a great way to boost your career, but it’s also an investment of time and money. So how can you make the most out of your SQL certification?

How Do SQL Certifications Work?

The first step in taking any SQL certification is to choose which program is best for your needs, as each offers its own set of exams and levels of accreditation. For example, Oracle provides two levels of certification: associate and professional. You’ll take one exam at each level.

The second step is preparing for the exam by studying relevant material. You should look into whether or not there are any prerequisites for taking the exam (for example, taking a class or studying a certain amount). Some certification programs also require that you pass certain other tests before taking their exam (for example, having experience with another popular language).

What Will the Schedule Look Like?

The schedule of an SQL certification can vary based on the certification program. Some programs are much shorter than others, with some lasting only a few weeks and others lasting months. As a general rule, though, most SQL certifications require that you study for at least 100 hours before taking the test. This can be broken down into two categories: self-study and training or one-on-one mentoring.

How Can You Prepare for an SQL Certification Course?

If you want to start preparing for an SQL course, here are some tips for how you can get started:

• Start by choosing a suitable certification provider that offers affordable classes. Many companies offer these courses, so make sure you pick one with good reviews online from other students who have taken their classes before.
• Read the syllabus carefully. You’ll know what your instructor is looking for in terms of preparation and participation. You’ll know what to expect if you know what your instructor is looking for. Will you need to present anything? Are there special requirements?
• If possible, try taking a sample lesson or two, so you know what to expect from the instructor’s teaching style and get a feel for whether or not it will suit your learning style.

FAQs About SQL Certifications

We’ve got the answers to your most frequently asked questions.

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