Structured Query Language (SQL) is a programming language used in data science to process large sets of data. Certifications for SQL show how competent you are in this popular programming language, allowing you to land jobs that require SQL proficiency. Finding the best SQL certifications is difficult because of the sea of database certification programs available.
In this article, we discuss the highest-paying SQL certifications to make your search easier. Plus, we’ll discuss how you can prepare for these certification exams, the exam topics covered, and what the job outlooks and salaries are for different jobs that use SQL.
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What Is a Professional Certification?
A professional certification demonstrates your professional competency in a specific field, skill, or subject through your successful completion of a standardized exam, typically offered by an independent body.
Most professional certifications come with a designation title if you pass the certification exam. Employers often look for these certifications to judge a candidate’s ability to perform the duties required by a role.
What’s the Difference Between Certification and a Certificate?
The difference between a certification and a certificate is that a certification is granted after taking a standardized assessment to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities, while a certificate is an educational program wherein students gain more knowledge about a subject and, in some cases, prepare for a higher education degree.
You will have to complete some courses and earn a specific number of course credits to gain a certificate. Meanwhile, for a professional certification, your experience and knowledge level is validated by passing the exam administered by an industry-accepted organization. Certification courses are available for exam preparation but they are not mandatory.
Why Is Certification in SQL Important?
A certification in SQL is important because it affords SQL professionals several benefits, including higher-paying jobs in database management, demonstration of essential SQL skills, and a fundamental understanding of future SQL technologies and in-demand skills.
According to a 2017 report by Burning Glass Technologies, in career fields where certifications are valued, having a desirable certification can increase your salary by 18 percent. The report also found that an SQL certification is often requested in hybrid fields, such as the marketing and PR field since SQL is not typically taught in a marketing degree program.
Best SQL Certifications by Salary
| Certification | Provider | Average Salary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBM Associate Certified DBA – Db2 12 for z/OS Fundamentals | IBM | $103,000 | $200 |
| MySQL 2021 Certified Implementation Specialist | Oracle | $100,000 | N/A |
| PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification | EnterpriseDB | $100,000 | $200 |
| Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification | Oracle | $99,003 | $245 |
| Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) PL/SQL Developer | Oracle | $97,000 | $95 |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals | Microsoft | $97,000 | $99 |
| IBM Certified Database Associate – DB2 11.1 Fundamentals | IBM | $96,000 | $200 |
| Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification | Oracle | $91,100 | $245 |
| Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Database | Oracle | $90,000 | $95 |
| Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate | Microsoft | $59,250 | $165 |
Best SQL Certifications to Further Your Career
This is an excellent certification for individuals who can use the Db2 12 relational database management system for the z/OS operating system. Your SQL skillset is assessed alongside your skills in database administration, database security, and database objects. Your practical knowledge is tested in this beginner-level certification exam and there is a sample test to help you prepare.
IBM Associate Certified DBA - Db2 12 for z/OS Fundamentals Overview
- Average Salary: $103,000
- Cost: $200
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: 3 years
- Exam Length: 63 questions in 90 minutes
- Best Suited For: Users of Db2 12 for z/OS
Potential Careers With IBM Associate Certified DBA - Db2 12 for z/OS Fundamentals
This certification exam assesses MySQL specialists’ skills and knowledge in proofs-of-concept, Oracle Cloud solutions, and general MySQL features. Hands-on practice and self-paced training or instructor-led training in Oracle are good ways to prepare for the 90-minute certification exam.
MySQL 2021 Certified Implementation Specialist Overview
- Average Salary: $100,000
- Cost: N/A
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: 18 months
- Exam Length: 52 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes
- Best Suited For: MySQL specialists
Potential Careers With MySQL 2021 Certified Implementation Specialist
This certification confirms a database professional’s knowledge level and skills in PostgreSQL server management. In addition to a personalized certification, knowledgeable database professionals with this certification also get a badge for their LinkedIn profile.
PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification Overview
- Average Salary: $100,000
- Cost: $200
- Requirements: Foundations of PostgreSQL course
- Valid For: 2 years
- Exam Length: Multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes
- Best Suited For: Knowledgeable database professionals
Potential Careers With PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification
This certification demonstrates your knowledge of SQL and its application in the Oracle Database server. You must pass the Oracle Database SQL exam with a score of 63 percent or higher to get the certification. Exam topics include relational database concepts, using SQL to create database tables, restricting and sorting data, and retrieving data using the SQL SELECT statement.
Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification Overview
- Average Salary: $99,003
- Cost: $245
- Requirements: Some experience working in command line, knowledge of command-line interfaces, basic computing concepts
- Valid For: 18 months
- Exam Length: 78 multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes
- Best Suited For: Oracle database experts
Potential Careers With Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification
Prove that you have relevant SQL knowledge and basic knowledge in database fundamentals and programming with this career-building certification. This designation is a great fit for college or university students who have participated in Oracle Academy training and who are enrolled in a program with a database curriculum.
Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) PL/SQL Developer Overview
- Average Salary: $97,000
- Cost: $95
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: 18 months
- Exam Length: 75 multiple-choice questions in 150 minutes
- Best Suited For: College or university students looking to demonstrate their database management capabilities
Potential Careers With Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) PL/SQL Developer
This certification proves that you have the required foundation in cloud services and data management by assessing your knowledge of core data concepts, such as relational data on Azure, non-relational data on Azure, and more. The instructor-led training program has self-paced content for learning and a practice test to help you prepare for the certification exam.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals Overview
- Average Salary: $97,000
- Cost: $99
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: 2 years
- Exam Length: 40-60 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes
- Best Suited For: Professionals who want to demonstrate their foundational knowledge in data, analytics, and the cloud
Potential Careers With Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals
This certification shows your experience with DB2 11.1 and your fundamental knowledge of SQL. To earn the certification, you will have to pass a six-section entry-level exam that covers planning, security, working with databases and database objects, working with DB2 11.1 data using SQL, data currency, and working with DB2 11.1 tables, views, and indexes.
IBM Certified Database Associate - DB2 11.1 Fundamentals Overview
- Average Salary: $96,000
- Cost: $200
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: 9 months
- Exam Length: 63 multiple-choice questions for 90 minutes
- Best Suited For: Individuals with experience in DB2 11.1 for LUW products
Potential Careers With IBM Certified Database Associate - DB2 11.1 Fundamentals
This certification is for professionals with skills and expertise in the installation and configuration of MySQL databases and MySQL security skills. While there are no prerequisites for the certification exam, the MySQL 5.7 Database Admin Certified Professional Credential learning path has over 31 hours of self-paced training to help you learn MySQL skills in depth.
Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification Overview
- Average Salary: $91,100
- Cost: $245
- Requirements: Knowledge and hands-on-experience in MySQL and Oracle
- Valid For: 18 months
- Exam Length: 75 multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes
- Best Suited For: Oracle cloud professionals
Potential Careers With Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification
Earning the Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Database certification demonstrates your understanding of the basic database concepts and skills needed to administer database services. You do not need to meet any prerequisite to take this certification, but your knowledge of database models and SQL will be tested.
Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Database Overview
- Average Salary: $90,000
- Cost: $95
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: 18 months
- Exam Length: 75 multiple-choice questions in 150 minutes
- Best Suited For: Database professionals
Potential Careers With Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Database
The Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate certification is perfect for data professionals looking to administer SQL server database technologies. Candidates will have to take the Administering Relational Databases on Microsoft Azure exam. The exam not only tests a candidate’s competency in SQL but also their proficiency in data workloads and data forms.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate Overview
- Average Salary: $59,250
- Cost: $165
- Requirements: None
- Valid For: 1 year
- Exam Length: 40-60 multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes
- Best Suited For: Database experts with skills in Microsoft Azure
Potential Careers With Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate
How to Choose the Best SQL Certification for Your Career
The are several factors involved in choosing the best SQL certification for your career. Some professionals opt for more than one certification, depending on the skills they wish to showcase. Regardless, here are the top factors you should consider when choosing the best SQL certification for your professional tech career.
Consider Your Career Goals
What level are you at in your career and what top tech jobs do you hope to land? Your answers will inform the SQL certification you should choose. For example, if you are just starting out, an entry-level or associate SQL certification would be a good way to work toward an entry-level job in SQL development.
Choose a Reputable Certification
The entire strength of a certification lies with the provider. Therefore, you want to choose a provider that is widely accepted in the industry, like Oracle or Microsoft, to ensure that your certification has demand among employers.
Take a Look at Your Budget
SQL certifications have different costs, with some being more affordable than others. It’s important to look at the certifications you have selected and compare costs. That way, you can go for the best certification that meets your budget. You might also want to consider how often the certification needs to be updated as that can contribute to costs, as well.
Which SQL Certifications Pay the Most?
The SQL certifications that pay the most are IBM Associate Certified DBA – Db2 12 for z/OS Fundamentals, MySQL 2021 Certified Implementation Specialist, PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification, Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification, and Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) PL/SQL Developer.
Highest-Paying SQL Certifications
- IBM Associate Certified DBA – Db2 12 for z/OS Fundamentals: $103,000
- MySQL 2021 Certified Implementation Specialist: $100,000
- PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification: $100,000
- Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification: $99,003
- Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) PL/SQL Developer: $97,000
Which SQL Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?
The SQL certifications that are best for beginners are IBM Associate Certified DBA – Db2 12 for z/OS Fundamentals, PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification, Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification, Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) PL/SQL Developer, and Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals.
These SQL certifications are best for beginners because they help new SQL professionals demonstrate their competencies in the basics and fundamentals of SQL. Also, these SQL certifications provide learning materials that help candidates gain more knowledge and improve their skills before taking the certification exam.
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Best College Certificate Programs
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How to Prepare for Your SQL Certification Exam
Sitting for an SQL certification exam means you already have a solid understanding of fundamental concepts in SQL and possess relevant skills and experience. However, you will still need to prepare for your SQL exam regardless of your level of expertise in SQL.
A good way to start preparing for your SQL certification exam is to know the courses and exam topics you must study. You should also find other learning resources to help you study, including self-study guides, practice tests, and computing books.
Best Courses to Prepare for SQL Certification Exams
SQL prep courses will ensure you are equipped with enough knowledge to pass a certification exam. These training courses are offered by some providers in an instructor-led training format. Let’s take a deeper look at the best courses to prepare for SQL certification exams below.
- Cost: $4,995
- Duration: 12 months
- Best Suited For: Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Database, Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification
This course is recommended for data scientists, database administrators, database architects, database developers, developers, and IT managers looking to earn an SQL certification. Students will learn the fundamentals of Oracle Database features and architectures.
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 7 hours
- Best Suited For: Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Database, Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification
Anyone planning on taking an SQL certification exam will find the free Oracle SQL Exam Prep useful. It covers topics such as SQL and table design, SQL database terms, key constraints and the USING clause, and functions, subqueries, pseudo columns, and views.
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 14.9 hours
- Best Suited For: IBM Associate Certified DBA - Db2 12 for z/OS Fundamentals
This program provides the basic foundation to take a certification exam for a career as an IBM Cloud Architect. Courses include Designing Cloud Solutions, Security, Compute Options, Data and Migration, and Cloud Migration and Modernization.
- Cost: Free
- Duration: Self-paced
- Best Suited For: PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification
The training courses in this program cover everything you need to know about Postgres tools to help you prepare for the PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification exam. These tools are necessary for disaster recovery, replication, and high availability.
Other Resources to Prepare for Your SQL Certification Exams
In addition to regular training courses, you can make use of other resources to help you prepare for your SQL certification exams. An overview of the best SQL exam prep resources is provided below.
Microsoft Azure Security Technologies
This book goes over the details of Microsoft Azure security, reviewing topics covered in the Microsoft Azure certification exam. This resource might not be best for those with experience in the implementation of security controls and systems but it might be useful for covering some knowledge that you might be missing.
Microsoft Azure Security Technologies Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $29
- Ideal For: Individuals looking to learn all there is about Azure security fundamentals through self-study
Study Groups
If you have friends or colleagues who also want to take the same certification exam, then you all could meet and study together. That could provide an excellent way to go over the course material for the certification exam and take practice quizzes to learn SQL topics together.
Study Groups Overview
- Type of Resource: Study group
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: People who want to study with other people
Microsoft Certified Official Practice Test – DP-300
The Microsoft Certified Official Practice Test DP-300 contains 122 questions that prepare you for the certification exam that leads to the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification. You’ll learn how to implement a secure environment, perform administration by using T-SQL, optimize query performance, and more.
Microsoft Certified Official Practice Test – DP-300 Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $90
- Ideal For: People who want to take practice tests before the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals exam
Reddit Communities for SQL
The Reddit communities r/LearnSQL and r/SQL are active communities where SQL beginners and SQL experts join forces to advance each other’s knowledge of the language. You can ask questions and find helpful resources within these communities.
Reddit Communities for SQL Overview
- Type of Resource: Online community
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: Those learning SQL skills who wish to ask questions and share resources with other learners
Stack Overflow
Stack Overflow is an online community where users collaborate to solve technical questions related to computer science. Search for SQL topics on Stack Overflow to find a constantly updating series of discussions that cover countless SQL certification exam topics and help you learn SQL terminology.
Stack Overflow Overview
- Type of Resource: Online community
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: SQL learners with specific technical questions
Best Online Courses
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SQL Job Outlook and Average Salary
Tech professionals with SQL skills usually become database administrators, data scientists, or database developers. The number of job openings for database administrators and architects will grow by a stable eight percent between 2020 and 2030, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and database administrators have a median annual salary of $98,860.
While many advertised SQL jobs list an undergraduate or graduate degree as part of the requirement, a certification can prove very useful. Earning an SQL certification can prove to employers that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform your job duties. The next section will cover the best SQL jobs you can land after gaining an SQL certification.
Best SQL Jobs After Certification
The best SQL jobs after certification are data scientist, database administrator, database architect, web administrator, and computer network architect. Now, let’s take a look at these jobs in detail, including the best Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification jobs.
Computer network architects design data communication networks for a variety of applications. A knowledge of SQL and database systems is necessary for these architects to design network technology.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Database. This basic certification shows that a computer network architect has a serviceable knowledge of databases.
Data scientists collate and analyze sets of data, translating them into information that can be applied to provide solutions. SQL skills help data scientists manipulate large data sets from databases, and an SQL certification proves that they have these skills.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification. This certification helps data scientists administer Oracle Database cloud services.
Database administrators manage systems that store large data sets on different cloud services. Prospective employers want to be sure that applicants for the role can successfully manage a database environment. SQL certifications prove a professional’s knowledge and skill in creating and administering databases.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification. This certification demonstrates a database administrator’s competency in the installation and configuration of MySQL databases.
Database architects are responsible for designing and constructing databases. They have expertise in data modeling and database security. An SQL certification helps database architects show employers that they can create and manage databases.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) PL/SQL Developer. This certification proves a database architect’s expertise in developing SQL-based systems.
Web administrators install and configure communication data systems, wide area networks, and local area networks. An SQL certification proves their ability to install and manage database systems using SQL.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification. This Oracle certification shows that a web administrator can oversee database systems.
Best SQL Associations
The best SQL associations provide a community of professionals that help foster professional growth, learning, and collaboration. Some of the best SQL associations you should consider joining are the Association of Data Scientists, Data Science Society, and Cloud Computing Association.
Association of Data Scientists
If you are looking for the best professional body of data scientists and machine learning experts in the world, then you cannot look beyond the Association of Data Scientists. By joining this professional body, you can become a Chartered Data Scientist and enjoy a 30 percent discount on the examination cost. You also get access to a wealth of resources for your career growth.
Data Science Society
The Data Science Society is an international community of data science professionals pooling together knowledge and resources to help one another. As a member, you get to attend several Data Science Meetups and the annual Datathons organized by the association in different countries.
Cloud Computing Association
This membership association is made up of users and providers of different cloud-based services. Members gain access to its conferences, summits, and expos that help build their knowledge, skills, and expertise in cloud computing.
Are SQL Certifications Worth It?
Yes, SQL certifications are worth it because they allow you to demonstrate your competency in SQL. An SQL certification proves your skills and expertise to potential employers, allowing you to get better jobs and earn higher salaries. So, if you’re looking to advance your career then gaining an SQL certification is worth it.
Additional Reading About SQL
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SQL Certifications FAQ
No, a certification is not better than a graduate certificate because a graduate certificate shows that you attended formal training at college, whereas a certification is earned through taking a singular exam and doesn’t require you to attend a program. However, a certification demonstrates to employers that you have a particular skillset and experience in a subject.
No, you can not get free SQL certifications. Paid SQL certifications offered by industry heavyweights like Microsoft and Oracle are reputable and many of them are relatively affordable and may allow you to negotiate a pay raise.
No, you cannot get a perfect alternative to SQL. While there are similar languages, like the Hibernate Query Language, none perform the exact roles and functions of SQL. However, there are some frontend alternatives that can be used to write SQL in an application, such as SchemeQL, ScalaQL, and ActiveRecord.
Yes, you can earn more with an SQL certification because an SQL certification proves to employers that you are proficient in SQL. You can get better roles and better pay with an SQL certification, especially if you work in a hybrid industry that has a lack of qualified SQL experts, like marketing or PR.
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