Top 10 Database Designer Certifications

Certifications are important for database designers in the job market because they can demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. A certification can show that a designer is competent and knowledgeable about various databases, such as Oracle, SQL Server, or MySQL. It also shows potential employers that a designer has taken the time to learn specific skills and techniques related to database design. Additionally, certifications can provide credibility to a designer’s portfolio and help them stand out from other applicants. Certifications may also open up new opportunities for designers with specialized skills or experience.

This article reviews some of the most beneficial certifications for Database Designers, providing a comprehensive overview of how they can help to enhance and develop a successful career in the field.

What are Database Designer Certifications?

Database Designer Certification is a professional certification program that is designed to help individuals demonstrate their expertise in database design and development. This certification can be beneficial for those looking for a career in the IT industry, as it demonstrates an individual's understanding of the different aspects of database design and development. The certification also helps employers identify qualified candidates who have the necessary skills and knowledge to work in their organization.

The certification covers topics such as database architecture, data modeling, query optimization, security, performance tuning and more. It also provides practical skills such as designing efficient databases and developing reliable applications. Those who earn the certification will be able to demonstrate their expertise in database design and development which can give them an edge when applying for jobs or seeking promotions.

Having this certification can also help employers assess potential job candidates by knowing that they have the right qualifications to meet their needs. Additionally, having a Database Designer Certification shows that an individual has taken the time to learn about the latest trends in database technology so they are up-to-date on what is happening in the industry. This knowledge can make them more valuable employees as they can bring new ideas and solutions to their employer’s projects.

Pro Tip: Always research the different types of database designer certifications available and make sure that the one you choose is accredited by a reputable organization. This will ensure that the certification you receive is recognized and respected in the industry.

Related: What does a Database Designer do?

Top 10 Database Designer Certifications

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

1. Oracle Database Design and Administration Certification

Oracle Database Design and Administration Certification is a professional certification offered by Oracle Corporation. It certifies that an individual has the knowledge and skills needed to design, implement, and manage an Oracle database. The certification focuses on the architecture, installation, configuration, maintenance, security, performance tuning, backup/recovery of Oracle databases.

To obtain this certification, individuals must first pass an exam. The exam covers topics such as database architecture and design principles; installation and configuration; data manipulation language; security; backup/recovery; performance tuning; and troubleshooting. The exam typically takes around three hours to complete.

In order to take the exam, individuals must have a valid Oracle account and purchase an exam voucher from Oracle's website. The cost of the voucher varies depending on region but typically ranges from $150 - $200 USD.

Once the exam is passed with a passing score of 65%, individuals can apply for their certification by providing proof of passing the exam along with other required documents (such as proof of identity or education). After successfully submitting all required documents, individuals will receive their certificate in 4-6 weeks.

Overall, obtaining an Oracle Database Design and Administration Certification requires passing an exam which typically takes 3 hours to complete followed by submitting other required documents in order to receive the certificate in 4-6 weeks. The cost of taking the exam is approximately $150 - $200 USD depending on region.

2. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Database Design and Development

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Database Design and Development is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to design, develop, and maintain databases using Microsoft SQL Server. This certification validates the skills needed to build and implement databases across organizations, as well as ensure high levels of data availability.

It typically takes between 6-9 months to complete the necessary training and pass the exams required for this certification. To get started, you will need to take two exams: Exam 70-762: Developing SQL Databases and Exam 70-761: Querying Data with Transact-SQL. You can find more information about these exams on the Microsoft website.

The cost of taking these exams varies depending on your location and whether or not you are eligible for discounts or special offers. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $165 USD.

Once you have passed both exams, you will be awarded the MCSA: Database Design and Development certification from Microsoft. This certificate will demonstrate your knowledge in database design and development using SQL Server technologies, which can help you stand out when applying for jobs or promotions in the IT field.

3. IBM Certified Database Administrator (DB2)

IBM Certified Database Administrator (DB2) is a professional certification program designed to demonstrate your expertise in the IBM DB2 database. It is designed for IT professionals who have a deep understanding of DB2 and its capabilities.

To get certified, you must pass an exam that covers topics such as installation, configuration, administration, security, performance tuning, backup and recovery, SQL programming and more. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$250 USD. To register for the exam you must have an IBM ID and create an account with Pearson VUE. Once registered, you can schedule your exam at any time that is convenient for you.

Once you have passed the exam you will be awarded the IBM Certified Database Administrator (DB2) certification which is valid for three years. After three years, you will need to retake the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

4. MongoDB Certified DBA Associate

MongoDB Certified DBA Associate is a certification program for MongoDB professionals. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced MongoDB administrators. The certification is offered by MongoDB, Inc., and is intended to demonstrate an individual's ability to install, configure, maintain, secure, and troubleshoot MongoDB databases.

To get the certification, one must pass a 90-minute exam consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as installation and configuration, performance tuning and optimization, security, backups and recovery, monitoring and maintenance.

The exam can be taken online or at a testing center. It costs $150 USD to take the exam online or $200 USD at a testing center. It typically takes 1-2 weeks to receive your results after taking the exam.

5. MySQL Database Design and Administration Certification

MySQL Database Design and Administration Certification is a certification program offered by Oracle University. It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, manage, and maintain databases using MySQL. The certification is intended for database administrators, application developers, system architects, and technical support personnel.

The certification consists of two exams: MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator (1Z0-888) and MySQL 8.0 Database Administrator (1Z0-916). Each exam takes about 2 hours to complete and must be passed in order to receive the certification. The cost of the exams varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

In order to become certified in MySQL Database Design and Administration, you must first purchase the relevant course materials from Oracle University or an authorized training provider. Once you have completed the course material, you will need to register for one or both of the exams at Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. After passing both exams with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your certification from Oracle University.

The cost of obtaining this certification can vary depending on how much time it takes you to prepare for the exams as well as any additional training materials that may be required. However, it typically costs around $500-$1000 USD for all associated fees including exam registration fees and course materials.

6. PostgreSQL Database Design and Administration Certification

PostgreSQL Database Design and Administration Certification is a professional certification program for individuals who wish to demonstrate their expertise in the design, implementation, and administration of PostgreSQL databases. It is offered through the PostgreSQL Global Development Group (PGDG) and administered by EDB Certifications.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of PostgreSQL database design, implementation, and administration. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher.

You can take the PostgreSQL Database Design and Administration Certification exam online or at a testing center near you. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically costs around $200 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from PGDG that certifies your expertise in PostgreSQL database design, implementation, and administration. This certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed by taking the same exam again after three years.

7. Redis Certified Database Designer

Redis Certified Database Designer is a certification program offered by Redis Labs. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in designing, deploying, and managing Redis databases. The certification is intended for database administrators, architects, engineers, and other professionals who need to understand the fundamentals of Redis technology.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge on topics such as data modeling, security, scalability, availability, performance tuning, and maintenance. The exam takes about two hours to complete.

To get the Redis Certified Database Designer certification you must pass the exam with a score of at least 80%. You can register for the exam online through the Redis Labs website or through an authorized testing center. To prepare for the exam you can take self-paced courses or attend instructor-led classes offered by Redis Labs.

The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take it and how you prepare for it. The cost of taking the exam through an authorized testing center is usually around $150 USD while attending instructor-led classes may cost more.

8. SAP HANA Certified Database Designer

SAP HANA Certified Database Designer is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, and maintain an SAP HANA database. This certification is intended for professionals who have experience in designing and developing databases using the SAP HANA platform.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of SAP HANA architecture, data modeling, security, system administration, and performance optimization. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to become an SAP HANA Certified Database Designer, you must first pass the SAP HANA Certification Exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on your region but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD. After passing the exam, you will receive a digital certificate that can be used to demonstrate your expertise in designing and developing databases with SAP HANA.

Once certified as an SAP HANA Certified Database Designer, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge of the latest technologies available on the SAP HANA platform and show employers that you are qualified for positions involving database design and development.

9. Apache Cassandra Certified Database Designer

Apache Cassandra is an open source distributed database system designed to handle large amounts of data across many commodity servers, providing high availability with no single point of failure. The Apache Cassandra Certified Database Designer (CCDD) certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing and deploying Apache Cassandra databases.

The CCDD certification requires the successful completion of a two-hour online exam. This exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as architecture, data modeling, query optimization, and troubleshooting. Candidates must score at least 70% to pass the exam and receive their certification.

In order to take the CCDD exam, you must first register for it on the DataStax website. You will need to provide your contact information and select a date for your exam. Once registered, you will be able to access study materials and practice tests before taking the actual exam.

The cost of the CCDD exam is $200 USD. After passing the exam, you will receive a digital badge that can be shared on social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter.

10. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Architect Professional Certification

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Architect Professional Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a professional’s expertise in designing and deploying Oracle Cloud Infrastructure solutions. It demonstrates that the individual has the skills to design, deploy, and manage Oracle Cloud Infrastructure solutions in a secure, reliable, and cost-effective manner.

The certification requires the successful completion of one exam: 1Z0-1072: Oracle Cloud Infrastructure 2020 Architect Professional. The exam consists of 75 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

To get this certification, you must first register for the exam at Pearson VUE. You can then purchase study materials from Oracle or other third-party providers to prepare for the exam. Once you have successfully completed the exam, you will receive your certification from Oracle.

The cost of taking the exam is $300 USD.

Do You Really Need a Database Designer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a database designer certificate to be successful in the IT industry. However, obtaining one can certainly be beneficial in certain circumstances.

For starters, having a database designer certificate can demonstrate to employers that you have specialized knowledge in designing and managing databases. This can be especially helpful if you are applying for a job that requires an advanced level of expertise with databases. Additionally, it can give you an edge over other applicants who may not have the same level of training or experience.

Also, the certification process itself can provide valuable insight into various aspects of database design and management. For example, if you are looking to develop your skills as a database designer, studying for the exam and passing it could give you a deeper understanding of the field. In turn, this could help you become more proficient in your job and even open up new career opportunities.

Finally, having a database designer certificate can also show potential employers that you are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in the field. This could prove invaluable when trying to land a job or advance your career prospects further down the line.

In summary, while having a database designer certificate is not necessary for success in the IT industry, it can certainly be beneficial in certain situations. It provides potential employers with evidence of your expertise in designing and managing databases as well as demonstrating your commitment to staying up-to-date with new developments and trends in technology.

Related: Database Designer Resume Examples

FAQs About Database Designer Certifications

Q1: What is a Database Designer Certification?

A1: A Database Designer Certification is a credential that demonstrates expertise in designing, developing, and managing databases. It is typically awarded by an educational institution or professional organization after an individual has successfully completed a course of study or other requirements.

Q2: Who should pursue a Database Designer Certification?

A2: Database Designers who want to increase their employability, advance their career opportunities, or gain recognition for their expertise will benefit from obtaining a Database Designer Certification.

Q3: What are the benefits of obtaining a Database Designer Certification?

A3: Benefits of obtaining a Database Designer Certification include increased job security, improved salary potential, and the opportunity to work with more complex and advanced database designs. Additionally, it can provide you with the technical skills necessary to become an expert in your field.

Q4: How much does it cost to get certified as a Database Designer?

A4: The cost of certification varies depending on the institution or organization offering the certification and may include tuition fees, exam fees, and any additional costs associated with completing the certification program.

Q5: How long does it take to become certified as a Database Designer?

A5: The length of time required to complete certification depends on the specific program requirements; however, most programs can be completed in 6-12 months.