Top 11 Data Management & Administration Certifications

Certifications in data management and administration are important for job seekers because they demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field. Employers look for candidates with certifications to ensure that their data management and administration needs will be met. Certifications also show that the candidate is committed to continuing their professional development and is up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends in the industry. Having certifications can be a major advantage in the job market, as employers often prefer certified professionals over those without certifications.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Data Management & Administration and explain how they can help advance a career in the field.

What are Data Management & Administration Certifications?

Data Management & Administration Certification is a professional certification that provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage and administer data in an organization. This certification is especially beneficial for those who are looking to move into a managerial or administrative role within the data management field.

The certification covers topics such as data governance, data architecture, database design, data modeling, data security and privacy, database administration, and more. It also teaches professionals how to use various tools and techniques to effectively manage and administrate data in an organization. Once certified, individuals can demonstrate to employers that they possess the necessary skills needed to successfully manage and administrate data in their organization.

In addition to providing individuals with the necessary skills for managing and administering data in an organization, this certification also helps them stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs. Employers often look for candidates who have specialized knowledge and experience in specific areas of expertise; having a Data Management & Administration Certification can help set someone apart from other applicants. The certification serves as proof that the individual has obtained specialized training in this area and is prepared to take on a managerial or administrative role within their organization.

Pro Tip: When looking for a data management & administration certification, make sure to research the specific requirements and qualifications that are needed in order to successfully complete the program. Additionally, look into the availability of online courses and resources that can provide additional support throughout your studies.

Related: What does a Data Management & Administration do?

Top 11 Data Management & Administration Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Data Management & Administrations today.

1. Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)

Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in data management. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the field of data management and can demonstrate their knowledge and skills in this area.

The CDMP program is administered by the Institute for Certified Data Managers (ICDM), which sets the standards for certification. The program consists of three levels, each with its own set of requirements: Associate, Professional, and Master. Each level requires a combination of education, experience, and professional development activities.

In order to become certified at any level, applicants must pass an exam administered by ICDM. The exams are offered twice a year and are based on the ICDM Body of Knowledge (BOK). The exams are multiple-choice and computer-based, and they cover topics such as data governance, data architecture, data quality management, analytics, business intelligence, and more.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual's current skill level; however, it typically takes between 6 months to 2 years to complete all three levels of certification.

To get certified at any level of the CDMP program, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts or proof of work experience. Once approved by ICDM staff members, applicants will be eligible to take the exam for that particular level.

The cost for taking each exam varies depending on the country/region where you are taking it; however, typically each exam costs around $400 USD per attempt.

2. Certified Database Administrator (CDA)

A Certified Database Administrator (CDA) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the field of database administration. This certification is offered by the International Association of Database Administrators (IADBA). The CDA designation is highly respected in the industry and demonstrates a high level of proficiency in database administration, including developing, maintaining, and administering databases.

To become certified as a CDA, individuals must pass an exam administered by IADBA. The exam covers topics such as database architecture, data modeling, query optimization, security management, backup and recovery strategies, and performance tuning. The exam typically takes 3-4 hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions.

The cost for taking the CDA certification exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $400-$600 USD. Once the exam is successfully completed, individuals will receive their official CDA certificate which is valid for three years. After three years, individuals must renew their certification by taking a recertification exam or attending approved courses to maintain their status as a CDA.

3. Oracle Certified Master (OCM)

Oracle Certified Master (OCM) is the highest level of Oracle certification. It is designed to recognize and validate the most experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled Oracle professionals in the world. The OCM certification requires a combination of knowledge, experience, and extensive hands-on testing.

The OCM certification process takes approximately six months to complete. To become an OCM, you must pass four exams: two theoretical exams (Oracle Database 12c: Advanced Administration and Oracle Database 12c: Performance Management and Tuning), one hands-on lab exam (Oracle Database 12c: RAC & Grid Infrastructure Administration), and one final practical exam (Oracle Database 12c: Advanced Security).

To get started on your journey to becoming an OCM, you must first register for the program through Oracle University. The cost of registration varies depending on your country of residence but typically ranges from $2,500 to $3,000 USD. Once registered, you will have access to study materials such as practice tests and online courses that will help you prepare for the exams.

Once you have successfully passed all four exams, you will be awarded with the coveted OCM certification from Oracle University. This certification is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence in database administration and performance management skills.

4. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Management and Analytics

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Management and Analytics is a certification that validates an individual’s ability to design, build, and maintain business intelligence solutions using Microsoft SQL Server and other related technologies. This certification demonstrates expertise in designing, building, and maintaining data management solutions for both on-premises and cloud-based environments.

It typically takes about three months of preparation to pass the necessary exams to become MCSE certified in Data Management and Analytics. To get this certification, you must first take two exams: 70-767 Implementing a SQL Data Warehouse, and 70-768 Developing SQL Data Models. After passing these two exams, you will be eligible to receive your MCSE certification.

The cost of the two exams required for the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification is $165 each. The total cost for the MCSE certification is therefore $330.

5. Cloudera Certified Administrator for Apache Hadoop (CCAH)

Cloudera Certified Administrator for Apache Hadoop (CCAH) is a certification program offered by Cloudera, Inc. that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in administering Apache Hadoop clusters. The CCAH certification is designed to demonstrate the ability to install, configure, manage, and maintain Apache Hadoop clusters. It also tests the individual’s understanding of core components such as HDFS, MapReduce, YARN, Hive, Pig, Sqoop and Flume.

The CCAH certification exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions covering a variety of topics related to Apache Hadoop administration. To get the CCAH certification one must first register for the exam online through Cloudera's website. After registering for the exam one can take it at any authorized testing center or remotely from home using a secure web browser.

The cost of taking the CCAH exam is $295 USD per attempt.

6. MongoDB Certified DBA Associate

MongoDB Certified DBA Associate is a certification program from MongoDB, Inc. that validates the skills and knowledge of database administrators working with MongoDB. The certification is designed to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of MongoDB’s core features and capabilities, as well as the ability to work with MongoDB in production environments.

The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within 90 minutes. The questions cover topics such as installation and configuration, security, performance tuning, replication and sharding, backup and recovery, data modeling, indexing and query optimization.

In order to get certified as a MongoDB Certified DBA Associate you must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. You can take the exam online or at one of MongoDB's authorized testing centers around the world.

The cost for taking the exam is $150 USD.

7. IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 10.1 Fundamentals

IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 10.1 Fundamentals is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge of database administrators in administering and managing IBM DB2 10.1 databases. It is designed to demonstrate the ability to install, configure, secure, monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot DB2 10.1 databases.

The certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within 90 minutes. The passing score for the exam is 68%. In order to obtain this certification, candidates must have a minimum of six months experience working with DB2 10.1 or higher and must have successfully completed an IBM training course for DB2 10.1 or higher.

To get the IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 10.1 Fundamentals certification, you must register for and pass the C2090-616 exam on the Pearson VUE website at www.pearsonvue.com/ibm/. The cost of registering for the C2090-616 exam is $200 USD plus applicable taxes or fees depending on your location.

8. SAP HANA Administration Certification

SAP HANA Administration Certification is an official certification program designed to certify professionals in the administration of SAP HANA. This certification is offered by SAP, the world's leading provider of enterprise software solutions.

The certification covers topics such as architecture, installation, configuration, performance tuning, security and backup/recovery of SAP HANA systems. The exam covers all aspects of administering a SAP HANA system including installation, configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting.

It typically takes around 6 months to get certified in SAP HANA Administration. To get certified you must pass the SAP Certified Technology Associate – System Administration for SAP HANA (C_HANATEC_15) exam with a minimum score of 70%. The exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions and has a duration of 180 minutes.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on your location and currency exchange rate but typically ranges from $500 - $800 USD.

9. SAS Certified Data Management Professional

SAS Certified Data Management Professional is a certification program offered by SAS Institute Inc. It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of data management concepts and practices. The certification covers topics such as data modeling, database design, data integration, and data governance.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the exam. Candidates should have a solid understanding of SAS software and its applications in order to pass the exam. They must also be familiar with relational databases and SQL commands.

In order to become certified, candidates must take an online proctored exam that consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. The exam fee is $180 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their SAS Certified Data Management Professional certificate.

10. Teradata Certified Master

Teradata Certified Master is an advanced certification program that validates a professional's expertise in the Teradata Database. It is designed for experienced database administrators and system architects who have a deep understanding of the Teradata Database and its associated technologies. The certification requires passing two exams, the Teradata 12 Core Exam and the Teradata 12 Advanced Exam.

The Teradata 12 Core Exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, query optimization, performance tuning, backup/recovery, and troubleshooting. The Teradata 12 Advanced Exam covers topics such as data warehousing concepts, advanced SQL features, stored procedures and macros, user-defined functions (UDFs), parallelism and distributed databases.

The certification process typically takes about 6 months to complete if you are studying on your own or taking a course from an accredited training provider. To get certified, you must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher. The cost of the certification varies depending on which training provider you choose to use but typically ranges from $1,500-$3,000 USD.

11. AWS Certified Database – Specialty

AWS Certified Database – Specialty is a certification program offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and experience in designing, deploying, and managing databases on the AWS cloud platform. The certification covers topics such as data modeling, data warehousing, database security, disaster recovery, and more.

The exam for this certification typically takes about 4 hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

You can register for the exam through the AWS Certification Portal. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $300-$400 USD. Additionally, you may need to purchase additional materials such as textbooks or practice exams to help prepare for the test.

Overall, obtaining an AWS Certified Database – Specialty certification demonstrates that you have a comprehensive understanding of how to design, deploy, and manage databases on the AWS cloud platform.

Do You Really Need a Data Management & Administration Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. If you are looking to pursue a career in data management and administration, then having a certificate may be beneficial. A certificate in data management and administration can provide you with the necessary skills needed for success in this field. It will also help demonstrate your commitment to the profession, which could give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions.

Having a certificate could also increase your chances of being hired by employers who are looking for individuals with specific qualifications related to data management and administration. Additionally, it could open up opportunities for further education or training if you decide to pursue more advanced roles in the field.

Ultimately, whether or not obtaining a certificate is right for you should depend on your individual goals and career aspirations. If you believe that having certification would help you meet those goals, then it could be worth considering taking the steps necessary to obtain one.

Related: Data Management & Administration Resume Examples

FAQs About Data Management & Administration Certifications

Q1. What is a Data Management & Administration Certification?

A1. A Data Management & Administration Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of data management and administration. It typically covers topics such as database design, database security, data analysis, and more.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Data Management & Administration Certification?

A2. Obtaining a Data Management & Administration Certification can help individuals build their credentials in the field, increase their salary potential, position themselves for career advancement opportunities, and demonstrate proficiency in the area of data management and administration to potential employers.

Q3. How long does it take to complete a Data Management & Administration Certification?

A3. The time required to complete a Data Management & Administration Certification will vary depending on the program chosen, but most certifications can be completed within one year or less with full-time study.

Q4. What is the cost of obtaining a Data Management & Administration Certification?

A4. The cost of obtaining a Data Management & Administration Certification will vary from provider to provider, but most programs range from $500-$3000 USD depending on the length of the course and other factors such as materials costs and exam fees.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Data Management & Administration Certification?

A5. Yes, there are usually some prerequisites for obtaining a Data Management & Administration Certification such as having prior experience working with databases or having completed related courses or training programs in the past.