Top 11 ETL Tester Certifications

Certifications are important for an ETL tester in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has a certain level of expertise and knowledge in the area. Certifications can help to differentiate a tester from other applicants and give them an edge when it comes to landing a job. Certifications also show employers that the candidate is committed to their career and takes the time to stay up-to-date on best practices and industry standards. Having certifications may also open up opportunities for higher salaries, promotions, or other benefits in the workplace.

This article reviews the top certifications for ETL Testers, demonstrating how they can help to advance an etl tester's career.

What are ETL Tester Certifications?

ETL Tester Certification is a professional certification program designed to help IT professionals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively test Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) processes. This certification validates an individual's expertise in ETL testing concepts such as data mapping, data transformation, data quality assurance, performance tuning, defect tracking, and more. It also helps to ensure that ETL processes are tested properly before they are deployed into production environments. The certification is offered by various organizations such as the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) or the Quality Assurance Institute (QAI).

The primary benefit of having an ETL Tester Certification is that it provides employers with confidence in an individual's ability to perform ETL testing tasks efficiently and accurately. Furthermore, individuals who hold this certification can demonstrate their technical aptitude and knowledge of best practices in ETL testing. Additionally, having this certification can open up new career opportunities for those seeking work in the IT field related to ETL testing.

Pro Tip: When considering ETL Tester Certification, make sure to research the different certifications available and how they may apply to your current job role or potential future roles. Additionally, consider the cost of certification and the time commitment required to obtain it in order to ensure that it is a worthwhile investment for you.

Related: What does an ETL Tester do?

Top 11 ETL Tester Certifications

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

1. Certified ETL Tester (CET)

Certified ETL Tester (CET) is a certification that verifies an individual’s expertise in Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) testing. It is designed to assess the knowledge, skills and abilities of a tester in the areas of data extraction, transformation and loading. The certification is offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB).

To get certified as an ETL tester, you must pass the ISTQB Certified ETL Tester exam. This exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and has a duration of 90 minutes. You must score at least 65% to pass the exam.

You can register for the CET exam online through the ISTQB website. The cost of registering for the CET exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD.

Once you have passed the CET exam, you will receive your official certificate from ISTQB and be listed on their website as an officially certified ETL tester.

2. Certified Data Warehouse Testing Professional (CDWTP)

Certified Data Warehouse Testing Professional (CDWTP) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of professionals in the field of data warehouse testing. The program is offered by the International Institute for Software Testing (IIST).

The CDWTP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in data warehouse testing. This includes topics such as test planning, test case design, test execution, defect management, and reporting. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in data warehouse testing or related fields.

The CDWTP exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions and takes about 2 hours to complete. It is administered online through IIST's secure testing platform. The exam fee is $200 USD.

To apply for the CDWTP certification, applicants must first register with IIST and then submit an application form along with supporting documents such as proof of experience in data warehouse testing or related fields. Once approved, applicants can schedule their exam date and pay the exam fee online. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive a certificate from IIST recognizing them as Certified Data Warehouse Testing Professionals.

3. ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)

The ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) is an internationally recognized certification for software testers. This certification is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of software testing and quality assurance. It covers topics such as test design techniques, test management, and the use of tools for testing.

The CTFL exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The passing score is 65%. In order to take the exam, you must have at least two years of experience in software testing or related fields.

In order to get the CTFL certification, you must first register with a local ISTQB-accredited training provider who will provide you with study materials and guidance on how to prepare for the exam. Once registered, you can take the exam at any approved testing center worldwide.

The cost of taking the CTFL exam varies depending on your location and training provider, but typically ranges from $250-$400 USD.

4. IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 UDB V8 Family (CDA)

IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 UDB V8 Family (CDA) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in administering IBM's DB2 Universal Database Version 8.0 or later. It is an intermediate-level certification that requires a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

The CDA exam consists of 66 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The passing score for the exam is 65%. To become certified, candidates must pass both the CDA exam as well as an additional hands-on lab exercise.

To get certified, candidates must register with IBM Professional Certification Program (PCP). After registering, they can then purchase the CDA Exam Voucher from the PCP website. The cost of the voucher varies depending on your country of residence, but typically ranges between $200 and $400 USD. Once you have purchased the voucher, you can schedule your exam at any PearsonVUE testing center worldwide.

In order to maintain your certification status, you will need to take a recertification exam every three years. The recertification exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions and takes around 60 minutes to complete. You will also be required to pay a fee for each recertification attempt.

5. Oracle Database 11g: SQL Fundamentals I Exam (1Z0-051)

Oracle Database 11g: SQL Fundamentals I Exam (1Z0-051) is an exam designed to test the knowledge and skills of those seeking to become Oracle Certified Associates. This exam tests your understanding of basic SQL commands, data manipulation language, and database objects. It also covers topics such as creating tables, manipulating data, using subqueries and joins, and more.

The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. You must answer a minimum of 72 questions correctly in order to pass the exam. The cost of the exam is $245 USD.

To get the Oracle Database 11g: SQL Fundamentals I Exam (1Z0-051), you must register for it through Oracle University or Pearson VUE testing centers. Once registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the exam.

6. Microsoft Certified Database Administrator – SQL Server 2008 (MCDBA)

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator – SQL Server 2008 (MCDBA) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in administering and managing Microsoft SQL Server 2008. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Microsoft SQL Server databases.

To obtain this certification, individuals must pass two exams: Exam 70-432: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance; and Exam 70-450: PRO: Designing, Optimizing and Maintaining a Database Administrative Solution Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008.

The exams are offered through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of each exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, the cost for each exam is around $150 USD.

It typically takes about 6 months to 1 year of studying and preparation to get certified as a MCDBA – SQL Server 2008. This includes studying for both exams as well as gaining hands-on experience with the product by working with it in a real world environment.

7. Oracle Application Express Developer Certified Expert (OCEAPEXDCE)

Oracle Application Express Developer Certified Expert (OCEAPEXDCE) is a certification program offered by Oracle to demonstrate expertise in developing database-centric web applications using Oracle Application Express. It is designed for developers who have experience in developing applications with the Oracle Application Express product.

The OCEAPEXDCE certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as application design, development, and deployment; security; performance tuning; and troubleshooting. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To get the OCEAPEXDCE certification, you must first register for the exam through Oracle University’s website. Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to take the exam. You must then schedule your exam date and time with Pearson VUE, which administers the exams on behalf of Oracle University.

The cost of taking the OCEAPEXDCE exam is $245 USD. This fee includes all necessary materials and access to practice tests prior to taking the actual exam.

8. HP Quality Center 10 Certification Exam (HPQC10CE)

HP Quality Center 10 Certification Exam (HPQC10CE) is an online certification exam designed to test the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in the use of HP Quality Center 10. It is a multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as project management, requirements management, test planning and execution, defect management, and reporting.

The exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete and consists of 60 questions. To pass the exam, you must score at least 70% or higher.

To get certified in HP Quality Center 10, you must first purchase the certification exam from HP's website. The cost of the exam is $150 USD. After purchasing the exam, you will be given a voucher code which you can use to register for the exam on Pearson VUE's website. Once registered, you can schedule your exam date and time at any available testing center near your location.

Once you have passed the HP Quality Center 10 Certification Exam, you will receive an email confirming your successful completion of the certification program along with a digital certificate that can be used to demonstrate your expertise in HP Quality Center 10.

9. Informatica PowerCenter 9 Certification Exam (IPC9CE)

The Informatica PowerCenter 9 Certification Exam (IPC9CE) is a comprehensive exam that tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills in the use of Informatica PowerCenter 9. The exam is designed to assess the candidate’s ability to design, develop, deploy, and maintain data integration solutions using Informatica PowerCenter 9.

The IPC9CE consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as mapping design, transformation logic, source and target database objects, session and workflow configuration, performance tuning, troubleshooting and debugging. The exam also includes questions on best practices for developing data integration solutions using Informatica PowerCenter 9.

The IPC9CE takes approximately two hours to complete. Candidates must answer all questions correctly in order to pass the exam.

In order to take the IPC9CE, candidates must first register with Pearson VUE online or by phone. After registering for the exam, candidates will receive an email from Pearson VUE containing a voucher number and instructions on how to schedule their appointment at a local testing center.

The cost of taking the IPC9CE varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$250 USD.

10. Teradata 14 Certification Exam (TD14CE)

The Teradata 14 Certification Exam (TD14CE) is a comprehensive, industry-recognized certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of Teradata Database Administration, Data Warehouse Design, and SQL. The exam covers topics such as database administration, data warehousing, physical design, logical design, SQL query optimization, and more.

The TD14CE is a two-hour timed exam consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions. It is offered at Pearson VUE Testing Centers worldwide. To take the exam, individuals must first register for it online through Pearson VUE.

The cost of the TD14CE varies depending on which country you are taking it in. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD to take the exam.

To become certified with the TD14CE, individuals must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once they have successfully completed their certification process they will be awarded a certificate and badge that can be used to demonstrate their expertise in Teradata Database Administration and Data Warehousing.

11. SAS Base Programming for SAS 9 Certification Exam (SASBP9CE).

SAS Base Programming for SAS 9 Certification Exam (SASBP9CE) is a certification exam offered by SAS Institute. It is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of individuals in using the SAS programming language to create and maintain data sets, write programs, and generate reports. The exam covers topics such as data manipulation, basic programming techniques, data analysis and reporting, and macro processing.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete. It consists of multiple-choice questions that test your understanding of the concepts covered in the course material. To obtain this certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To get started on your path to obtaining this certification, you will need to purchase the SAS Base Programming for SAS 9 Certification Exam (SASBP9CE) guide from SAS Institute. This guide contains all of the necessary information needed to prepare for the exam including sample questions and answers. Additionally, there are practice exams available online which can help you become more familiar with the material before taking the actual exam.

The cost of taking this exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $250 USD per person to take this exam at an authorized testing center.

Do You Really Need a ETL Tester Certificate?

An ETL tester certificate is not necessary to become an ETL tester, however, it can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field. This is especially true if you are looking for a job as an ETL tester or trying to move up in the field. A certificate may be beneficial because it shows that you have taken the time to learn more about the subject and understand what it takes to be successful in this role.

The primary benefit of obtaining an ETL tester certificate is that it provides employers with a way to evaluate your skills and knowledge base before making a hiring decision. It offers an objective measure of your qualifications, which can be helpful when competing for positions within the industry. Additionally, having certification can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs since many employers look favorably upon applicants who have taken the initiative to obtain professional credentials.

If you are serious about becoming an ETL tester, then investing in a certificate program may be worth considering. Such a program will provide you with information on best practices and techniques used in testing data warehouses and integration processes. It will also equip you with the tools needed to successfully manage projects from start to finish. Ultimately, having a certificate may give you the confidence boost needed to take on more challenging tasks and advance your career as an ETL tester.

Related: ETL Tester Resume Examples

FAQs About ETL Tester Certifications

1. What is an ETL Tester Certification?

Answer: An ETL tester certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s expertise in Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) testing. This certification validates the knowledge and experience of an individual in the area of data integration testing.

2. What are the benefits of getting an ETL Tester Certification?

Answer: An ETL tester certification provides individuals with a competitive edge when applying for jobs in the field of data integration testing. It also helps employers to assess the skills and knowledge of potential employees, as well as determine their suitability for certain roles. Furthermore, it can be used to increase career opportunities and salary potential.

3. What qualifications do I need to become an ETL Tester?

Answer: To become an ETL tester, you must have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, as well as experience working with databases and other software tools related to data management. Additionally, some certifications may require additional training or qualifications depending on the specific program.

4. How long does it take to become certified as an ETL Tester?

Answer: The amount of time needed to become certified depends on several factors such as the type of certification program chosen and your prior experience level. Generally speaking, most certifications require between 6-12 months of study and preparation before taking the exam itself.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking an ETL Tester Certification Exam?

Answer: Yes, most programs will require applicants to have at least 2 years of experience working with data integration systems or similar technologies prior to taking the exam itself. Additionally, some programs may also require applicants to possess certain credentials such as a bachelor's degree in computer science or related fields before they are eligible for admission into their program.