Top 10 SQL DBA Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for SQL DBAs as they demonstrate a level of proficiency and understanding in the technology. Having certifications can help a DBA stand out from other applicants and show that they have taken the time to gain specialized knowledge and skillsets. Certifications also provide credibility to employers, as it shows that the applicant has been through rigorous testing and has met certain standards set by the certification body. Additionally, certifications can be used to validate experience levels or serve as a stepping stone to higher-level positions.

This article reviews the top certifications for SQL DBAs and explains how they can help to enhance a SQL DBA's career opportunities.

What are SQL DBA Certifications?

SQL DBA certification is a professional certification for database administrators who specialize in the Microsoft SQL Server database platform. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s mastery of the core principles and practices of database administration. This certification provides an individual with the skills necessary to effectively manage, maintain, and troubleshoot SQL Server databases.

By obtaining a SQL DBA certification, individuals are able to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in database design, performance tuning, security, disaster recovery planning, replication, maintenance tasks and more. This can be especially beneficial for those looking to advance in their current positions or transition into new roles within the IT industry that require mastery of the Microsoft SQL Server product. Having this certification can also help provide credibility when applying for jobs as it demonstrates a commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest technologies and techniques used in working with databases.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a SQL DBA certification, make sure to research the different certifications available and determine which one best suits your needs. Also, take advantage of any free online resources or practice exams that may be available to help you prepare.

Related: What does an SQL DBA do?

Top 10 SQL DBA Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to SQL DBAs 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 an individual’s expertise in designing, building, and maintaining data solutions. This certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to design, build, and maintain enterprise-level data management solutions using Microsoft SQL Server technologies.

It typically takes around three to six months of study and preparation to earn the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification. Prerequisites for this certification include having a current MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 or MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration or equivalent knowledge.

To get the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification, individuals 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 testing centers worldwide.

The cost of the two exams required to get the MCSE: Data Management and Analytics certification is $165 per exam. This means that the total cost of getting the certification is $330.

2. Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) Database Administrator

Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) Database Administrator is a certification program offered by Oracle Corporation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in the administration and management of Oracle databases. The OCP certification is designed to validate an individual’s skills and knowledge in the areas of database design, installation, configuration, maintenance, security, backup and recovery, performance tuning, replication and troubleshooting.

In order to become an Oracle Certified Professional Database Administrator, one must first pass two exams: the 1Z0-071 Oracle Database 12c SQL Fundamentals exam and the 1Z0-062 Oracle Database 12c: Administration exam. Both exams are administered by Pearson VUE.

The 1Z0-071 exam covers topics such as basic SQL commands, data manipulation language (DML), data definition language (DDL), database objects, constraints, views and indexes. It also tests your knowledge on using SQL functions and subqueries. The 1Z0-062 exam focuses on more advanced topics such as database architecture, configuration parameters, memory structures and processes. It also tests your knowledge on user management, security features and backup/recovery techniques.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for both exams if you are already familiar with the material covered in them. However if you are new to Oracle databases then it might take longer than that depending on how quickly you can learn the material.

The cost of taking both exams varies depending on where you live but typically it costs around $400 USD per exam which means it will cost around $800 USD total for both exams.

Once you have passed both exams you will be awarded with the OCP Database Administrator certification from Oracle Corporation which will be valid for three years from the date of passing the last exam taken.

3. IBM Certified Database Administrator (CDA)

IBM Certified Database Administrator (CDA) is a professional certification program offered by IBM. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of IT professionals who have achieved a level of expertise in administering databases on IBM’s DB2 platform. This certification provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their technical proficiency, as well as their ability to apply best practices and techniques for managing and maintaining DB2 databases.

The CDA exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical lab exercise. The written exam covers topics such as database design, security, backup/recovery, performance tuning, monitoring, troubleshooting, and more. The lab exercise requires candidates to perform various tasks related to database administration using the DB2 Command Line Processor (CLP).

It typically takes around 6-12 months of preparation to get certified as an IBM Certified Database Administrator (CDA). Candidates should be familiar with the concepts covered in the written exam before taking the practical lab exercise. To prepare for the CDA exam, candidates can take online courses or attend instructor-led training sessions offered by IBM or its partners.

The cost of becoming an IBM Certified Database Administrator (CDA) varies depending on which type of training you choose. Online courses typically cost between $500-$1000 USD while instructor-led trainings range from $2000-$3000 USD. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $200 USD that must be paid when registering for the CDA exam.

4. MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification

MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator Certification is a certification program offered by Oracle that validates the skills and knowledge of database administrators who use MySQL 5.7 to manage databases. It demonstrates that the holder has the technical expertise to install, configure, maintain, secure, optimize, and troubleshoot MySQL 5.7 databases in production environments.

It typically takes around one month to complete the certification process depending on how much time and effort you put into studying for it. You can get certified by attending an instructor-led training course or by taking an online exam. The cost of the certification depends on which option you choose; instructor-led courses can range from $1,000 to $3,000 while online exams cost around $200-$400 USD.

5. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): SQL Server 2016 Database Administration

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): SQL Server 2016 Database Administration is an entry-level certification that validates the skills and knowledge of database administrators who work with Microsoft SQL Server 2016. This certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to manage, maintain, configure, and deploy Microsoft SQL Server databases.

To earn this certification, one must pass two required exams: Exam 70-764: Administering a SQL Database Infrastructure and Exam 70-765: Provisioning SQL Databases. The time it takes to complete these exams will vary depending on the individual's experience level and learning style; however, most people can expect to take around 8-10 hours for each exam.

To get MCSA: SQL Server 2016 Database Administration certified, you must first register for the two required exams at Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. Each exam costs $165 USD per attempt. After passing both exams, you will be awarded your MCSA: SQL Server 2016 Database Administration certification.

The total cost of getting this certification is $330 USD plus any applicable taxes and fees associated with registering for the exams at Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

6. Red Hat Certified Specialist in Enterprise Database Administration

Red Hat Certified Specialist in Enterprise Database Administration is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage large-scale database systems. This certification demonstrates expertise in using Red Hat Enterprise Linux to deploy, configure, manage, and maintain enterprise databases. It also validates an individual’s ability to design, implement, and maintain secure database solutions.

The exam for this certification requires a minimum of five years of experience with database administration and three years of experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The exam itself takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions.

To get certified as a Red Hat Certified Specialist in Enterprise Database Administration, you must first purchase the exam voucher from Red Hat. The cost of the voucher varies depending on your country or region but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD. Once you have purchased the voucher, you can register for the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center near you. After successfully passing the exam, you will receive your official certificate from Red Hat.

In addition to purchasing the exam voucher, there are several training courses available that can help prepare for the certification exam. These courses are offered by both Red Hat and third-party vendors and range in cost from $1,000-$2,000 USD depending on the course length and content covered.

7. PostgreSQL 9.6+ Database Administrator Certification

PostgreSQL 9.6+ Database Administrator Certification is a professional-level certification program offered by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group (PGDG). It is designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and expertise in managing and administering PostgreSQL databases.

The certification requires passing two exams: the PostgreSQL 9.6+ Database Administrator Exam (PGDBA) and the PostgreSQL 9.6+ Advanced Database Administrator Exam (PGADBA). The PGDBA exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, user management, security, backup and recovery, performance tuning, monitoring, and troubleshooting. The PGADBA exam covers topics such as advanced database design, replication, high availability solutions, scalability techniques, and disaster recovery strategies.

The certification process typically takes about two months to complete. To get certified, individuals must first register for the exams online at the PGDG website. After registering for the exams, individuals must pass both exams within one year of registration in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take the exams. In general, it costs around $200 - $400 USD for both exams combined.

8. MongoDB Certified DBA Associate

MongoDB Certified DBA Associate is a certification program designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in administering MongoDB databases. This certification is ideal for database administrators, system engineers, and IT professionals who are responsible for the installation, configuration, maintenance and administration of MongoDB databases. The certification is offered by MongoDB University and includes both theoretical and practical components.

The exam takes approximately 2 hours and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as: data modeling, indexing strategies, replication & sharding, security & authentication, performance tuning & optimization, monitoring & backup/restore operations.

To get certified as a MongoDB DBA Associate you must first complete a series of training courses offered by MongoDB University. These courses cover topics such as: Introduction to MongoDB, Advanced Data Modeling with MongoDB, Performance Tuning & Optimization with MongoDB and Security & Authentication with MongoDB. After completing the required courses you will be eligible to take the certification exam which can be taken online or at a local testing center.

The cost of the certification exam is $150 USD plus applicable taxes.

9. SAP HANA 2.0 SPS03: Database Administration Certification

SAP HANA 2.0 SPS03 Database Administration Certification is an advanced certification program designed to help database administrators become certified in the administration and maintenance of SAP HANA databases. The certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the architecture, components, and tools used to manage SAP HANA databases. It also covers topics such as performance tuning, security, backup and recovery, user management, and system monitoring.

The certification exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as installation, configuration, patching, troubleshooting, data replication, system performance tuning, and more. To become certified in SAP HANA 2.0 SPS03 Database Administration Certification requires passing the exam with a score of at least 70%.

The certification exam typically takes about two hours to complete and costs $500 USD. To get started on your path to becoming certified in SAP HANA 2.0 SPS03 Database Administration Certification you must first register for the exam through the SAP Learning Hub or other authorized testing centers. Once registered you can access study materials such as practice exams and tutorials from the SAP Learning Hub or other approved sources to prepare for the exam.

10. Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst

Cloudera Certified Associate (CCA) Data Analyst is a professional certification program that validates an individual’s skills in using Cloudera’s data analytics tools and technologies. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to perform core competencies associated with data analysis, including: ingesting, transforming, and managing data; querying with SQL; analyzing data with Apache Hive and Impala; creating reports and visualizations; and utilizing best practices for optimizing performance.

The CCA Data Analyst exam is a hands-on, practical exam that requires a candidate to demonstrate the ability to use Cloudera’s suite of data analytics tools to solve real-world problems. The exam consists of 8-12 performance-based tasks that must be completed within two hours.

To get the CCA Data Analyst certification, you must pass the CCA Data Analyst Exam. The exam can be taken online or at a Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $295-$400 USD.

It usually takes around 2-3 months to prepare for the CCA Data Analyst Exam depending on your current knowledge level and experience with Cloudera's suite of tools. To prepare for the exam, it is recommended that you take an official Cloudera training course or practice with self-paced tutorials available through Cloudera University.

Do You Really Need a SQL DBA Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need an SQL DBA certificate to become a successful database administrator. However, having one may certainly help your career in the long run.

In today's competitive job market, any extra certification or qualification that can set you apart from other applicants can be a great asset. An SQL DBA certificate shows that you have taken the time and effort to gain a deeper understanding of database administration and have mastered the skills necessary to succeed in this field. It also demonstrates your commitment to learning new technologies and staying up-to-date with industry trends.

That being said, an SQL DBA certificate alone won't guarantee you a job as a database administrator. Employers will still want to see experience and knowledge in related areas such as software development, system architecture, data modeling, security, or analytics. It's important to remember that employers are looking for professionals who can both develop and manage databases effectively — not just those who specialize in one area of expertise.

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to pursue an SQL DBA certificate is up to you. If you think it will help boost your chances of getting hired or advancing your career, then it may be worth considering. Otherwise, focus on building up other skills and knowledge needed for database administration roles through on-the-job experience and self-study.

Related: SQL DBA Resume Examples

FAQs About SQL DBA Certifications

Q1. What is a SQL DBA certification?

A1. A SQL DBA certification is a credential that proves a professional’s expertise in managing and administering Microsoft SQL Server databases. It demonstrates the holder's knowledge of database structure, design, implementation, security, backup/restore procedures, data integrity and performance tuning.

Q2. What are the benefits of getting certified as a SQL DBA?

A2. Benefits of getting certified as a SQL DBA include increased job security and earning potential, improved credibility with employers and clients, recognition for your skills and expertise, and access to more job opportunities in the field.

Q3. How long does it take to become certified as a SQL DBA?

A3. The amount of time required to obtain a SQL DBA certification varies depending on the type of certification you're pursuing and your prior experience with databases. Generally speaking, most certifications require at least 6-12 months of study time before taking an exam or completing an assessment project.

Q4. What are the different types of certifications available for Database Administrators?

A4: The most common type of certification for Database Administrators is Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) for Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014/2016/2017/2019; however there are other certifications available from Oracle Corporation such as Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) Database Administrator or Oracle Certified Master (OCM) Database Administrator as well as IBM’s DB2 Certification Program and others from vendors such as SAP HANA or MongoDB University.

Q5. How much does it cost to get certified as a SQL DBA?

A5: The cost of getting certified depends on which vendor you choose to certify through; however generally speaking fees range from $100-$200 USD per exam or assessment project depending on which credentials you pursue with each vendor or organization offering them.