Top 11 SQL Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for a SQL analyst in the job market as they demonstrate and validate their skills, knowledge and expertise in working with databases. They also show employers that the candidate is committed to staying up-to-date with industry trends and standards. Certified SQL analysts typically have an advantage over non-certified candidates when it comes to getting hired. A certification can help an analyst stand out from the competition and make them more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, certifications provide valuable networking opportunities that can lead to career advancement opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for SQL Analysts and explain how they can help advance a career in the field.

What are SQL Analyst Certifications?

SQL Analyst Certification is a professional certification program that provides an in-depth understanding of Structured Query Language (SQL). It is designed to help individuals develop their skills and knowledge in writing and executing SQL queries. The certification covers topics such as data manipulation, database design, query optimization, data modeling, and more.

By obtaining a SQL Analyst Certification, individuals can demonstrate their knowledge of the fundamentals of SQL and become certified by a recognized organization. This certification can be beneficial for those seeking to advance their career in the field of data analysis or database administration. With this certification, employers are more likely to recognize an individual’s expertise in the field, making them more attractive for job openings or promotions. Additionally, having the certification can increase an individual’s credibility with potential clients and employers.

Additionally, having a SQL Analyst Certification shows potential employers that an individual has taken the initiative to learn advanced concepts related to working with databases and data analysis. This type of certification also demonstrates that they have taken the time to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Being able to use these skills effectively can give individuals an edge over other applicants when they are looking for new jobs or opportunities.

Pro Tip: When considering an SQL Analyst certification, make sure to research the certifications that are available and determine which one best fits your particular needs. There are a variety of certifications available, so it is important to find the one that is right for you. Additionally, many certifications require prior experience or knowledge in the field; make sure to take this into account when deciding which certification is most suitable.

Related: What does an SQL Analyst do?

Top 11 SQL Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to SQL Analysts today.

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Management and Analytics is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, implementing, and managing data solutions with Microsoft SQL Server. It is designed to help IT professionals gain the skills they need to successfully design, implement, and manage data solutions.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification. To get certified, individuals must pass two exams: 70-767 Implementing a SQL Data Warehouse and 70-768 Developing SQL Data Models.

The cost of the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification varies depending on where you take the exams. The cost of each exam is $165 USD for most locations. Additionally, some organizations may provide discounts or special promotions for taking the exams.

To prepare for the exams, individuals should have experience working with relational databases such as Microsoft SQL Server; knowledge of database design principles; experience working with Transact-SQL; familiarity with data warehouse concepts; understanding of business intelligence tools; experience using Power BI; knowledge of Azure data services; and experience using Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS).

2. Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional is a certification program that demonstrates your expertise in the Oracle Database 12c environment. This certification is designed to validate your skills in installing, configuring, and managing an Oracle Database 12c system. It also tests your knowledge of database security, backup and recovery, performance tuning, and other key areas of database administration.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional exam. You can use self-study materials such as books and online courses to prepare for the exam. Additionally, you can attend instructor-led training classes offered by Oracle or its partners.

In order to get certified, you must first pass the Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional exam (1Z0-063). The exam costs $245 USD and consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. The passing score is 67%.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official Oracle certificate that validates your skills as an Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional. This certification will help you stand out from other job applicants when applying for jobs related to database administration.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): SQL Server 2012/2014

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): SQL Server 2012/2014 is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who work with Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014. It is designed to prove an individual’s ability to design, implement, configure, and administer a Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 database.

The MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 certification requires passing three exams. The first exam covers the fundamentals of working with Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014, including installation, configuration, management, and maintenance of databases. The second exam covers developing and implementing data solutions using Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014. The third exam covers administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 databases.

It typically takes about six months to complete all three exams for the MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 certification. This timeline can vary depending on how much time an individual has available to study and practice for the exams.

To get the MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 certification an individual must register for each exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers and pass all three exams with a score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points.

The cost for each exam varies depending on which country you are in but typically ranges from $165-$250 USD per exam.

4. IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 10.5 Fundamentals

IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 10.5 Fundamentals is a professional certification program designed to validate the technical skills and knowledge of experienced database administrators in the IBM DB2 10.5 relational database management system. It is intended to demonstrate proficiency in installation, configuration, administration, security, performance tuning, problem determination and recovery of DB2 databases.

The certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam is available through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. The cost of the exam is $200 USD.

To obtain the certification, candidates must successfully pass the IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 10.5 Fundamentals Exam (Exam C2090-616). Candidates must also have at least one year of experience working with DB2 databases in order to be eligible for this certification.

5. Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is a professional certification program offered by Oracle. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in administering Oracle Database 11g, the world’s most popular database management system.

To become an OCP, individuals must pass one or more exams that test their knowledge and skills in administering Oracle Database 11g. The exams are divided into two levels: Associate and Professional.

The Associate level exam tests basic knowledge of the Oracle Database 11g architecture, installation, configuration, and maintenance. The Professional level exam tests advanced topics such as backup and recovery, performance tuning, security management, and data warehousing.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the OCP exams depending on the individual's experience and background with Oracle databases. Preparation can include attending training courses from Oracle University or other approved providers, studying textbooks or online materials, or taking practice exams to assess your current level of knowledge.

The cost of taking the OCP exams will vary depending on your location and which provider you use to take the exam. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200-$500 per exam.

6. Teradata 14 Certified Master

Teradata 14 Certified Master is a certification program designed to recognize and reward individuals who have achieved the highest level of proficiency in Teradata Database Administration. It is the highest level of Teradata certification and requires an individual to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the Teradata Database, its architecture, and its capabilities.

To become a Teradata 14 Certified Master, an individual must first pass two exams: the Teradata 14 Fundamentals exam and the Teradata 14 Advanced Professional exam. The Fundamentals exam covers topics such as database design, query optimization, data loading, backup/recovery, security, performance tuning, and more. The Advanced Professional exam covers topics such as advanced SQL query techniques, advanced database administration tasks, advanced performance tuning techniques, distributed databases, and more.

The cost of becoming a Teradata 14 Certified Master varies depending on where you take the exams. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 for both exams. The time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you can study for and pass both exams. It typically takes about 2-3 months to complete both exams if you are studying full-time.

7. SAS Base Programmer for SAS 9 Certification

SAS Base Programmer for SAS 9 Certification is a professional certification program offered by the SAS Institute. It is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to become proficient in programming with the SAS language. This certification is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence in the field of data analysis.

The program consists of two exams: SAS Programming 1 and SAS Programming 2. The first exam covers basic concepts such as data manipulation, summarization, and reporting; while the second exam focuses on advanced topics such as macros, SQL, and ODS. Both exams are multiple-choice and require a minimum score of 70% to pass.

In order to receive this certification, individuals must register for the exams through the SAS Institute website or through an Authorized Test Center. The cost of registration varies depending on where you take the exam, but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD per exam.

The total time required to complete this certification depends on how quickly you can learn and master the material covered in each exam. Generally speaking, it takes around 6-12 months of study and practice to prepare for both exams.

8. Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst

Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst is a certification program from Cloudera, the leading provider of Apache Hadoop-based software and services. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge of the core concepts, tools, and techniques needed to work with data in a Cloudera environment. The certification is applicable to those working in roles such as data analysts, business intelligence professionals, or anyone else who needs to understand how to use Apache Hadoop for data analysis.

The CCA Data Analyst exam consists of 8 performance-based tasks that must be completed within 120 minutes. The tasks are designed to assess an individual’s ability to use Cloudera’s platform for data analysis. Topics covered include HDFS commands, Hive queries, Impala queries, Pig scripts, Sqoop imports/exports, and Flume events.

To get the CCA Data Analyst certification one must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. To prepare for the exam it is recommended that you take a course such as Cloudera's CCA Data Analyst Training course which provides hands-on experience with the tools and techniques used on the exam.

The cost of the CCA Data Analyst Exam is $295 USD.

9. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): Database Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Database Fundamentals is a certification program designed to help validate foundational knowledge of database concepts and principles. It is intended for individuals who are just starting out in the technology field, or those who are looking to gain a better understanding of database fundamentals.

The MTA Database Fundamentals certification exam covers topics such as relational databases, data manipulation language (DML), data definition language (DDL), and query optimization. It also covers topics such as normalization, indexing, and security. The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 40-60 multiple choice questions.

To get the MTA Database Fundamentals certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher on a scale from 100-1000. You can take the exam at any Microsoft Certified Testing Center or online via Pearson VUE. The cost for the exam is $127 USD.

10. Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Essentials Certification

Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Essentials Certification is an Oracle certification that validates a professional’s ability to use the Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g. The certification is designed for individuals who are responsible for developing, deploying and maintaining applications using the Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g.

The certification consists of two exams: 1Z0-591 Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Essentials and 1Z0-599 Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Certified Implementation Specialist. Both exams must be completed in order to obtain the certification.

The 1Z0-591 exam covers topics such as understanding the architecture of the suite, creating dashboards and reports, working with data models, creating calculations, and managing security. The 1Z0-599 exam covers topics such as designing a BI solution, creating interactive dashboards, building data models, deploying content, and troubleshooting issues.

It typically takes around 2 months to prepare for both exams. It is recommended that you have at least 6 months of experience with the Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite before attempting either exam.

You can register for either exam on the Oracle website or through Pearson VUE testing centers. Each exam costs $245 USD. Once you have passed both exams you will receive your official certification from Oracle.

11. MongoDB Certified DBA Associate

MongoDB Certified DBA Associate is a certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of MongoDB Database Administrators. It is an entry-level certification that proves an individual's ability to design, deploy, maintain and secure MongoDB databases. The certification covers topics such as installation and configuration, replication and sharding, backup & recovery, security and performance tuning.

The exam typically takes around two hours to complete. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of MongoDB concepts and best practices.

In order to get certified, you must register for the exam on the MongoDB website. You can choose to take the exam online or at a testing center near you. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 - $200 USD.

Do You Really Need a SQL Analyst Certificate?

Whether or not you need an SQL Analyst Certificate really depends on your individual situation. If you are looking to advance your career in the field of data analysis, then a certificate is likely a good investment of time and money. A certification can prove that you have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in this field. It will demonstrate to potential employers that you are capable of managing complex databases, designing queries, and analyzing large datasets.

The SQL Analyst Certificate will provide evidence that you understand the fundamentals of Structured Query Language (SQL) and how it can be used for data manipulation and analysis. You will gain an understanding of relational database design principles, as well as how to write efficient SQL code for data extraction and transformation tasks. You will learn how to create reports from data stored in databases, as well as ways to optimize query performance. Additionally, you may gain insight into using other programming languages such as Python or R for more advanced analytics tasks.

In addition to providing technical competency, having an SQL Analyst Certificate may also give you a competitive edge over other applicants when applying for jobs related to data analytics or business intelligence. Having this certification indicates that you possess the skills required by employers in this field and can help them make informed decisions when selecting candidates for interviews.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an SQL Analyst Certificate depends on your specific goals and objectives. If you are serious about advancing your career in the field of data analysis and want to stand out from other applicants, then a certificate could be beneficial for your professional development journey.

Related: SQL Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About SQL Analyst Certifications

1. What is an SQL Analyst certification?

Answer: An SQL Analyst certification is a professional credential that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the Structured Query Language (SQL) programming language. It validates an individual's ability to work with databases, write SQL queries, and design data models.

2. How do I become certified as an SQL Analyst?

Answer: To become certified as an SQL Analyst, you must pass a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge of database concepts, query languages, and data modeling techniques. You may also need to complete a training program or have relevant experience in the field.

3. What are the benefits of becoming an SQL Analyst?

Answer: Becoming certified as an SQL Analyst can provide numerous benefits such as increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and enhanced credibility when it comes to working with databases and query languages. It can also open up career paths in fields such as business intelligence and data warehousing.

4. What type of job can I get after getting certified as an SQL Analyst?

Answer: After becoming certified as an SQL Analyst, you may be qualified for jobs such as Database Administrator, Business Intelligence Developer, Data Modeler or Architect, Application Developer, Database Engineer or Support Technician.

5. How long does it take to get certified as an SQL Analyst?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified will vary depending on your experience level and preparation for the exam. Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from several weeks to several months to prepare for the exam and then pass it successfully.