Getting a certification is one of the easiest pathways to a lucrative database-related career. If you’re looking to increase your earning capacity, validate your skills, and get closer to achieving your ultimate career goals, securing one of the highest-paying database certifications can help you reach these milestones.
This article contains a list of the best certifications for database professionals. It covers everything you need to know about database certifications, including the costs, requirements, and job opportunities available to certified professionals in this field.
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What Is a Professional Certification?
A professional certification is proof of competence given to people who meet specific criteria and obtain a passing score in an examination or test. A professional certification in a specific area demonstrates to potential employers that someone has fulfilled the industry standards and can be trusted to work in roles that require a specialized skillset.
What’s the Difference Between Certification and a Certificate?
The difference between a certification and a certificate is that educational institutions award certificates to students after completing a specified program within a certain time frame. However, certifications are given to people who demonstrate proficiency in relevant industry standards as measured by an examination.
Why Is Certification in Database Important?
A certification in databases is important because it shows that you have the critical skills to be a proficient database administrator. This is highly important for people pursuing a career path in the information technology (IT) industry because prospective employers want to be sure that candidates have hands-on experience working with database management systems.
According to Statista, 63 percent of advanced IT companies consider certifications an important employment criterion. Securing a database certification will prove very useful and increase your probability of landing a job at leading companies in the computing or IT industry.
Best Database Certifications by Salary
| Certification | Provider | Average Salary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Master | Oracle | $117,000 | N/A |
| SAP Certified Technology Associate – SAP HANA 2.0 SPS05 | SAP | $112,000 | $560 |
| IBM Certified Database Administrator- DB2 11.1 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows | IBM | $108,000 | $200 |
| Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional | Oracle | $103,000 | $245 |
| EnterpriseDB PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification | EnterpriseDB | $100,000 | $200 |
| IBM Certified Database Associate – DB2 Fundamentals for LUW | IBM | $96,000 | $200 |
| Oracle Certified Professional MySQL 8.0 Database Administrator | Oracle | $96,000 | $245 |
| Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate | Oracle | $96,000 | $245 |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals | Microsoft | $88,000 | $99 |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate | Microsoft | $88,000 | $165 |
Best Database Certifications to Further Your Career
This certification is one of the most advanced certifications available for database administrators. It offers database administrators training in the use of Clusterware administration, automatic storage management, data guard administration, and other critical concepts. Most professionals taking this exam have at least three years of working experience.
Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Master Overview
- Average Salary: $117,000
- Cost: N/A
- Requirements: Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional or Oracle Database Administration 2019 Certified Professional credential, completion of two advanced-level Oracle courses
- Valid For: 12 months
- Exam Length: N/A
- Best Suited For: Elite-level database administrators looking for senior positions
Potential Careers With Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Master
The SAP Certified Technology Associate certification tests your theoretical and practical knowledge of the SAP HANA database. This certification shows employers that you have experience using SAP HANA on various projects and can perform simple tasks such as installation, backup, and troubleshooting of the SAP HANA database.
SAP Certified Technology Associate - SAP HANA 2.0 SPS05 Overview
- Average Salary: $112,000
- Cost: $224 for one attempt, $560 for six attempts
- Requirements: Hands-on experience using SAP HANA
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: 80 questions in 180 minutes
- Best Suited For: People with a solid working knowledge of SAP HANA who need formal proof of competence
Potential Careers With SAP Certified Technology Associate - SAP HANA 2.0 SPS05
This certification is designed for people with a deep understanding of the DB2 11.1 data management software on different operating systems. This certification indicates that you can use database monitoring tools, manage DB2 servers, and carry out other important routing database administration tasks.
IBM Certified Database Administrator - DB2 11.1 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows Overview
- Average Salary: $108,000
- Cost: $200
- Requirements: C2090-600: IBM DB2 11.1 DBA for LUW exam
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: 60 questions in 90 minutes
- Best Suited For: Mid-level IBM DB2 11.1 users in need of formal validation
Potential Careers With IBM Certified Database Administrator - DB2 11.1 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows
This Oracle certification demonstrates database administrators’ ability to use Oracle Database for advanced-level activities, develop and deploy backup strategies, and apply cloud computing strategies.
Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional Overview
- Average Salary: $103,000
- Cost: $245
- Requirements: Oracle Database 12c Certified Administrator Associate, one Oracle Database training course
- Valid For: 12 months
- Exam Length: 120 minutes
- Best Suited For: Advanced-level database administrators in need of a third-party certification
Potential Careers With Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional
The EnterpriseDB PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification indicates that the holder has a basic understanding of PostgreSQL 12 and can apply this knowledge to a career in database administration. This certification comes with a badge that can be displayed on the holder’s LinkedIn page.
EnterpriseDB PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification Overview
- Average Salary: $100,000
- Cost: $200
- Requirements: Completion of EnterpriseDB’s Foundations of PostgreSQL course
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: 1 hour
- Best Suited For: Database administrators who typically work with the PostgreSQL database management system
Potential Careers With EnterpriseDB PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification
Database professionals with an IBM Certified Database Associate - DB2 Fundamentals for LUW certification are recognized as having beginner- to intermediate-level knowledge of SQL, database creation, objects, security, and data concurrency. People without formal training can also get this certification if they demonstrate knowledge of the basics of database administration.
IBM Certified Database Associate - DB2 Fundamentals for LUW Overview
- Average Salary: $96,000
- Cost: $200
- Requirements: C2090-616: DB2 11.1 Fundamentals for LUW exam
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: 90 minutes
- Best Suited For: Entry-level DB2 11.1 for LUW professionals in need of a certification
Potential Careers With IBM Certified Associate - DB2 Fundamentals for LUW
The Oracle MySQL 8.0 Database Administrator certification shows that you are proficient in the use of the MySQL 8.0 database and have a strong knowledge of its architecture. Professionals with this credential can manage MySQL databases, implement backup and recovery strategies, and optimize query performance.
Oracle Certified Professional MySQL 8.0 Database Administrator Overview
- Average Salary: $96,000
- Cost: $245
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: 12 months
- Exam Length: 85 questions in 140 minutes
- Best Suited For: SQL database administrators who need proof of competency
Potential Careers With Oracle Certified Professional MySQL 8.0 Database Administrator Overview
The Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate credential is a beginner-friendly certification. This certification demonstrates a database administrator’s knowledge base and skill level in performing basic day-to-day tasks with a relational database management system.
Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate Overview
- Average Salary: $96,000
- Cost: $245
- Requirements: Oracle Database SQL 1Z0-071 exam
- Valid For: 12 months
- Exam Length: 120 minutes
- Best Suited For: Entry-level or advanced database administrators looking to get the Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional credential
Potential Careers With Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate
The Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals credential is meant for professional cloud database administrators who work with the Azure cloud computing service. It demonstrates knowledge of core data concepts as related to the Azure database, which can be applied to various industry roles.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals Overview
- Average Salary: $88,000
- Cost: $99
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: 60 minutes
- Best Suited For: Prospective cloud database engineers in need of a formal certification
Potential Careers With Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals
This certification validates the holder’s ability to optimize query performance and operational resources, develop and use data platform services, and automate tasks. It also guarantees that a professional can work with T-SQL and handle database solutions designed with relational database management systems such as Microsoft SQL Server and Azure Data Services.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate Overview
- Average Salary: $88,000
- Cost: $165
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: Does not expire
- Exam Length: 60 minutes
- Best Suited For: Azure database administrators looking for career advancement
Potential Careers With Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate
How to Choose the Best Database Certification for Your Career
There are several certifications available to all levels of database professionals. When choosing the best database certification for you and your career path, you must consider your skill level, your ultimate career goals, and your financial capacity.
Evaluate Your Skill Level
While you can find many beginner-friendly database certifications, not all of them are suitable for entry-level database students or professionals. Many database certifications require several years of industry experience working with relational databases. Before enrolling in a certification program, carry out an honest assessment of your skill level and determine if it is right for you.
Appraise Your Career Goals
Certifications are an excellent way to get a job in database administration. However, there are several different job roles in database administration, and you should choose a certification that increases your chances of securing the specific role you desire. For example, if you want to work as an Oracle Database administrator, you will need a relevant Oracle certification.
Determine Your Budget
The prices for database certifications can range from as low as $99 to as high as $245 for a single exam. If you are working with a tight budget, you should choose a certification that can fit into your price range.
Which Database Certifications Pay the Most?
The database certifications that pay the most are the Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Master, SAP Certified Technology Associate – SAP HANA 2.0 SPS05, and IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 11.1 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows credentials.
Highest-Paying Database Certifications
- Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Master: $117,000
- SAP Certified Technology Associate – SAP HANA 2.0 SPS05: $112,000
- IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 11.1 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows: $108,000
- Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional: $103,000
- EnterpriseDB PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certificated: $100,000
Which Database Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?
The database certifications that are best for beginners are the Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate, and IBM Certified Database Associate – DB2 Fundamentals for LUW. These certifications test introductory database administration concepts, so passing their qualifying exams is easy.
Best College Certificate Programs
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How to Prepare for Your Database Certification Exam
To get ready to take your database certification, you will need to learn from various sources, such as online and offline courses, books, websites, and more. Some of the best database exam prep courses and resources for certification exams are outlined below.
Best Courses to Prepare for Database Certification Exams
Several database certification organizations provide database prep courses to give learners assistance before they take their exams. Below is a list of some of the best courses to prepare for your database certification exams.
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- Cost: $2,601
- Duration: 3 days
- Best Suited For: SAP Certified Technology Associate - SAP HANA 2.0 SPS05
This course provides an introduction to SAP HANA 2.0 SPS05. Along with several other skills, participants will learn how to install SAP HANA 2.0, perform administrative tasks, and use this database system’s data migration feature.
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 9 hours
- Best Suited For: Oracle Certified Professional MySQL 8.0 Database Administrator, Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional, Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate, Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Master
The Oracle Database 12c: Introduction for Experienced SQL Users course consists of pre-recorded lectures on working with the Oracle SQL developer tool. It also covers topics in database security and managing indexes, views, sequences, and tables.
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 19 hours 47 minutes
- Best Suited For: Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Master
Participants in this course learn how to build systems, back up databases, and safeguard data with the Oracle Data Guard. This course also introduces the latest Oracle Data Guard features and architecture.
- Cost: $1,200
- Duration: N/A
- Best Suited For: EnterpriseDB PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification
Database administrators who enroll in this course will learn the ins and outs of PostgreSQL architecture. This course covers how to perform routine PostgreSQL functions like moving data, recovering data, and configuring the PostgreSQL relational database management system.
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Best Suited For: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals
Microsoft provides this learning path for people preparing for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals credential exam. The modules offered in this path cover common data formats, data storage, and analytical and transactional data processing solutions.
Other Resources to Prepare for Your Database Certification Exams
In addition to online preparatory courses, there are several other resources that can help you with your database exam prep. These resources can provide you with beginner-level and advanced database knowledge and help you pass your certification exams. Some of these learning resources are mentioned below.
SQL QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Managing, Analyzing, and Manipulating Data with SQL
This book is a beginner-friendly resource for learning SQL. It includes step-by-step instructions on writing SQL statements, working with tables, data manipulation, and many other essential SQL features.
SQL QuickStart Guide: The Simplified Beginner’s Guide to Managing, Analyzing, and Manipulating Data with SQL Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $23.17
- Ideal For: People who want to learn about the basics of SQL for data management
SAP HANA 2.0: An Introduction
Anyone looking to get an SAP HANA 2.0 certification can benefit from this book, which thoroughly covers the use of SAP HANA for database security, management, administration, and integration.
SAP HANA 2.0: An Introduction Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $53.42
- Ideal For: Database administrators that work with SAP HANA regularly
DP-300: Administering Relational Databases on Microsoft Azure
This book offers an in-depth exam review via practice questions that cover all the aspects of Microsoft Azure for database design and administration. It also has detailed explanations of the answers to these questions, so that students preparing for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Associate exam will know the ins and outs of database administration in Azure.
DP-300: Administering Relational Databases on Microsoft Azure Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $34.99
- Ideal For: People looking for additional resources to prepare for their Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Associate credential
DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals: Exam Cram Notes
The DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals: Exam Cram Notes is a concise summary of all the essential information a database professional needs to pass the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals exam. It is useful as an exam guide and quick revision tool.
DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals: Exam Cram Notes Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $9.99
- Ideal For: Professionals looking to secure database administrator or similar industry roles
Oracle Database 12c The Complete Reference
This book offers a deep dive into Oracle Database administration with the Oracle 12c cloud database. It also covers important information regarding the use of SQL, such as how to write SQL*Plus statements, move data with SQL*Loader, and deploy PL/SQL triggers.
Oracle Database 12c The Complete Reference Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $73.80
- Ideal For: People looking to obtain any of the Oracle Database certifications
Best Online Courses
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Database Job Outlook and Average Salary
Database professionals have an abundance of job opportunities available to them in various industries. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, database administrator jobs are expected to increase by eight percent between 2020 and 2030.
The high demand for skilled database professionals means that people with database certifications can command very lucrative salaries in the job market. For example, the average salary for Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Master holders is $117,000 per year.
Best Database Jobs After Certification
There are several job opportunities for database professionals who have obtained certification. For instance, there are several Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate jobs, and many top software companies offer similar database jobs. Below is a list of some of the best database jobs for certified professionals.
Information systems managers are employed by organizations to handle all aspects of their network systems. They are expected to monitor all database software and hardware, implement system upgrades when required, and ensure that their organization's computer systems are performing optimally.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals. This certification validates a person’s job experience performing database implementation and other critical network systems management tasks.
Data engineering managers work with data analysts, software developers, and other IT professionals to design data-driven solutions for companies. Among many other responsibilities, they implement high-impact technologies and ensure that they are scalable.
Best Certification for the Job Role
IBM Certified Database Administrator - DB2 11.1 for Linux, UNIX, and Windows. The IBM Certified Database Administrator certification is useful for professionals who are responsible for building and managing database solutions.
Software engineers use cutting-edge technology to develop solutions to complex problems. They work alone or as part of a team tasked with building and maintaining a particular software product or a company’s software architecture.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Oracle Database 12c Certified Administrator - Professional. Database professionals with this certification can work as part of a database software engineering team.
Database architects are knowledgeable database professionals who build database solutions for organizations. They are responsible for designing large databases that enable companies to effectively run their operations. In most cases, database architects also work collaboratively with software developers and other IT professionals.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Master. This certification demonstrates to employers that you have several years of experience building database solutions with the Oracle 12c database.
Database administrators are skilled in using database tools to identify users’ needs. They also ensure that an organization's database system runs efficiently by troubleshooting and performing necessary updates.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate. This Oracle certification demonstrates knowledge of database fundamentals.
Best Database Associations
Database professionals can make significant career progress and keep up to date with the best global industry practices by joining database associations. There are several of these associations, and some of the best options are listed below.
Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T)
The Association for Information Science and Technology is a global association with members in several fields, including computer science, data science, and information architecture. They provide members with resources, career help, and the latest information science and IT news to help them advance in their careers.
Data Management International
Data Management International offers virtual events, training, resources, and certifications for database professionals. They also provide networking opportunities via their local chapters, where members can meet and collaborate.
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
The Computing Technology Industry Association is one of the largest global communities for information technology specialists. Database professionals who are part of this association have access to certification programs, training, educational resources, and opportunities to learn from other industry colleagues.
Are Database Certifications Worth It?
Yes, database certifications are worth it because they vastly increase your earning potential. Companies that hire database administrators and similar database-related job roles will most likely prefer candidates with certifications. So, getting a database certification is a great idea if you want to get the best job in your industry.
Additional Reading About Databases
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Database Certifications FAQ
A relational database uses tables and rows to store information. They make use of Structured Query Language (SQL). The most common relational databases are the Oracle Database, IBM DB2, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server.
No, you don’t need coding skills to get a database job. Several database jobs do not require you to write code at all. However, an understanding of programming languages such as C++, Java, and C# may be useful at some point in your career.
Yes, there are several remote database jobs in both private and public organizations. You can get any of these remote work opportunities provided you have the required skills and certifications. You can search for these jobs on job listing sites like Indeed and Glassdoor.
Yes, you can get a database administration degree online. There are several online database administrator bachelor’s degree programs from schools like Arizona State University, Baker College, and Liberty University. These degrees can help you kickstart your database administration career.
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