Top 10 SQL Server Developer Certifications

Certifications for a SQL Server Developer are important in the job market because they demonstrate industry-recognized proficiency and technical knowledge. They show employers that the candidate has taken the initiative to learn and master the skills needed to be successful in their role. Certifications also make it easier for employers to differentiate between potential hires, as they can easily see which candidates have obtained certifications. Additionally, certifications can help a SQL Server Developer stand out from other applicants who may not have taken the time or effort to obtain certifications.

This article reviews the top certifications for SQL Server Developers and explains how they can provide valuable career benefits to a sql server developer.

What are SQL Server Developer Certifications?

SQL Server Developer Certification is a certification program offered by Microsoft to validate the skills of database developers. This certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to develop and maintain applications using Microsoft SQL Server. It validates an individual’s expertise in developing applications that use the features and functionality of SQL Server, including Transact-SQL, query optimization, and data modeling.

Having a SQL Server Developer Certification can help individuals stand out from their peers when applying for job opportunities within the IT industry. It demonstrates expertise in the skills needed to design, create and maintain databases using Microsoft SQL Server. It also shows employers that the individual has been certified by Microsoft as having met their standards for developing applications with SQL Server. In addition, it allows employers to quickly identify qualified candidates who possess these technical skills.

Holding this certification also provides access to exclusive resources through Microsoft Learn and other online courses, which can help individuals stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends within the industry. An individual with a SQL Server Developer Certification will have access to knowledge articles, tutorials, webinars and other training materials related to developing applications with SQL Server. This can help them keep their skills current and be more prepared for any challenges they may face when working on projects or tasks related to database development.

Pro Tip: When preparing for a SQL Server Developer Certification exam, be sure to use practice tests and study materials that are based on the most recent version of the software. This is important to ensure that you are prepared to answer questions that are related to the latest features and functionality.

Related: What does an SQL Server Developer do?

Top 10 SQL Server Developer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to SQL Server Developers 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 a professional’s skills in working with Microsoft SQL Server 2012 and 2014. It demonstrates an individual’s ability to build and maintain enterprise-level data solutions using the latest versions of Microsoft’s database software.

How long does it take to get it?

The MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 certification requires passing three exams: 70-461, 70-462, and 70-463. The exams can be taken at any time, but they must be completed within two years in order to earn the certification.

What are the requirements?

In order to qualify for the MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 certification, you must have at least one year of experience working with relational databases, including experience writing queries using Transact-SQL. You must also pass three exams: 70-461, 70-462, and 70-463.

How much does it cost?

The cost of each exam varies depending on your region, but typically ranges from $125-$150 USD per exam. This means that the total cost of obtaining the MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 certification will range from $375-$450 USD.

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

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Platform is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, implementing, and managing database solutions based on Microsoft SQL Server. It is designed for IT professionals who want to specialize in data management and business intelligence.

It typically takes about 6-12 months of studying and hands-on experience to prepare for the MCSE: Data Platform exam. To get the certification, you must pass one or more exams from the list of available exams. The cost of each exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges between $150-$200 USD per exam.

To become certified, you must first have a valid Microsoft Certification ID (MCID) and then register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. Once you have passed all required exams, you will receive your certification from Microsoft.

3. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have the skills and knowledge necessary to design, develop, and deploy modern mobile applications and services on the Microsoft platform. The MCSD: App Builder certification validates an individual’s expertise in developing Windows Store apps using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript; developing Windows Phone 8 apps using XAML and C#; creating Web applications with ASP.NET 4.5; designing Azure-based solutions; and creating client applications with Visual Studio 2012.

To earn the MCSD: App Builder certification, you must pass three exams: 70-480 Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3; 70-481 Essentials of Developing Windows Store Apps Using HTML5 and JavaScript; and 70-482 Advanced Windows Store App Development Using HTML5 and JavaScript. Each exam costs $150 USD. It usually takes about 6 months to prepare for all three exams if you are studying full time.

You can find more information about the MCSD: App Builder certification at the Microsoft Certification website (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/mcsd-appbuilder-certification.aspx).

4. Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) is a certification program offered by Microsoft to validate the technical skills and knowledge of database administrators. It is designed to demonstrate that a candidate has the necessary expertise to design, develop, implement and maintain databases using Microsoft SQL Server.

The MCDBA certification requires candidates to pass two exams: 70-461 Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014, and 70-462 Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 Databases. Both exams are multiple-choice tests with a time limit of two hours and fifteen minutes each.

To get the MCDBA certification, you must first register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. The cost for each exam is $165 USD. After passing both exams, you will receive your official MCDBA certificate from Microsoft.

It usually takes about six months to prepare for and pass both exams, depending on your level of experience and dedication to studying.

5. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): Database Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) is a certification program designed to provide an entry-level foundation of technology knowledge. The MTA Database Fundamentals certification validates the fundamental knowledge needed to work with relational databases, such as Microsoft SQL Server.

The MTA Database Fundamentals exam covers topics such as database concepts and terminology, data storage, data manipulation language (DML), data definition language (DDL), and database security. It also covers basic query writing techniques, normalization principles, and other related topics.

The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 40-60 multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $99-$127 USD.

To get the MTA Database Fundamentals certification, you must pass the associated exam with a score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points. After passing the exam, you will receive an official Microsoft digital badge that can be shared on social media platforms or added to your online resume or profile.

6. Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in administering Oracle databases. It requires knowledge of Oracle database architecture, installation, configuration, security, backup and recovery, performance tuning, and more.

To earn the OCP certification, candidates must pass two exams: 1Z0-062: Oracle Database 12c: Installation and Administration and 1Z0-063: Oracle Database 12c: Advanced Administration. The exams are offered by Pearson VUE and cost $245 each.

The exams typically take between 2 to 3 hours to complete. Candidates should plan to spend time studying for the exam in order to pass it successfully. Additionally, there is an additional fee of $195 for the OCP credential itself.

Overall, it takes approximately 4–5 months to prepare for the OCP certification depending on how much time you dedicate to studying for the exams.

7. Oracle Database 12c SQL Certified Expert

Oracle Database 12c SQL Certified Expert is an Oracle certification that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in the use of Oracle Database 12c SQL. The certification validates the knowledge and skills necessary to query, insert, update, and delete data within an Oracle database, as well as create and manage database objects.

To become certified as an Oracle Database 12c SQL Certified Expert, you must pass two exams:

1. Oracle Database 12c: SQL Fundamentals (1Z0-061)

2. Oracle Database 12c: Advanced SQL (1Z0-062).

The first exam covers basic topics such as querying data with the SELECT statement, manipulating data with DML statements, creating and managing tables, writing subqueries, using functions and expressions, controlling user access to objects and data, working with views and sequences, managing transactions and concurrency control. The second exam covers more advanced topics such as creating indexes, using advanced SQL functions and expressions for complex queries, creating materialized views for performance optimization purposes, working with large object types (LOBs), using PL/SQL packages to create stored procedures and triggers.

It typically takes around 8-10 weeks to prepare for both exams depending on your prior experience with Oracle databases. You can find study materials online or take a course from an authorized training provider. There are also practice tests available to help you assess your readiness for the real exam.

The cost of taking both exams is $245 USD each plus any applicable taxes or fees.

8. IBM DB2 9 Fundamentals Certification Exam 730

IBM DB2 9 Fundamentals Certification Exam 730 is a certification exam offered by IBM to validate the skills and knowledge of professionals working with IBM DB2 9. This certification exam is designed to test the candidate’s understanding of the fundamentals of DB2 9, including its architecture, components, and features. It also tests the candidate’s ability to use SQL statements to create, query, and manipulate data in a DB2 database.

The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 70 multiple-choice questions. To pass the exam, candidates must answer at least 50 questions correctly. The cost for this exam is $200 USD.

To get certified as an IBM DB2 9 Fundamentals Certified Professional, you must first register for and take the IBM DB2 9 Fundamentals Certification Exam 730. You can register for this exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your certificate from IBM via email within two weeks of passing the exam.

9. Red Hat Certified Engineer in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of system administrators, engineers, and other IT professionals who are responsible for deploying, managing, and troubleshooting systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.

The RHCE exam consists of two parts: a hands-on lab exam and a written exam. The hands-on lab exam requires the candidate to demonstrate their ability to configure various services on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6. The written exam covers topics such as installation and configuration of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6, system administration tasks, security and troubleshooting.

It typically takes between four to six months of preparation to become RHCE certified in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6. Candidates should have at least one year of experience working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux before attempting the exams. Additionally, candidates should possess strong problem solving skills and be familiar with the command line interface.

To get certified as an RHCE in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6, candidates must pass both the hands-on lab exam and written exam. Both exams must be taken at an authorized testing center or online proctored environment. The cost for each exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400 - $450 USD per exam.

10. CompTIA Database+ Certification

CompTIA Database+ certification is a vendor-neutral credential that validates the knowledge and skills of database administrators and other IT professionals who design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot database systems. It is designed to ensure that those with this certification have the necessary knowledge to work in an enterprise environment.

The CompTIA Database+ exam consists of 90 multiple choice questions and takes up to 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as database concepts, data storage, security, backup/recovery, performance optimization, and more. To become certified, you must pass the CompTIA Database+ exam with a score of 700 or higher on a scale of 100-900.

To get CompTIA Database+ certified, you must first register for the exam at the CompTIA website. You will then be given instructions on how to access the online testing system. After registering for the exam, you can purchase study materials from CompTIA or third-party vendors to help prepare for the exam. Once you have completed your preparation and feel ready to take the exam, you can schedule it through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers located around the world.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Database+ certification exam varies depending on where it is taken and which version of the test is being taken (i.e., English or Spanish). Generally speaking, however, it costs approximately $250 USD per attempt.

Do You Really Need a SQL Server Developer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual situation. Generally speaking, an SQL Server Developer Certificate can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in a specialized field. This certificate can demonstrate that an individual has a strong understanding of the language and concepts related to SQL Server, as well as a more general knowledge of database development. It may also provide employers with confidence that the applicant is qualified and capable of handling complex tasks related to SQL Server.

However, it’s important to note that there are many other factors which may affect one’s ability to secure a job or promotion related to SQL Server development. For example, experience and education are also important considerations when applying for such positions. Additionally, having hands-on experience working with databases is highly beneficial for those seeking employment in this field.

In summary, obtaining an SQL Server Developer Certificate can be helpful for those wishing to pursue a career in this area, but it is not necessarily essential or required by employers. Depending on the individual situation, having additional qualifications such as experience or education may be just as valuable or even more so than having a certificate specifically related to SQL Server development.

Related: SQL Server Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About SQL Server Developer Certifications

1. What are the different types of SQL Server Developer Certifications?

Answer: The different types of SQL Server Developer certifications include Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) SQL Server, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) Data Management and Analytics, and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) Business Intelligence.

2. What are the requirements to obtain a SQL Server certification?

Answer: To obtain a SQL Server certification, you must pass one or more exams that demonstrate your knowledge in database development, data mining, data warehousing, business intelligence, or analytics for SQL Server 2016 or 2017.

3. How much does it cost to get certified in SQL Server?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a certification in SQL Server varies depending on which certification you choose and how many exams you need to take. Generally speaking, an MCSA exam costs between $125 - $165 USD while an MCSE exam can cost upwards of $200 USD per exam.

4. Is there any way to prepare for the exams?

Answer: Yes! There are many resources available online that can help you prepare for the exams such as practice tests, tutorials, and study guides. Additionally, Microsoft also offers preparation courses that range from free to paid options depending on your needs and budget.

5. How long does it take for me to receive my official certificate after passing the exam?

Answer: After successfully passing an exam, you will typically receive your official certificate within 2-3 weeks via email from Pearson VUE (the testing center).