Top 11 SQL Database Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for a SQL Database Administrator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certifications show that the candidate has taken the time to gain formal training and knowledge in their field, and can be a valuable asset when competing for jobs. Certifications also help employers to quickly identify qualified candidates who have been trained in specific areas of database administration. In addition, certifications can help to increase an individual’s chances of getting hired since they provide assurance to employers that the applicant is knowledgeable in the area of SQL database administration.

The purpose of this article is to review the most beneficial certifications for SQL Database Administrators and discuss how they can contribute to a successful career in the field.

What are SQL Database Administrator Certifications?

SQL Database Administrator Certification is a professional certification that validates an individual's skills and knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server database administration. This certification demonstrates that the candidate has the technical expertise to implement, manage, maintain and troubleshoot Microsoft SQL Server databases. It also verifies the candidate's ability to configure and administer high availability solutions, security, replication and data integrity.

By obtaining this certification, individuals are able to demonstrate their proficiency in database administration tasks and have an advantage when competing for jobs in the IT industry. The certification also serves as a way for employers to identify qualified personnel who are knowledgeable about SQL Server technology. Additionally, having this certification can help increase an individual's earning potential by providing them with higher paying positions within their organization or by allowing them to pursue freelance work opportunities.

Pro Tip: When considering a SQL Database Administrator Certification, look for courses that offer hands-on experience and practice. This will help you learn the skills necessary to be successful in this role. Additionally, make sure to look into the certifications offered by specific software providers such as Microsoft’s certification program.

Related: What does an SQL Database Administrator do?

Top 11 SQL Database Administrator Certifications

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

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): SQL Server 2012/2014 is a certification that validates an individual’s ability to build and maintain mission-critical, secure database solutions. It demonstrates a professional’s knowledge of the core features and functionality of SQL Server 2012/2014.

To get the MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 certification, you must pass two exams: 70-461: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 and 70-462: Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 Databases. The exams are designed to test your knowledge of the installation, maintenance, configuration, and administration of databases in the Microsoft SQL Server platform.

It typically takes approximately three months to prepare for these exams. To prepare for the exams, you should take advantage of online resources such as practice tests and study guides. You may also want to consider taking a course or attending a training session to help you understand the material better.

The cost for each exam varies depending on where you take it, but generally ranges from $150-$200 USD per exam.

2. Oracle Certified Professional (OCP): Database Administrator 11g/12c

Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) Database Administrator 11g/12c is an industry-recognized certification program for IT professionals who specialize in Oracle Database Administration. It is designed to validate the skills of experienced database administrators and provide them with a globally recognized credential.

To become an Oracle Certified Professional Database Administrator 11g/12c, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-051 and 1Z0-052. The first exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, tuning, backup and recovery, security, user management, data integrity and more. The second exam focuses on advanced topics such as performance tuning, replication, data guard and more.

The exams typically take 2-3 hours each to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE or Prometric testing center worldwide. The cost of the exams vary depending on the country but typically range from $200 - $400 USD per exam.

In order to maintain your OCP certification status you must pass either the upgrade exam (1Z0-062) or retake both the original exams every three years.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Platform

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Platform is a certification that validates an individual’s skills in designing, building, and maintaining data management solutions based on Microsoft SQL Server. The MCSE: Data Platform certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to build robust database solutions that are secure, available, and well-managed.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to prepare for the MCSE: Data Platform exam. To get the certification, you must pass two exams: 70-464 and 70-465. The cost of the exams varies depending on your location and the type of exam you take (e.g., online or in person). Generally speaking, each exam costs around $150 USD.

4. IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 10.5 Fundamentals

IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 10.5 Fundamentals is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge necessary to install, configure, and maintain IBM DB2 10.5 databases. The certification covers topics such as database design, security, performance tuning, backup and recovery, and more.

To get this certification, you must pass a single exam (Exam C2090-616). This exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. You will need to have experience with DB2 10.5 in order to successfully pass the exam.

The cost of the exam varies depending on the country in which you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD for the exam itself plus any applicable taxes or fees.

Once you have passed the exam, you will become an IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 10.5 Fundamentals Professional and receive your official certificate from IBM.

5. MySQL 5.6 Database Administrator Certification

MySQL 5.6 Database Administrator Certification is a professional certification program that validates the knowledge and skills of database administrators in the MySQL 5.6 database management system. The certification recognizes individuals who have mastered the technical aspects of administering MySQL databases, including installation, configuration, performance optimization, security and backup/recovery.

The certification requires passing an exam administered by Oracle University. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. It covers topics such as installation, configuration, performance optimization, security and backup/recovery in MySQL 5.6.

To get certified as a MySQL 5.6 Database Administrator you must first register for the exam at Oracle University's website and pay the associated fee (currently $245). Once registered for the exam you can either take it online or at an authorized testing center near you. After passing the exam you will be awarded your certification from Oracle University.

The cost of the MySQL 5.6 Database Administrator Certification Exam is currently $245 USD (subject to change).

6. PostgreSQL 9 Administration Certification

PostgreSQL 9 Administration Certification is an industry-recognized certification that validates the skills and knowledge of PostgreSQL database administrators. It is offered by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and maintenance of the open source PostgreSQL database software.

The certification exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, backup and recovery, monitoring and tuning, replication, performance optimization, and troubleshooting. Candidates must demonstrate their understanding of these topics in order to pass the exam.

It typically takes about two weeks to prepare for the exam. There are a variety of online resources available to help candidates prepare for the exam including study guides, practice exams and tutorials.

To get certified as a PostgreSQL 9 Administrator, candidates must register with the PostgreSQL Global Development Group and pay a fee of $150 USD. The fee includes access to an online practice test and one attempt at the certification exam. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may retake it after paying an additional fee of $50 USD per attempt.

Once you have passed the exam you will receive an official certificate from the PostgreSQL Global Development Group which will be valid for two years from the date of issue.

7. MongoDB Certified DBA Associate

MongoDB Certified DBA Associate is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced MongoDB database administrators. It is an entry-level certification that provides validation of fundamental MongoDB administration skills and knowledge.

It typically takes 8-10 hours to complete the exam, depending on your experience level. The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions covering topics such as installation, configuration, security, performance tuning, backup and recovery, data modeling and more.

To get the MongoDB Certified DBA Associate certification you must pass the exam. You can register for the exam by visiting the MongoDB University website. The cost of taking the exam is $150 USD.

8. Red Hat Certified Engineer in Red Hat OpenStack

Red Hat Certified Engineer in Red Hat OpenStack is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of system administrators and engineers who are responsible for deploying, managing, and troubleshooting Red Hat OpenStack Platform. This certification is designed to demonstrate an individual's ability to deploy and manage private clouds using Red Hat OpenStack Platform.

To obtain this certification, individuals must pass two exams: EX210 (Red Hat Certified System Administrator in Red Hat OpenStack) and EX310 (Red Hat Certified Engineer in Red Hat OpenStack). The EX210 exam focuses on the fundamentals of deploying, managing, and troubleshooting Red Hat OpenStack Platform while the EX310 exam focuses on advanced topics such as networking, storage, security, automation, and virtualization.

The total cost of obtaining this certification is $1,000 USD. This cost includes both exams as well as access to the online learning platform which provides study materials and practice exams. It typically takes around 4-6 weeks to prepare for these exams depending on an individual's experience level with Red Hat OpenStack Platform.

9. Cloudera Certified Administrator for Apache Hadoop (CCAH)

Cloudera Certified Administrator for Apache Hadoop (CCAH) is a professional certification program designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in deploying, managing, and maintaining Apache Hadoop clusters. It is the industry standard for demonstrating expertise in the field of big data and Hadoop.

The CCAH exam usually takes about two hours to complete and covers topics such as HDFS, MapReduce, YARN, Hive, Impala, Pig, Sqoop, Flume, Oozie, Zookeeper, Cloudera Manager and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and hands-on simulations.

To get CCAH certified you must first register with Cloudera’s partner network. Once registered you can purchase the exam voucher from Cloudera’s website. After purchasing the voucher you will be able to schedule your exam at any Pearson VUE testing center.

The cost of the CCAH certification exam is $295 USD per attempt.

10. SAP HANA Certification

SAP HANA certification is an official accreditation from SAP that validates a person's knowledge and skills in the SAP HANA platform. It is designed to demonstrate a person’s ability to design, develop, deploy, and maintain applications on the SAP HANA platform.

The certification process typically takes between 4-6 weeks depending on the individual's experience and availability. To get certified, individuals must complete an online application with background information about their experience and qualifications as well as pass two exams: one for the fundamentals of SAP HANA and another for advanced topics such as modeling, data provisioning, security, etc.

The cost of the certification depends on the type of exam taken. For example, the fundamentals exam costs $250 USD while the advanced exam costs $500 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exams such as registration fees or travel expenses if an individual needs to take it at a testing center.

11. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Database – Specialty

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Database – Specialty is a certification program offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). This certification is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of database professionals who are responsible for designing, deploying, managing, and operating databases on the AWS platform.

The AWS Certified Database – Specialty exam consists of multiple choice and multiple answer questions that cover topics such as database design, data modeling, database security, data replication, backup and recovery, performance tuning, troubleshooting, and more. The exam also covers best practices for using AWS services such as Amazon RDS, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Redshift, Amazon Aurora, and more.

The exam takes approximately three hours to complete. It costs $300 USD to take the exam. Candidates can register for the exam through their AWS Certification Account or through Pearson VUE. To prepare for the exam candidates should review the official Exam Guide which outlines all of the topics covered in the exam as well as study materials available from AWS Training & Certification.

Do You Really Need a SQL Database Administrator Certificate?

A SQL Database Administrator Certificate is an important credential for anyone interested in a career in database management. This certificate demonstrates that a person has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage and maintain a database system. It also serves as proof that the individual is qualified to work with the most current versions of SQL databases.

For those just starting out in the field, an SQL Database Administrator Certificate can be a great way to get your foot in the door. By demonstrating your knowledge and proficiency in this area, you will be more likely to land an entry-level position or internship. With experience and additional certifications, you can continue to move up the ladder into bigger and better roles.

In addition, having an SQL Database Administrator Certificate will give you a competitive advantage when seeking promotions or raises within your current company. Employers often use certifications as one way to differentiate between applicants and determine who would be best suited for certain positions. Thus, having this certification may make you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of getting hired or promoted.

Overall, obtaining an SQL Database Administrator Certificate is not essential for everyone looking to pursue a career in database management. However, it can be beneficial for those just getting started as well as experienced professionals looking to advance their career prospects. So if you are serious about pursuing a career in this field, consider investing the time and money required to obtain this certification.

Related: SQL Database Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About SQL Database Administrator Certifications

Q1. What is a SQL Database Administrator Certification?

A1. A SQL Database Administrator Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in working with Structured Query Language (SQL) databases. It is typically obtained by passing an exam offered by a certification provider, such as Microsoft or Oracle.

Q2. Is it necessary to have a certification to work as a SQL Database Administrator?

A2. Not necessarily, but having a certification can give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs and show employers that you have the skills and knowledge to do the job effectively.

Q3. How long does it take to get certified?

A3. The amount of time required to get certified depends on the type of certification you are pursuing and how much preparation you put into it prior to taking the exam. Generally speaking, most certifications require at least 6 months of studying and practice before taking the exam.

Q4. How much does it cost to get certified?

A4. The cost of getting certified varies depending on the type of certification you are pursuing and the provider offering it. Generally speaking, most certifications range from $100-$500 USD depending on the provider and complexity of the exam content covered in the certification program.

Q5. Where can I find additional resources for preparing for my SQL Database Administrator Certification Exam?

A5: There are many online resources available that can help you prepare for your SQL Database Administrator Certification Exam such as study guides, practice tests, and video tutorials from providers such as Microsoft or Oracle as well as third-party websites like Udemy or Lynda which offer courses specifically designed for those seeking certifications in this field.