5 SQL Certifications for Your Data Career in 2024

The field of data science is expected to grow faster than average in the coming years [1]. As a core competency in the data science industry, an SQL certification may position you to compete in a heavily in-demand industry. Several certifications can demonstrate your competency in SQL, but the exam that's right for you depends on which platform, vendor, or database technology you'll be working with. Use the following article to compare five popular SQL certifications.

If you already know Python and you're looking to demonstrate advanced SQL skills to potential employers, consider enrolling in DeepLearning.AI's Data Engineering Professional Certificate program.

5 SQL certifications

SQL is commonly used to communicate with relational database management systems (RDBMS). Keep in mind that certifications that show a deep understanding of SQL typically also test your knowledge of these database systems at large.

Read more: Relational Database: Definition, Examples, and More

Which certifications are good for SQL?

The following five certifications show a fundamental understanding of SQL using five industry-standard relational database management systems. If you need help deciding which RDBMS you'll be using, consider browsing job postings for careers you'd like to fulfill and making a note of technologies employers request experience with.

Read more: SQL vs. NoSQL: The Differences Explained + When to Use Each

1. Microsoft SQL Certification: Azure Data Fundamentals

Earning this entry-level certification from Microsoft SQL certification validates your knowledge of data concepts using Microsoft Azure data services, including how the databases work with PostgreSQL and MySQL.

This certification goes beyond just SQL to show your knowledge of relational and non-relational data and data workloads.

• Cost: $99

• What’s being tested: Core data concepts, working with relational and non-relational data on Azure, analytics workload

Microsoft Azure DP-900 Data Fundamentals Exam Prep Specialization

You can get 50% off exam costs and engage in interactive, hands-on learning in the Azure cloud environment when you prepare yourself to pass the DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals exam on Coursera. Using the Microsoft Azure DP-900 Data Fundamentals Exam Prep Specialization, you can study for your exam with guidance from the experts at Microsoft and redeem your exam discount at Pearson Vue proctor exam sites upon completion.

2. Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification

The Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification demonstrates your knowledge of basic SQL concepts, especially using it to work with the Oracle Database server. The certification will prove your competency in the SQL language, data modeling, and using tables, among other tasks. It requires passing one certification exam.

• Cost: $245

• What’s being tested: Essential database concepts; retrieving, restricting, and sorting data; using conversion functions and conditional expressions; managing multiple tables; controlling access, and other topics

3. IBM Certified Database Associate

IBM has three Certified Database Associate Certifications for those who want to demonstrate their understanding of the Informix or Db2 relational database management systems. Basic knowledge of SQL, database creation, database security, and transaction isolation will earn you the certification. Each requires one exam.

• Cost: $200

• What’s being tested: Working with SQL and XML, data security, connecting to DB2 servers and other data planning concepts, writing database definition language SQL statements, knowledge of tables and other application design concepts

4. Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification

The MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification requires one exam, which will test your understanding of MySQL, a relational database management system developed by Oracle. The certification will display essential knowledge of working with MySQL, such as installing, configuring, and monitoring the database management system.

• Cost: $245

• What’s being tested: Installing, starting, and stopping MySQL; understanding MySQL architecture; managing users; identifying security risks and other security aspects of MySQL

5. EDB PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification

EDB’s PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification shows your understanding of the fundamentals necessary to work with PostgreSQL servers. PostgreSQL is a relational database that is scalable across large organizations. The current version is PostgreSQL 12. 

• Cost: $200

• What’s being tested: Maintaining and managing a PostgreSQL server and related applications

Read more: How to Write an SQL Resume

How to prepare for an SQL certification

If you first need to obtain training in database management or SQL, you may benefit from a certification program rather than a certification. While certifications indicate you've passed an exam, they don't usually include the resources you need to learn the material. Some professionals use certificate programs to prepare for certificate exams. You can gain experience with data management, warehousing, engineering, and data management platforms while earning a certificate demonstrating advanced SQL skills by enrolling in the DeepLearning.AI Data Engineering Professional Certificate:

Read more: SQL Interview Questions: A Data Analyst's Guide for Success

Are SQL certifications worth it?

Certificates and certifications are an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge at-a-glance on your resume. They also indicate your commitment to continued learning and can be used to fill gaps in your experience.

SQL or database certification requirements are common for positions that work closely with technologies from particular vendors or platforms. For example, if a job requires experience with Oracle databases, employers may request that applicants have a certification from Oracle.

SQL-related certifications can prepare you for several database professional roles like database administrator, database engineer, SQL developer, and data analyst.

Read more: 10 Jobs That Require SQL Skills and What You Need to Get Hired

Take the next step toward being SQL certified today

If you're new to the field and looking to start or advance your data career, earning the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 Certification is a great place to start. You can get 50% off exam costs, strengthen your skills, and obtain structured preparation by enrolling in the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 Exam Prep Specialization:

If you're familiar with Python and looking to verify more advanced SQL capabilities, you can earn credentials from an industry leader by enrolling in DeepLearning.AI's Data Engineering Professional Certificate program, complete with coursework in data architecture, DataOps, and data modeling that you can use to land your next role: