Top 11 SQL Data Analyst Certifications

Certifications for a SQL data analyst are important in the job market as they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge. They can help potential employers verify that the candidate has a certain set of skills and is qualified to complete the tasks expected of them. Certifications also provide evidence of professional development, which could be attractive to employers who are looking for employees who are willing to learn and grow. Certifications also provide recognition from third-party organizations and can be used to differentiate candidates in a competitive job market.

This article reviews the top certifications for SQL Data Analysts and explains how they can help to advance a sql data analyst's career.

What are SQL Data Analyst Certifications?

SQL Data Analyst Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to advance their careers as data analysts. The certification covers topics such as relational database design, SQL query writing, data analysis and reporting, data visualization and dashboard creation. This certification can help individuals become more competitive in the job market by providing them with an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in data analysis. Additionally, it can help employers identify qualified candidates for open positions who have the necessary skills to perform complex data analysis tasks. Furthermore, this certification can also provide a valuable tool for career advancement, allowing individuals to prove their proficiency to employers and move up within an organization.

Pro Tip: When considering a SQL Data Analyst certification, make sure to research the program thoroughly. Look for programs that provide hands-on experience with real data sets, as well as a comprehensive curriculum that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of data analysis. Additionally, make sure the program is accredited and provides access to experienced mentors who can help guide you through the process.

Related: What does an SQL Data Analyst do?

Top 11 SQL Data Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to SQL Data 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 validates the skills of IT professionals in designing, implementing, and managing data solutions with Microsoft SQL Server. This certification demonstrates an individual’s expertise in working with relational databases, data warehouses, and business intelligence solutions.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the training and preparation for the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written test and a practical lab test. To get this certification, you must pass both tests.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your country or region. In the United States, it costs $165 USD per exam. You can also purchase practice exams to help prepare for the real test at additional cost.

In order to get certified as an MCSE: Data Management and Analytics, you will need to have experience in using Microsoft SQL Server technologies such as Transact-SQL, database design, data warehousing concepts, ETL processes, OLAP cubes, reporting services and analysis services. You should also have knowledge of cloud computing technologies such as Azure SQL Database and Azure Data Factory.

2. Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced Oracle Database Administrators. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of Oracle databases.

To get certified as an Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-062: Oracle Database 12c: Installation and Administration and 1Z0-063: Oracle Database 12c: Advanced Administration. The exams are available in both English and Japanese languages.

The time it takes to get certified varies depending on the individual's experience level. If you have prior experience with Oracle databases, then it may take less time to prepare for the exams than if you are new to Oracle databases. You should also factor in study time for each exam when estimating how long it will take to get certified.

To get certified as an Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional, you must purchase a voucher from Oracle's website or from a third-party vendor such as Prometric or Pearson VUE. The cost of the voucher varies depending on which exam(s) you need to take and where you purchase them from. Generally speaking, vouchers cost around $200 USD per exam.

Once you have purchased your voucher, you can register for your exam at the same website or through a third-party vendor such as Prometric or Pearson VUE. Once registered, you will be able to schedule your exam at a testing center near you or online via remote proctoring services such as ProctorU or Kryterion Global Testing Solutions.

Once both exams are passed successfully, your certification will be issued by Oracle within 4–6 weeks after passing the second exam.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): SQL 2016 Database Development

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): SQL 2016 Database Development certification is a professional-level certification that validates an individual’s expertise in developing and managing databases using Microsoft SQL Server 2016. It demonstrates the ability to design, build, query, and maintain databases as well as implement data warehouse solutions.

The MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development certification requires passing two exams: Exam 70-764: Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure and Exam 70-765: Provisioning SQL Databases. Both exams must be passed within 12 months of each other in order to earn the certification.

To get certified, you must register for the exams with Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of each exam is $165 USD. The total cost of both exams is $330 USD.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development certification, depending on your experience level and study habits.

4. IBM Certified Database Associate – DB2 10.5 Fundamentals for LUW

IBM Certified Database Associate – DB2 10.5 Fundamentals for LUW is a certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in using IBM DB2 10.5 on Linux, UNIX, and Windows (LUW). It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in administering and developing database applications with IBM DB2 10.5 on LUW.

The certification exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, database objects, data manipulation language (DML), data definition language (DDL), query optimization, backup and recovery, utilities, client-server connectivity, distributed data facility (DDF), and more.

It takes approximately 2-3 months of preparation to get the IBM Certified Database Associate – DB2 10.5 Fundamentals for LUW certification. The best way to prepare for the exam is by taking an online course or attending instructor-led classes provided by IBM or its partners.

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

5. CompTIA Database+ Certification

CompTIA Database+ is an entry-level certification that validates the knowledge and skills of database administrators. It is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their understanding of database concepts, design, implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

The CompTIA Database+ certification requires a passing score on the DB0-001 exam. The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 90 minutes. To pass the exam, you must score at least 750 out of 900 points.

To get the CompTIA Database+ certification, you must first register for the DB0-001 exam with Pearson VUE or Prometric. You can do this online or by phone. Once registered, you will need to pay the exam fee of $219 USD before taking the test.

Once you have passed the DB0-001 exam, you will receive your CompTIA Database+ certification and be recognized as a certified professional in database administration and management.

6. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): Big Data Analytics Solutions

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): Big Data Analytics Solutions is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who develop solutions using Microsoft technologies. The MCSD: Big Data Analytics Solutions certification focuses on the development of solutions using Microsoft tools such as Azure HDInsight, Azure Machine Learning, and Power BI to create big data analytics solutions.

To get the MCSD: Big Data Analytics Solutions certification, you must first pass two exams: Exam 70-475 Designing and Implementing Big Data Analytics Solutions and Exam 70-476 Developing Big Data Analytics Solutions. Both exams are designed to assess your ability to design, implement, deploy, and manage big data analytics solutions using Microsoft technologies.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for both exams. You can use self-study materials such as books, online courses, and practice tests to help you prepare for the exams. Additionally, there are several training courses offered by Microsoft or its partners that can help you gain the necessary skills for passing the exams.

The cost of taking both exams is $165 each, so it will cost $330 in total to get the MCSD: Big Data Analytics Solutions certification.

7. SAP HANA Certification Exam

SAP HANA Certification Exam is a comprehensive exam that tests a candidate's knowledge and skills in the SAP HANA platform. It is designed to assess an individual's ability to configure, deploy, and manage the SAP HANA database. The exam covers topics such as data modeling, SQL scripting, system administration, security, and more.

The exam takes approximately 180 minutes to complete and includes multiple choice questions as well as hands-on exercises. Candidates must have at least one year of experience working with SAP HANA in order to take the exam.

In order to get certified, candidates must register for the exam through the SAP website and pay a fee of $500 USD. Once registered, they will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to access their online testing portal. After completing the exam, candidates will receive their results within 48 hours via email. Successful candidates will then be able to download their certification certificate from the same portal used for taking the exam.

8. Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Essentials Certification

Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Essentials Certification is a certification program designed to help professionals demonstrate their proficiency in Oracle Business Intelligence (BI) technologies. This certification validates the skills of an individual to design, build, and deploy BI solutions using Oracle BI tools.

The Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Essentials Certification consists of two exams: 1Z0-591 and 1Z0-599. The 1Z0-591 exam tests your knowledge of the fundamentals of Oracle BI tools and components, while the 1Z0-599 exam tests your ability to design and implement a complete Oracle BI solution. It typically takes around two months to prepare for these exams if you are studying on your own.

You can get certified by registering for the exams at Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of the exams varies depending on where you take them, but it usually ranges from $150-$200 per exam.

9. SAS Base Programming for SAS 9 Certification Exam

SAS Base Programming for SAS 9 Certification Exam is an exam designed to test a person’s knowledge and skills in the use of the SAS programming language. The exam is administered by SAS Institute and is available to anyone who wishes to demonstrate their proficiency in using the language.

The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within two hours. The questions cover topics such as data manipulation, data analysis, reporting, and data visualization. To pass the exam, a score of at least 75% must be achieved.

To obtain the certification, applicants must register with SAS Institute and pay a fee of $180 USD. Once registered, applicants can access study materials from the SAS website and take practice tests to prepare for the real exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate via email within three weeks of taking it.

The cost of obtaining this certification is $180 USD plus any additional costs associated with accessing study materials or taking practice tests.

10. Teradata 14 Certified Master

Teradata 14 Certified Master is an advanced certification offered by Teradata, a leading provider of data warehouse and analytics solutions. This certification recognizes an individual’s expertise in the use of Teradata 14 software and related technologies. The certification requires extensive knowledge and experience with the product, as well as the ability to demonstrate proficiency in its use.

To obtain the Teradata 14 Certified Master certification, individuals must first pass a written exam. This exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, architecture, query optimization, performance tuning, security administration, backup and recovery procedures, and other related concepts. After passing the written exam, candidates must then complete a hands-on lab session to prove their technical skills with the product.

The entire process typically takes around three months to complete. Candidates should plan on spending at least 40 hours studying for the written exam and another 10-20 hours preparing for the lab session.

The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on where you take it; however it typically ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD.

11. Cloudera CCA Data Analyst Certification

Cloudera CCA Data Analyst Certification is an industry-recognized credential designed to validate a professional's skills in data analysis. It is a hands-on, practical exam that tests your ability to perform core data analyst tasks using the Cloudera platform. The certification validates your knowledge of the fundamentals of data analysis, including working with databases and SQL, manipulating and transforming data, analyzing data with Python and Apache Spark, and visualizing results.

The exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete and consists of 8-12 performance-based tasks. You must score at least 70% on each task to pass the exam.

To get certified, you need to register for the exam through the Cloudera website or through one of their authorized training partners. You will then be given access to a virtual lab environment where you can practice the exam questions before taking the actual exam.

The cost of Cloudera CCA Data Analyst Certification varies depending on whether you take it through Cloudera or one of their authorized training partners. Through Cloudera directly, it costs $295 USD per person for the exam plus any applicable taxes. Through an authorized training partner, prices may vary but typically range from $400-$600 USD per person for both the course and exam fees combined.

Do You Really Need a SQL Data Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual’s circumstances and career goals. For someone looking to break into a data analyst role, an SQL Data Analyst Certificate can be a great way to demonstrate competence and knowledge in the field. It can also help provide valuable credentials that make you stand out from other applicants in the job market.

On the other hand, if you already have experience with SQL and have no intention of actively seeking a data analyst role, then an SQL Data Analyst Certificate may not be necessary. It is important to consider your own needs and goals before deciding whether or not to pursue such a certificate.

For example, if you are already working as a data analyst and want to further develop your skillset and demonstrate mastery of specific topics, then an SQL Data Analyst Certificate could be useful in this regard. However, if you are simply looking for a way to get your foot in the door at some organizations or increase your hiring potential, then there may be better ways of doing so than obtaining such a certificate.

In summary, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not they need an SQL Data Analyst Certificate based on their personal goals and current circumstances.

Related: SQL Data Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About SQL Data Analyst Certifications

1. What is a SQL Data Analyst Certification?

Answer: A SQL Data Analyst Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in analyzing data using Structured Query Language (SQL). It validates one’s ability to understand and manipulate data, which can be used for decision-making and problem-solving.

2. How do I get a SQL Data Analyst Certification?

Answer: To obtain a SQL Data Analyst Certification, you must pass an exam offered by the certifying body. This exam covers topics such as database design, query writing, data manipulation, optimization techniques, and more. Additionally, you may need to demonstrate relevant experience or complete certain training courses.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified depends on your level of experience and preparation for the certification exam. Generally speaking, most people are able to complete the necessary steps within several months if they are dedicated to studying and preparing for the exam.

4. What are the benefits of becoming a SQL Data Analyst?

Answer: Becoming a SQL Data Analyst can open up many career opportunities in fields such as business intelligence, analytics, software engineering, web development, and more. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven decisions and strategies to remain competitive in today’s market, having this certification can give you an advantage when applying for jobs or promotions. Moreover, it can also increase your earning potential as employers may be willing to pay higher salaries for individuals with this type of certification.

5. Is there any cost associated with getting certified?

Answer: Yes – there may be costs associated with getting certified depending on the certifying body you choose and the type of package you purchase (e.g., self-study vs instructor-led course). Generally speaking, most packages range from $200-$1,000 USD depending on the number of exams included in the package as well as other features such as practice tests or study materials provided by the certifying body.