Top 11 Datastage Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for a DataStage developer in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the skills necessary to perform their duties effectively. Certification shows employers that an applicant is knowledgeable about industry standards and best practices, as well as being able to use DataStage tools and techniques. Certifications also provide proof of experience and knowledge in data warehousing, which can be a valuable asset when applying for jobs. Certification can also help one stand out among other applicants, as it shows that they have taken the initiative to become certified in their area of expertise.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Datastage Developers and explain how they can help enhance a datastage developer's career.

What are Datastage Developer Certifications?

Datastage Developer certification is a professional certification for individuals who have expertise in developing data integration solutions using IBM DataStage. This certification provides individuals with the skills and knowledge required to create and manage data integration solutions, as well as gain an understanding of how to design, develop, and deploy IBM DataStage applications.

The certification helps demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge required to develop data integration solutions with IBM DataStage. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for those looking to advance their career in the field of data integration as they can obtain a global standard recognition that shows employers they are proficient in this area of technology. Additionally, holding this certification can help open up additional job opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable due to lack of experience or qualifications. Finally, it can also provide individuals with invaluable insight into the various aspects of data integration such as design, development and deployment processes.

Always read the official certification guidelines provided by IBM before starting your certification journey. This will help you understand what is expected from you and how to prepare for the exam. Also, make sure to practice as much as possible with sample questions and tutorials to get familiar with the topics that will be covered in the exam.

Related: What does a Datastage Developer do?

Top 11 Datastage Developer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Datastage Developers today.

1. IBM Certified DataStage Developer

IBM Certified DataStage Developer is a professional certification program offered by IBM to validate the competency of professionals in designing, developing, and deploying data integration solutions using IBM InfoSphere DataStage. This certification is designed for experienced professionals who have a working knowledge of the DataStage product and its related components.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test the candidate’s knowledge of DataStage architecture, design principles, development techniques, and administration. To obtain this certification, candidates must pass one or more exams depending on their experience level.

To get certified as an IBM Certified DataStage Developer, candidates must first complete an IBM training course such as IBM InfoSphere DataStage Fundamentals (DSTF), which will provide them with the necessary skills to become certified. After completing the course, they must then register for and pass one or more exams depending on their experience level.

The cost of the training course varies depending on where it is taken and what type of course it is. Generally speaking, courses range from $1,500 to $3,000 USD per person. The cost of taking the exams also varies depending on which ones are taken; however they typically range from $100 to $200 USD per exam.

2. IBM Certified System Administrator for InfoSphere DataStage

IBM Certified System Administrator for InfoSphere DataStage is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in administering IBM InfoSphere DataStage. It validates the ability to install, configure, administer, monitor, and troubleshoot DataStage jobs. This certification is designed for system administrators who are responsible for managing the installation, configuration, and maintenance of the DataStage environment.

It typically takes about three months to study for and pass the exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered by Pearson VUE. The cost of the exam varies by country but generally ranges from $100 to $200 USD. To get certified, you must pass both parts of the exam: Part 1 covers general DataStage concepts and Part 2 covers specific administrative tasks. After passing both exams, you will receive your IBM Certified System Administrator for InfoSphere DataStage credential.

3. IBM Certified Solution Architect for InfoSphere DataStage

IBM Certified Solution Architect for InfoSphere DataStage is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing and developing data integration solutions using IBM InfoSphere DataStage. It validates the individual’s ability to design, develop, deploy, and maintain enterprise-level data integration solutions using IBM InfoSphere DataStage.

It typically takes around 4-6 months of preparation to get this certification. To get it, you need to pass two exams: C2090-320 (IBM InfoSphere DataStage v11.3) and C2090-321 (IBM InfoSphere DataStage & QualityStage v11.3).

The cost of these two exams is $200 each.

4. IBM Certified Specialist in InfoSphere DataStage

IBM Certified Specialist in InfoSphere DataStage is a professional certification that demonstrates your expertise in the design, development and deployment of IBM InfoSphere DataStage applications. It validates your skills in the areas of data integration, data quality, and data governance.

The certification requires passing one exam: C2090-621 - IBM Certified Specialist – InfoSphere DataStage v11.3. The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions and has a duration of 90 minutes.

To get certified, you must complete the following steps:

1) Register for the exam at Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers;

2) Purchase an exam voucher from IBM Professional Certification Marketplace;

3) Schedule an appointment with Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers to take the exam;

4) Pass the C2090-621 - IBM Certified Specialist – InfoSphere DataStage v11.3 Exam;

5) Receive your official certificate from IBM upon successful completion of the exam.

The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges between $200-$250 USD.

5. Oracle Certified Professional, Oracle Database 11g: Data Integration and Warehousing with Oracle Data Integrator 11g

Oracle Certified Professional, Oracle Database 11g: Data Integration and Warehousing with Oracle Data Integrator 11g is a certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the use of Oracle Data Integrator 11g. This certification is designed to demonstrate expertise in designing, developing, deploying, and managing data integration solutions using Oracle Data Integrator.

To become certified as an Oracle Certified Professional, Oracle Database 11g: Data Integration and Warehousing with Oracle Data Integrator 11g, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-450 (Data Integration & Warehouse Fundamentals) and 1Z0-451 (Data Integration & Warehouse Implementation). The exams are administered by Pearson VUE.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $150 to $200 per exam. The total cost for both exams is approximately $300-$400.

The time required to complete the certification process varies depending on your level of experience and knowledge. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 3 months to 6 months or more to complete the certification process.

6. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Business Intelligence

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Business Intelligence is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to design, build, and deploy business intelligence solutions using Microsoft technologies. It validates the skills needed to create data-driven applications and solutions that use SQL Server and other Microsoft products.

The MCSE: Business Intelligence certification requires the completion of four exams: 70-461, 70-462, 70-463, and 70-464. These exams cover topics such as database administration, data warehousing, data modeling, ETL processing, data mining, reporting services, OLAP cubes, and analytics. The exams are designed to test an individual's knowledge of SQL Server 2012/2014/2016 technologies as well as their ability to design BI solutions with Microsoft products.

It typically takes around six months to complete all four exams required for the MCSE: Business Intelligence certification. This timeline can vary depending on an individual's experience level and study habits.

To get the MCSE: Business Intelligence certification you must first register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Microsoft Learning Center. You can then prepare for the exams by studying with self-paced training courses or instructor-led classes offered by authorized Microsoft Learning Partners. Once you have passed all four exams you will receive your certificate from Microsoft.

The cost of the MCSE: Business Intelligence certification varies depending on how you choose to prepare for it. The cost of each exam ranges from $150-$250 USD per exam plus any additional fees associated with taking them at a testing center or online through Pearson VUE or Microsoft Learning Center. Additionally there may be additional costs associated with taking self-paced training courses or instructor-led classes offered by authorized Microsoft Learning Partners if you choose to do so in order to prepare for the exams.

7. SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9

SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9 is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of professionals who use SAS software to access, manipulate, analyze, and present data. This certification is designed to demonstrate that individuals have mastered the fundamentals of SAS programming and can write basic applications using SAS language elements.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for this certification depending on your existing experience with the SAS language and software. To get certified, you must pass a written exam which consists of multiple-choice questions about topics such as accessing data, manipulating data, creating reports, and debugging programs. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE at an authorized testing center.

The cost of the exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $180-$200 USD.

8. Cloudera Certified Professional: Data Engineer

Cloudera Certified Professional: Data Engineer is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s expertise in data engineering. This certification demonstrates the ability to design, build, and maintain reliable data pipelines and architectures that are optimized for data analysis. It also validates the skills necessary to work with large-scale datasets using Hadoop and related technologies.

The Cloudera Certified Professional: Data Engineer exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 50 multiple choice questions. The exam covers topics such as Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, Apache Hive, Apache Impala, Apache Flume, Apache Sqoop, HDFS, YARN, Pig Latin, Oozie Workflow Scheduling System and other related technologies.

To get the Cloudera Certified Professional: Data Engineer certification you must first register for the exam on Cloudera's website. After registering for the exam you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to access the exam portal where you can take the exam online or at a testing center near you.

The cost of taking the Cloudera Certified Professional: Data Engineer Exam is $295 USD per attempt.

9. Hortonworks HDP Certified Developer

Hortonworks HDP Certified Developer is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of developers who are working with Apache Hadoop. It is designed to demonstrate a developer’s ability to design, develop, deploy, and maintain applications on the Hortonworks Data Platform.

The certification consists of two exams: HDPCD (Hortonworks Data Platform Certified Developer) and HDPCA (Hortonworks Data Platform Certified Administrator). The first exam focuses on the development of applications that run on the Hortonworks platform while the second exam focuses on administering and managing the platform itself.

It typically takes between four to six weeks to complete both exams. However, this can vary depending on your experience level and how much time you have available for studying.

To get certified, you must register for an account at hortonworks.com/certification. Once registered, you can purchase a practice exam or an exam voucher from the same page. You will then need to schedule your exams through Pearson VUE, which is an online testing provider. After completing both exams successfully, you will receive your certification via email within five business days.

The cost for each exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $150 - $200 USD per exam.

10. Apache Hadoop 2.0 Developer Certification

Apache Hadoop 2.0 Developer Certification is a certification program offered by Cloudera, the leading provider of Apache Hadoop-based software and services. This certification is designed to validate the skills of professionals who develop applications on Apache Hadoop 2.0. It covers topics such as MapReduce, HDFS, YARN, Pig, Hive, Impala, Oozie and Sqoop.

It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the certification exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and requires a minimum score of 70% to pass. The cost for the exam varies depending on the country you are in but it generally ranges from $250-$400 USD.

To get certified, you must first register for the certification exam through Cloudera's website or through an authorized training partner. After registering for the exam, you will be given access to online resources that will help you prepare for the exam including practice tests and study guides. Once you have completed your preparation and feel ready to take the exam, you can schedule a time to take it at an authorized testing center near you or online through ProctorU.

11. EMC Proven Professional Certification in Big Data Analytics

EMC Proven Professional Certification in Big Data Analytics is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in the areas of big data analytics, data science, and predictive analytics. The certification program is offered by EMC Corporation, a leader in enterprise storage and information management solutions.

The certification consists of two levels: Associate (EMCDA) and Expert (EMCDX). To become an EMCDA, you must pass the Data Science Associate exam which covers topics such as data mining, machine learning, statistics, and predictive analytics. To become an EMCDX, you must pass the Data Science Expert exam which covers topics such as advanced analytics techniques and technologies, big data architecture and design principles, visualization tools and techniques, and more.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the certification process. To get started on your journey towards becoming an EMC Proven Professional in Big Data Analytics, you will need to register for the exams through the EMC website. Once registered for the exams you can start studying for them using materials provided by EMC or other third-party vendors.

The cost of taking each exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $200-$300 USD per exam. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exams or purchasing study materials from third-party vendors.

Do You Really Need a Datastage Developer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and objectives. For some, a Datastage Developer Certificate may be necessary for career advancement or to demonstrate competence in the field of data engineering. For others, obtaining a certificate may provide an opportunity to learn more about the technology and gain a deeper understanding of its capabilities. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what is most beneficial for the individual's career aspirations.

For those who are considering obtaining a Datastage Developer Certificate, it is important to understand that there are various levels of certification available and each one requires different levels of experience and knowledge. Additionally, there is often an associated cost involved with acquiring certification, so it is important to consider whether or not investing in certification will be worth the expense.

Finally, it is important to keep in mind that having a Datastage Developer Certificate does not guarantee success in the field of data engineering. It can certainly be helpful in demonstrating expertise and gaining credibility within the industry but ultimately success depends on hard work, dedication, and continuing education.

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FAQs About Datastage Developer Certifications

Q1) What is the Datastage Developer Certification?

A1) The Datastage Developer Certification is a certification program designed to help developers demonstrate their knowledge and skills in developing solutions using IBM's Datastage software. It helps demonstrate a level of expertise in the development of complex data integration jobs, ensuring that certified developers are able to build high-quality solutions.

Q2) How do I obtain a Datastage Developer Certification?

A2) To obtain a Datastage Developer Certification, you must pass an online assessment. This assessment tests your knowledge of Datastage concepts, design principles and implementation techniques. After completing the assessment, you will receive a certificate verifying your achievement.

Q3) What is the cost of obtaining a Datastage Developer Certification?

A3) The cost for obtaining a Datastage Developer Certification depends on the type of certification being sought. Generally speaking, certification costs range from $200-$1000 depending on the particular certification sought.

Q4) How long does it take to become certified as a Datastage Developer?

A4) Generally speaking, it takes between 4-6 months to become certified as a Datastage Developer. This includes studying for the exam, taking practice tests and finally taking and passing the actual exam.

Q5) Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified as a Datastage Developer?

A5) Yes, there are certain prerequisites that must be met before being eligible to take the exam. These include having at least one year of experience working with IBM's DataStage product, as well as having completed at least one project using DataStage within that time frame.