Top 11 Senior Database Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for a senior database administrator in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge. Certifications also provide evidence that an individual has taken the time to gain additional training and education in their field, which can give them an edge over other applicants. A certification gives employers assurance that the database administrator has the necessary skills and abilities to handle their specific database system. Additionally, certifications may be required by some employers, making them a necessity for those seeking employment in this field.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain how some of the top certifications for Senior Database Administrators can contribute to an individual's career growth.

What are Senior Database Administrator Certifications?

Senior Database Administrator Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced database administrators. This certification demonstrates that an individual has the skills and experience necessary to effectively manage and maintain databases, as well as develop solutions for complex data management issues.

Having a Senior Database Administrator Certification can have many benefits for those seeking career advancement within the IT field. It serves as proof of expertise in database administration, which can lead to greater job opportunities and higher salaries. Additionally, it can provide access to exclusive networking events and resources that are only available to certified professionals. Furthermore, having this certification provides potential employers with confidence in an individual’s ability to handle their most important data assets.

In order to obtain a Senior Database Administrator Certification, applicants must pass an exam covering topics related to database design, implementation, maintenance, security, performance optimization, backup/recovery procedures and developing solutions for complex data problems. The exam also covers topics related to troubleshooting and resolving database issues as well as managing user accounts and privileges. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive a certificate from the certifying body confirming their achievement of a Senior Database Administrator Certification.

Pro Tip: If you are a senior database administrator looking to get certified, consider taking advantage of online certification programs. These programs can be more cost-effective and provide you with the same credentials as traditional classroom courses. Additionally, many certifications will require hands-on experience and practice, so make sure to take on practical projects that will help you hone your skills and prepare for the exam.

Related: What does a Senior Database Administrator do?

Top 11 Senior Database Administrator Certifications

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

1. Oracle Certified Master (OCM)

Oracle Certified Master (OCM) is an advanced certification offered by Oracle that demonstrates a professional's expertise in the use of Oracle products and technologies. It is the highest level of certification available from Oracle and requires a significant amount of time and effort to achieve.

The OCM certification program consists of two distinct exams: one written exam, followed by a hands-on performance exam. The written exam covers topics such as database design, installation, configuration, and administration; while the hands-on performance exam requires candidates to demonstrate their skills in real-world scenarios.

In order to become an OCM, candidates must first pass the written exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once they have passed this stage, they can then register for the performance exam. This is typically done through an authorized testing center and requires a fee to be paid before taking the test.

The performance exam itself takes approximately 8 hours to complete and consists of several tasks which are designed to assess a candidate's knowledge and ability in using Oracle products and technologies. Candidates must successfully complete all tasks within the allotted time frame in order to pass this stage.

The cost for becoming an OCM varies depending on where you take your tests, but it typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD for both exams combined. It usually takes around 3 months to prepare for both exams if you are studying full-time; however it may take longer depending on your individual circumstances.

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Management and Analytics is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in designing, implementing, and managing data solutions. This certification validates the skills necessary to build and maintain enterprise-scale data solutions using Microsoft SQL Server, Azure Data Services, and other related technologies.

To get this certification, you must pass two exams: Exam 70-767: Implementing a SQL Data Warehouse and Exam 70-768: Developing SQL Data Models. Both exams are available through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. It typically takes about 6 months of study and preparation to pass these exams.

The cost of the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification varies depending on the country you live in. In the United States, it costs $165 for each exam ($330 total). In some countries, the cost may be higher due to taxes or other fees.

3. IBM Certified Database Administrator (DB2)

IBM Certified Database Administrator (DB2) is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional’s expertise in the installation, configuration, and management of IBM DB2 databases. It demonstrates an individual’s ability to design, implement, and maintain a secure and reliable DB2 database environment.

The certification process typically takes about 3 months to complete, depending on the individual's experience level. To get certified as an IBM Certified Database Administrator (DB2), you must pass one or more exams related to the specific version of DB2 you are using. The exams cover topics such as installation, configuration, security, performance tuning, backup and recovery, disaster recovery planning, and more.

The cost of getting certified depends on which version of DB2 you are using and which exam(s) you need to take. Generally speaking, each exam costs around $200 USD. So if you need to take multiple exams for different versions of DB2 then the cost can add up quickly.

4. Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)

Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) is a certification program offered by Oracle Corporation. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully implement and maintain Oracle Database systems. The OCP certification is one of the most sought after certifications in the IT industry, as it provides employers with assurance that their employees possess the necessary skills for successful database management.

To become an Oracle Certified Professional, applicants must first pass an exam administered by Oracle University. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as database architecture, SQL, PL/SQL, data modeling, security, backup and recovery, performance tuning, and more. Depending on which version of the database you are certified in (e.g., 10g or 11g), there may be additional exams required for full certification.

The cost of taking the OCP exam varies depending on which version you are taking it for; however, it typically ranges from $150 to $400 USD per exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam or purchasing study materials.

In order to become fully certified as an Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), applicants must pass all required exams within 18 months of their initial registration date. If all exams are not passed within this timeframe, applicants will need to re-register and start over again from scratch.

5. Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) is a certification that validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in administering and managing Microsoft SQL Server databases. It demonstrates expertise in database design, implementation, maintenance, security, and performance tuning.

To become an MCDBA, you must first pass three exams:

1. Exam 70-461: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014

2. Exam 70-462: Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 Databases

3. Exam 70-463: Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014

These exams are administered by Pearson VUE and cost $165 each. The total cost of all three exams is $495.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the required exams for the MCDBA certification; however, this timeframe may vary depending on your experience level and study habits. After passing all three exams, you will receive your official MCDBA certification from Microsoft.

6. PostgreSQL Professional Certification Program

The PostgreSQL Professional Certification Program is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise of professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the PostgreSQL database. The program is offered by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group and administered by EDB, Inc.

The program consists of two levels: Associate and Professional. To become an Associate level certified professional, individuals must pass a single exam that covers the fundamentals of PostgreSQL. The exam is available online and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. Upon successful completion, individuals will receive an Associate-level certificate from EDB, Inc., which can be used to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field.

To become a Professional level certified professional, individuals must pass two exams: one on advanced topics related to PostgreSQL and another on system administration. These exams are also available online and take approximately four hours each to complete. Upon successful completion, individuals will receive a Professional-level certificate from EDB, Inc., which can be used to demonstrate their expertise in working with PostgreSQL databases.

The cost for taking either of the exams is $150 USD per exam for non-EDB customers or $100 USD per exam for EDB customers. The cost for both exams combined is $300 USD for non-EDB customers or $200 USD for EDB customers. Once you have passed both exams, there are no additional fees associated with obtaining your certification.

7. MongoDB Certified DBA Associate

MongoDB Certified DBA Associate is a certification program designed to assess the knowledge and skills of database administrators who work with MongoDB. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in administering, maintaining, and troubleshooting MongoDB databases. The certification exam covers topics such as installation and configuration, security, performance tuning, backup and recovery, monitoring and alerting, data modeling, indexing strategies, replication and sharding.

The MongoDB Certified DBA Associate exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. It consists of 50 multiple choice questions that must be answered within the allotted time frame. The exam is administered online through the MongoDB University platform.

The cost of the MongoDB Certified DBA Associate Exam is $150 USD for individuals or $400 USD for groups of up to 10 people. To become certified you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. After passing the exam you will receive an official certificate from MongoDB University which can be used to demonstrate your expertise in administering MongoDB databases.

8. MySQL 5.6 Database Administrator Certification

MySQL 5.6 Database Administrator Certification is a certification program offered by Oracle that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in administering MySQL 5.6 databases. This certification is designed for experienced professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in the field of database administration.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, backup and recovery, performance tuning, replication, troubleshooting, and more.

To get certified as a MySQL 5.6 Database Administrator, you must first register with Oracle University and purchase the appropriate course material. You can then take the exam at an authorized testing center or online through Oracle's virtual proctoring service.

The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take the exam and which course material you purchase. The cost typically ranges from $150-$250 USD for the exam alone, plus any additional fees associated with taking it at an authorized testing center or using Oracle's virtual proctoring service.

9. Red Hat Certified Engineer in Database Administration

Red Hat Certified Engineer in Database Administration (RHCE-DB) is a certification from Red Hat that verifies an individual's knowledge and skills in database administration. It is an advanced level of certification that requires a deep understanding of the Linux operating system, database management systems, and scripting languages. The RHCE-DB certification is designed to demonstrate an individual's ability to configure, manage, and maintain databases on Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

It typically takes around six months to one year to prepare for the RHCE-DB exam. To get certified, you must pass the Red Hat Certified Engineer in Database Administration Exam (EX294). This exam tests your knowledge of database administration topics such as installation and configuration of databases, backup and recovery strategies, performance tuning, security best practices, and more.

To get started with your RHCE-DB preparation, you should become familiar with the objectives outlined in the Red Hat Certified Engineer in Database Administration Exam (EX294). You can find these objectives on the Red Hat website. Additionally, there are a number of resources available online to help you prepare for this exam such as practice exams and study guides.

The cost of taking the RHCE-DB exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD for the exam itself plus any applicable taxes or fees.

10. SAP HANA 2.0 SPS03: Database Administration

SAP HANA 2.0 SPS03 is the latest version of SAP’s in-memory database platform. It provides a high-performance, reliable and secure database for mission-critical applications. It features advanced analytics capabilities, including predictive analytics, text search, and graph processing.

It takes approximately two weeks to get SAP HANA 2.0 SPS03 up and running. The installation process involves downloading the software from the SAP website, setting up the server environment, configuring the database parameters, and loading data into the system.

The cost of SAP HANA 2.0 SPS03 depends on the number of users and other factors such as hardware requirements and support services needed. It is available through an annual subscription model or as a one-time purchase license.

In addition to purchasing SAP HANA 2.0 SPS03, customers must also purchase a separate license for each user who will be accessing it. Customers can also opt for additional services such as training and support from SAP or third-party providers if they wish to do so.

11. Cloudera Certified Administrator for Apache Hadoop (CCAH)

Cloudera Certified Administrator for Apache Hadoop (CCAH) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals with expertise in deploying, managing, and maintaining Apache Hadoop clusters. The certification exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of the Cloudera Enterprise Data Hub platform, including architecture, configuration, installation and administration of Apache Hadoop components such as HDFS, YARN, MapReduce and Hive.

The CCAH exam takes about 2 hours to complete and consists of 8-12 questions. Candidates must answer at least 6 out of 8 questions correctly in order to pass the exam. The cost of the CCAH exam is $295 USD.

In order to become certified, candidates must first register for an exam on the Cloudera website. After registering for an exam, candidates will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to access their online testing account. Once logged into their testing account, they can schedule their desired date and time for taking the CCAH exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive an email notification with their results within 48 hours.

Do You Really Need a Senior Database Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and aspirations. While a Senior Database Administrator Certificate may be beneficial for some individuals, it may not be necessary for others.

For those who are looking to advance their career in database administration, a Senior Database Administrator Certificate can provide the knowledge and skills needed to take on more complex tasks related to the field. This certificate can also help demonstrate an individual's commitment to the profession and their ability to handle challenging projects.

On the other hand, if you are already an experienced database administrator, then a Senior Database Administrator Certificate may not be necessary. Depending on your current job role and experience level, you may already possess the skills required to fulfill more advanced roles in database administration.

Ultimately, this decision is up to you and should be based on your individual goals and aspirations when it comes to advancing your career in database administration. If you feel that having a Senior Database Administrator Certificate will help you reach your career objectives, then it might be worth pursuing.

Related: Senior Database Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Senior Database Administrator Certifications

Q1. What is a Senior Database Administrator Certification?

A1. A Senior Database Administrator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in database administration, design, development and management. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced DBAs in order to meet industry standards.

Q2. How can I become a certified Senior Database Administrator?

A2. To become a certified Senior Database Administrator, you must pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying body such as Oracle or Microsoft. The exam typically covers topics such as database architecture, security, performance tuning and troubleshooting. You will also need to demonstrate your experience working with databases through prior work experience or coursework.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Senior Database Administrator?

A3. Becoming a certified Senior Database Administrator can provide numerous benefits such as increased job opportunities, higher salaries and better recognition within the industry. It can also give you greater credibility when applying for jobs or negotiating contracts with clients or employers.

Q4. How long does it take to become a certified Senior Database Administrator?

A4: The amount of time it takes to become a certified Senior Database Administrator depends on how much experience you have with databases, how quickly you learn new concepts and how well you prepare for the certification exam itself. Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from several months to over a year depending on these factors.

Q5: Are there any prerequisites for taking the Senior Database Administrator Certification Exam?

A5: Yes, most certifying bodies require applicants to have at least 5 years of experience working with databases before they can take the certification exam. Additionally, some organizations may require applicants to have completed specific coursework or training before they can sit for the exam as well.