Top 10 Database Architect Certifications

Certifications are important for database architects in the job market because they demonstrate a level of proficiency and knowledge of the latest technologies. They show employers that the applicant has the necessary skills to design, implement, and maintain databases for their organization. Certifications also provide credibility to the database architect's resume, as employers can quickly identify which candidates have the necessary qualifications for a particular position. Additionally, certifications can help database architects stay up-to-date on changes in technology, allowing them to remain competitive in the job market.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Database Architects and explain how they can help advance a Database Architect's career.

What are Database Architect Certifications?

Database Architect Certification is a professional certification which demonstrates a person's technical knowledge and competency in designing, implementing, and managing database systems. This certification validates that the individual has mastered the skills necessary to be an effective database architect.

The certification covers topics such as: Database Design & Modeling; Database Performance & Tuning; Database Security; Database Storage & Replication; Data Warehousing & Business Intelligence; and Big Data Technologies. It also includes practical hands-on experience in developing, administering, and optimizing databases for various applications. By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their expertise in the field of database architecture and gain recognition among peers, employers, and other industry professionals.

Having a Database Architect Certification can help individuals stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or seeking promotions within their current organization. It also shows potential employers that they have the skills necessary to design efficient and secure data architectures that meet business objectives. Additionally, it can serve as evidence of an individual's commitment to professional development and ongoing learning. Having this certification may also provide access to specialized training opportunities not available to non-certified professionals.

Pro Tip: When considering database architect certification, make sure to research the organization offering the certification as well as the database software it covers. It is important to ensure that the certification will be recognized by employers and is up-to-date with the latest database technologies. Additionally, be sure to check if there are any prerequisites or continuing education requirements associated with the certification.

Related: What does a Database Architect do?

Top 10 Database Architect Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Database Architects today.

1. Oracle Certified Master (OCM)

Oracle Certified Master (OCM) is an advanced certification program offered by Oracle. It is the highest level of certification offered in the Oracle Certification Program and requires a combination of hands-on experience, technical knowledge, and passing a series of exams.

The OCM certification process typically takes several months to complete. It includes completing two online courses, attending an instructor-led course, passing three exams, and completing a hands-on project. The online courses cover topics such as database architecture, installation and configuration, backup and recovery, performance tuning, security management, data replication and more. The instructor-led course focuses on advanced topics such as high availability solutions, system architecture design and implementation strategies.

In order to become an Oracle Certified Master (OCM), you must pass all three exams: 1Z0-063: Oracle Database 12c: Advanced Administration Exam; 1Z0-053: Oracle Database 11g: Administration II Exam; 1Z0-047: Oracle Database 11g: Performance Tuning Exam. You must also complete a hands-on project that demonstrates your ability to apply the skills you have learned in the classroom and through self-study.

The cost for the entire OCM certification process varies depending on factors such as location and training provider but can range from $2,000-$5,000 USD.

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Management and Analytics is a certification program offered by Microsoft that validates the skills of IT professionals in designing, building, and managing solutions for data management and analytics. It is designed to help IT professionals develop the skills needed to build, manage, and maintain data-driven solutions using Microsoft technologies.

The MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification requires passing two exams: 70-767 Implementing a SQL Data Warehouse and 70-768 Developing SQL Data Models. The exams are designed to test your knowledge of relational database design, Transact-SQL programming, data warehousing concepts, business intelligence tools, and analytics.

It typically takes about three months of study to prepare for the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification. You can find resources online such as study guides, practice tests, video tutorials, etc., which can help you prepare for the exam. Additionally, there are several boot camps available that provide intensive training in order to help you pass the exam.

The cost of the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification varies depending on where you take it. The cost of each exam is $165 USD plus applicable taxes. Additionally, some boot camps may charge a fee for their services.

3. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Database – Specialty

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Database – Specialty is an advanced-level certification that validates a candidate’s expertise in designing, deploying, and managing databases on the AWS cloud platform. This certification is designed to demonstrate a candidate’s knowledge of database technologies such as Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS), Amazon Aurora, and Amazon DynamoDB.

The exam for this certification takes about 3 hours to complete and includes multiple choice and multiple response questions. It covers topics such as database design, implementation, security best practices, backup and recovery strategies, monitoring and troubleshooting techniques, performance optimization techniques, and more. The exam costs $300 USD.

To get the AWS Certified Database – Specialty certification you must pass the associated exam. You can prepare for the exam by reading official AWS documentation or taking an AWS training course. Once you have passed the exam you will be eligible for the certification which can be found in your AWS Certification Account.

4. MongoDB Certified DBA Associate

MongoDB Certified DBA Associate is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of MongoDB database administrators. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in managing and administering MongoDB databases.

The certification process consists of an online assessment that tests the candidate’s knowledge of MongoDB architecture, query language, security, performance tuning, backup and recovery, and more. The exam takes approximately 60 minutes to complete and contains multiple-choice questions as well as some fill-in-the-blank questions.

To get certified, you must first register for the exam on the official MongoDB website. You will then receive an email with instructions on how to access the exam. The cost of taking the exam is $150 USD. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will be awarded your MongoDB Certified DBA Associate certificate.

The certification is valid for two years from the date of passing the exam and can be renewed by completing additional training or taking a new version of the exam.

5. IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2

IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 is a professional certification that demonstrates the holder’s expertise in administering and managing IBM DB2 databases. It is designed to validate the skills, knowledge, and experience of database administrators who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of their organization’s DB2 databases.

It takes approximately 6 months to prepare for the IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as database design and implementation, data security, backup and recovery, performance tuning, and troubleshooting. Candidates must have at least one year of experience working with DB2 databases in order to take the exam.

To get certified as an IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2, you must pass the C2090-616: IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 11.1 Fundamentals exam. The exam costs $200 USD and can be taken at any Pearson VUE Test Center or online via ProctorU. You will need to register for an account on the Pearson VUE website before scheduling your exam date and time.

Once you have passed the C2090-616: IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 11.1 Fundamentals exam, you will receive your certification from IBM within 4 weeks after passing the exam.

6. Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise of database administrators in Oracle Database 12c. It is a professional-level certification that verifies the ability to install, configure, patch, monitor, and maintain an Oracle Database 12c environment.

It typically takes between six months and one year to prepare for this certification. To get certified, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-062: Oracle Database 12c: Installation and Administration and 1Z0-063: Oracle Database 12c: Advanced Administration.

To get certified, you must first register with Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. After registering, you can then purchase the exam vouchers from Oracle University. The cost of each exam voucher is $245 USD for non-members of Oracle University and $195 USD for members.

7. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): SQL 2016 Database Development

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): SQL 2016 Database Development is a certification that validates a person's skills in developing and maintaining databases on the Microsoft SQL Server 2016 platform. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in creating and managing databases, as well as building data-driven applications and solutions.

In order to get the MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development certification, individuals must first pass two exams: 70-764 Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure and 70-765 Provisioning SQL Databases. These exams cover topics such as database design, installation, configuration, maintenance, security, performance tuning and troubleshooting.

The entire process of getting the MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development certification typically takes about three months to complete. This includes studying for the two exams, taking them and then waiting for the results.

The cost of getting the MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development certification varies depending on where you take the exam and which package you choose. Generally speaking, it can range from $150-$250 per exam or $300-$500 for both exams combined.

8. Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise of database administrators who have demonstrated a high level of competency in managing Oracle databases. The OCP credential is earned by passing two exams: one on Oracle Database 11g Administration and the other on Oracle Database 11g Advanced Administration.

How long does it take to get it? It typically takes between 3-6 months to prepare for and pass both exams, depending on your experience level.

How to get it? To become an OCP, you must first register with Oracle University and then purchase an exam voucher for each of the two exams. You can then schedule your exams at any authorized testing center near you.

How much does it cost? The cost of the two exams is $245 USD each, so the total cost for both exams is $490 USD.

9. MySQL 5.6 Database Administrator Certification

MySQL 5.6 Database Administrator Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a professional’s expertise in administering MySQL databases. It is designed for professionals who have experience with the MySQL 5.6 database platform and want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to employers and peers.

The certification exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, replication, backup & recovery, performance tuning, query optimization and troubleshooting of MySQL 5.6 databases. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

To get certified in MySQL 5.6 Database Administration you must pass the certification exam administered by Oracle University. You can take the exam online or at a Pearson VUE testing center near you. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 to $250 USD.

You can prepare for the certification exam by taking an official Oracle University training course or self-study using free online resources such as tutorials and practice exams available on websites like Udemy or Coursera.

10. PostgreSQL 9 Administration Certification

PostgreSQL 9 Administration Certification is a certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of PostgreSQL administrators. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates your expertise in managing and administering PostgreSQL databases.

This certification requires you to pass two exams: the PostgreSQL 9 Administration Exam and the PostgreSQL 9 Advanced Administration Exam. The PostgreSQL 9 Administration Exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, backup & recovery, monitoring & tuning, replication, data integrity and troubleshooting. The PostgreSQL 9 Advanced Administration Exam covers topics such as advanced database administration tasks, performance optimization and high availability solutions.

It usually takes around 2-3 weeks to complete the certification process. To get certified you must first register for the exams on the official website of EDB (EnterpriseDB). You can then purchase vouchers from EDB or a third-party vendor to take the exams at a testing center near you.

The cost of getting certified depends on where you are taking the exam and which vendor you are using to purchase vouchers. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 USD per exam plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center near you.

Do You Really Need a Database Architect Certificate?

No, you do not need a Database Architect Certificate to become a successful database architect. It is possible to become a successful database architect without any sort of certification or degree. However, having a Database Architect Certificate can be beneficial for those who are interested in pursuing this career path.

A Database Architect Certificate may provide individuals with an understanding of the fundamentals of databases, such as relational databases, object-oriented databases and distributed databases. Additionally, these certificates can provide an introduction to the principles of data modeling and design that are essential for successfully managing large amounts of data. The certificate program may also include topics on database security and performance tuning.

Having a Database Architect Certificate will also demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field to potential employers and clients. Having this certification can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for positions or contracts. It shows that you have taken the time to learn about the architecture of databases rather than just relying on your experience alone.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual whether they want to pursue a Database Architect Certificate or not. If you want to take your career in this direction, then obtaining a certificate may be helpful in achieving your goals. However, if you do not feel that it is necessary for your career path then it may not be worth the investment of time and money required to obtain one.

Related: Database Architect Resume Examples

FAQs About Database Architect Certifications

Q1. What is a Database Architect Certification?

A1. A Database Architect Certification is a type of professional certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in designing, developing and maintaining databases. The certification verifies the individual’s proficiency to effectively utilize database technologies to build reliable and efficient database architectures.

Q2. What are the benefits of having a Database Architect Certification?

A2. Having a Database Architect Certification demonstrates that an individual has attained the necessary skills to design, develop and maintain databases in an effective manner, thereby increasing their value in the job market. It also shows employers that an individual has taken steps to keeping their skills up-to-date and can be trusted with important database projects.

Q3. How long does it take to get a Database Architect Certification?

A3. The length of time required to obtain a Database Architect Certification depends on the specific program being pursued as well as the individual’s prior knowledge and experience in the field. Generally speaking, most programs require between 6 months and 1 year of study and preparation for successful completion of the certification exam.

Q4. How much does it cost to get a Database Architect Certification?

A4. The cost of obtaining a Database Architect Certification typically varies depending on which organization is offering it, but most certifications range from $500 to $2,000 or more depending on additional materials such as textbooks and other resources needed for successful completion of the program or exam requirements.

Q5. What types of jobs can I apply for with a Database Architect Certification?

A5: With a Database Architect Certification, individuals can apply for positions such as database administrators, data architects, software engineers and IT professionals who specialize in database design, development and maintenance tasks within organizations or businesses that use databases heavily for their operations