Top 11 ETL Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for an ETL developer in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge of the ETL process. Certifications help employers assess an individual’s abilities, as well as provide assurance that the individual can perform the duties required. By having certified credentials, ETL developers are more likely to stand out amongst other applicants and be considered for positions that require specialized skills in data warehousing, data integration, or ETL. Additionally, certifications may also lead to higher salaries since employers view them as valuable assets.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for ETL Developers and how they can help advance their career.

What are ETL Developer Certifications?

ETL Developer Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate an individual’s expertise and knowledge in Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) technologies. ETL developers are responsible for designing, developing, testing and deploying data integration solutions that enable organizations to move and transform data from disparate sources into a unified format.

The certification program helps individuals demonstrate their knowledge of the best practices associated with ETL development and provides a way for employers to assess the skills of potential job candidates. It also serves as a benchmark for evaluating an individual’s understanding of the core concepts related to ETL development, such as data modeling, database design, SQL programming, data integration techniques and more.

Earning an ETL Developer Certification can help individuals stand out in the job market and prove their proficiency in this field. It shows potential employers that they have the necessary skillset to successfully develop robust ETL solutions that meet business requirements and can provide long-term value. Additionally, it can help professionals stay up-to-date with the latest trends in ETL technologies and remain competitive in their job search.

Pro Tip: Become certified in an ETL tool such as Informatica or Talend to ensure you have the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in your role. Certification can also open up more job opportunities and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

Related: What does an ETL Developer do?

Top 11 ETL Developer Certifications

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

1. Cloudera Certified Professional: Data Engineer

Cloudera Certified Professional: Data Engineer is a certification program that validates an individual's expertise in developing and maintaining data engineering solutions on Cloudera's platform. It demonstrates that the holder has the skills necessary to design, build, deploy, and maintain distributed applications using Apache Hadoop and related technologies.

The certification exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete. It consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as data ingestion, data processing, data modeling, data storage, security and performance optimization. The exam also covers advanced topics such as machine learning and streaming analytics.

To get certified as a Cloudera Certified Professional: Data Engineer, you must first register for the exam online. Once registered, you will need to purchase the appropriate course materials from Cloudera or an authorized training partner in order to prepare for the exam. You can then schedule your exam at a testing center near you or take it online through Pearson VUE.

The cost of the Cloudera Certified Professional: Data Engineer certification varies depending on where you take it and how many exams you purchase at once. The base price for one exam is $295 USD; however, discounts are available when purchasing multiple exams at once or when taking advantage of special offers from Cloudera or its partners.

2. Informatica Certified Professional: Data Integration

Informatica Certified Professional: Data Integration is a certification program offered by Informatica, a leading provider of data integration software. The certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of professionals who use Informatica products to build data integration solutions. It covers topics such as data modeling, ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes, data quality management, and performance tuning.

The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in 90 minutes. To pass the exam, you must score at least 70%.

You can register for the exam online through the Informatica website or through Pearson VUE testing centers. The cost of the exam is $250 USD.

It typically takes about 4-6 weeks to prepare for the exam depending on your experience level with Informatica products. You can find study materials such as practice exams and tutorials on the company’s website or through third-party vendors.

3. Oracle Certified Master, Data Integration & ETL

Oracle Certified Master, Data Integration & ETL is an advanced certification from Oracle that recognizes a professional’s expertise in data integration and extract, transform, and load (ETL) technologies. This certification focuses on the use of Oracle Data Integrator (ODI), Oracle Warehouse Builder (OWB), and other related Oracle products.

The certification requires a hands-on exam that tests the candidate's ability to design, build, deploy, and maintain complex data integration solutions. The exam is divided into two parts: Part 1 consists of multiple choice questions while Part 2 involves hands-on tasks that must be completed within a certain time limit.

It takes approximately 4-6 months to prepare for the exam depending on the individual's background knowledge and experience with Oracle products. Preparation includes studying material such as official documentation and tutorials as well as attending workshops or classes offered by training providers.

To get certified, candidates must register for the exam through Pearson VUE and pay a fee of $400 USD. After registering for the exam, candidates must wait at least 14 days before taking it. Upon successful completion of both parts of the exam, candidates will receive their Oracle Certified Master Data Integration & ETL certification.

4. IBM Certified Solution Developer – InfoSphere DataStage

IBM Certified Solution Developer – InfoSphere DataStage is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, developing, and deploying data integration solutions with IBM InfoSphere DataStage. This certification is designed to validate the skills of experienced professionals working in data warehousing, business intelligence, and analytics environments.

It typically takes approximately 4-6 months of preparation to be ready for this certification exam. The best way to prepare for this exam is to take a formal training course from IBM or an authorized provider. The cost of the training will vary depending on the provider and location. Additionally, candidates should have hands-on experience with IBM InfoSphere DataStage as well as other related products such as QualityStage and Information Server.

The cost of the IBM Certified Solution Developer – InfoSphere DataStage exam is $200 USD (plus applicable taxes) and it must be taken at an authorized testing center.

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Business Intelligence is a certification that validates an individual’s ability to design, build, and deploy business intelligence solutions using Microsoft SQL Server. This certification demonstrates expertise in data engineering, data warehousing, ETL (Extract Transform Load) processes, analytics and reporting.

It typically takes about six months to one year of study and practice to prepare for the MCSE: Business Intelligence certification exam. Depending on the individual's background and experience with Microsoft SQL Server technologies, it could take longer or shorter.

To get the MCSE: Business Intelligence certification, you must pass two exams: 70-467 Designing Business Intelligence Solutions with Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 and 70-468 Developing Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 Databases. The cost of each exam is $150 USD.

In addition to passing the two required exams, applicants must also have at least one year of hands-on experience working with SQL Server 2012/2014 technologies.

6. Teradata Certified Professional: ETL and Data Warehousing

Teradata Certified Professional: ETL and Data Warehousing is a certification program offered by Teradata, a leading provider of enterprise data warehousing solutions. The certification focuses on the knowledge and skills required to design, develop, implement and maintain an enterprise data warehouse using Teradata's tools and technologies.

The certification requires candidates to have experience in database administration, data modeling, ETL (Extract-Transform-Load) development, and performance tuning. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in SQL query language and have an understanding of the Teradata architecture.

The certification is valid for three years from the date of completion. To obtain the certification, candidates must pass two exams: the Teradata Certified Professional: ETL and Data Warehousing Exam (TDP-ETL) and the Teradata Certified Professional: Data Warehouse Administration Exam (TDP-DWA). Each exam consists of multiple choice questions that assess a candidate's knowledge of topics such as database design principles, data modeling techniques, ETL development processes, performance tuning strategies, SQL query language fundamentals, and Teradata architecture concepts.

The cost of each exam varies depending on location but typically ranges between $150-$200 USD per exam. It usually takes around 2-3 hours to complete each exam. Once both exams are passed successfully, candidates will receive their official Teradata Certified Professional: ETL & Data Warehousing certificate.

7. SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9

SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9 is a certification program that demonstrates your ability to use the SAS programming language. It is designed to validate your skills in using the SAS System, including data manipulation and reporting, accessing and managing data, creating and manipulating SAS data sets, writing programs with the SAS language, and debugging existing programs.

The certification exam consists of 60 questions and takes about 2 hours to complete. To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

To get certified, you will need to register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $180 - $250 USD.

8. Hortonworks Certified Associate (HCA) – Apache Hadoop

Hortonworks Certified Associate (HCA) – Apache Hadoop is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in Apache Hadoop. This certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts, technologies, and components of the Hortonworks Data Platform (HDP).

The exam typically takes about 90 minutes to complete and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. The exam topics include HDFS, YARN, MapReduce, Hive, Pig, Sqoop, Flume, Oozie, Ambari and other related technologies.

To get certified as an HCA – Apache Hadoop one must pass the Hortonworks Certified Associate (HCA) – Apache Hadoop Exam. The exam can be taken online or at a testing center. The cost for the exam is $250 USD.

9. Talend Certified Big Data Integration and Development

Talend Certified Big Data Integration and Development is a certification program offered by Talend, a leading provider of data integration and big data solutions. It is designed to validate the skills of professionals who are building and managing big data projects. The certification covers topics such as designing and developing ETL processes for big data, using Talend’s Big Data Platform for data integration, working with Apache Hadoop components, and developing custom applications with Apache Spark.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. The cost of the exam is $250 USD. You can register for the exam online or through an authorized training partner. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official Talend Certified Big Data Integration & Development certificate that is valid for three years.

10. Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional is an Oracle certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of database administrators. This certification is designed to demonstrate a professional's ability to manage, configure, and maintain an Oracle Database 11g environment.

It typically takes between 6-12 months of study and practice to prepare for the Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional exam. To get certified, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-052 (Oracle Database 11g: Administration I) and 1Z0-053 (Oracle Database 11g: Administration II). Both exams are multiple choice and take approximately 2 hours each to complete. The cost of the two exams together is $245 USD.

11. QlikView ETL Developer Certification

QlikView ETL Developer Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced QlikView developers. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates proficiency in designing, developing, and deploying ETL solutions using the QlikView platform.

The certification exam consists of 60 questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as data modeling, scripting, debugging, and performance tuning. To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To get started on your journey towards becoming a QlikView ETL Developer Certified Professional, you must first register for the certification exam through Pearson VUE. You can do this online or by phone. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 to $200 USD.

Once you have registered for the exam and paid the fee, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to access your account and schedule your test date. After scheduling your test date, it is important to prepare for the exam by studying relevant materials such as textbooks, practice tests, and tutorials available online or through QlikView’s official website.

Upon passing the certification exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive an email notification confirming your success along with instructions on how to download and print your certificate of completion. Congratulations!

Do You Really Need a ETL Developer Certificate?

An ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) developer certificate can be an asset for someone looking to break into the field of data engineering. ETL developers are responsible for taking data from multiple sources and transforming it into a usable format that can be used by organizations to make decisions. This type of work requires a deep knowledge and understanding of both the software and the underlying data.

Having an ETL developer certificate can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary skillset to succeed in this role. It not only shows your technical proficiency but also indicates that you’ve taken the time and effort to learn about the specific tools and processes needed to do this type of work. In addition, having this certification may give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have such a credential.

At the same time, there are many ways to gain experience without having an ETL developer certificate. Many companies offer on-the-job training programs or internships which provide invaluable hands-on experience with real-world projects. Additionally, there are numerous online resources available where individuals can learn about ETL development concepts through self-paced learning modules or tutorials.

The decision whether or not to pursue a certification in ETL development ultimately comes down to personal preference and career goals. If you’re confident in your abilities and feel comfortable with all aspects of data engineering, then pursuing a certification may not be necessary. However, if you feel like you need additional credentials or would like to strengthen your resume, then obtaining an ETL developer certificate could be beneficial in helping you land your dream job.

Related: ETL Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About ETL Developer Certifications

Q1: What is an ETL Developer Certification?

A1: An ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) Developer Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in the design and implementation of data warehouses and related technologies. It proves you have the skills to extract data from various sources, transform it into useful information, and then load it into a database or other data storage system.

Q2: How long does it take to get certified as an ETL Developer?

A2: The amount of time required to obtain ETL developer certification will depend on the specific program you choose and how much prior experience you have in this field. Generally speaking, it takes anywhere from six months to one year to complete the certification process.

Q3: What type of jobs can I get with an ETL Developer Certification?

A3: With an ETL developer certification, you can pursue a variety of roles such as Data Warehouse Architect, Database Administrator, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Modeler/Designer, or Systems Analyst.

Q4: What are the prerequisites for obtaining an ETL Developer Certification?

A4: Prerequisites for obtaining an ETL developer certification vary depending on the specific program but generally include prior experience working with data warehouse technologies such as SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), Oracle Data Integrator (ODI), or IBM InfoSphere DataStage. Additionally, many programs also require applicants to have knowledge of programming languages such as Java or C#.

Q5: Are there any other certifications that may be beneficial for me as an ETL Developer?

A5: Yes! Other certifications that may be beneficial include those related to Big Data analytics such as Cloudera Certified Professional (CCP), MongoDB Certified Professional (MCP), Apache Hadoop Certified Developer (AHCD), and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) in Business Intelligence. These certifications demonstrate your understanding of advanced concepts related to big data analysis and help make you more marketable in this field.