Does having a SQL certification make you qualified to work with databases and SQL?
Because relational databases are so common, SQL (structured query language), originally developed as the standard language for relational database management, has evolved into one of the most crucial components of many firms’ technological stacks. It also has connections to some derivatives and offshoots, including NoSQL.
You would imagine that although SQL is the foundation of so many systems, it only supports a very small ecosystem of stringent standards and certifications. Wrong. When it comes to SQL certifications, the market is very much like the Wild West, with several businesses giving credentials based on their unique SQL standards. It pays to remain adaptable when studying SQL.
What is SQL Certification?
To demonstrate your proficiency with SQL Server, Microsoft’s relational database management system, you can use Microsoft SQL certifications as professional credentials. You must pass a skill-testing exam to obtain certification. The Microsoft SQL Certification does have three levels, and each level has some specialties. Therefore, obtaining various Microsoft SQL certifications will help you prepare for a variety of occupations.
The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) credential, which can be used to demonstrate entry-level abilities in one of three specialist areas: database, developer, or IT infrastructure, is the first level of SQL certification. The developer certificate can assist you in obtaining an entry-level web development career where you would use Microsoft SQL to design websites and mobile apps.
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate is the second level of SQL certification (MCSA). It can be used to demonstrate your expertise in database administration, database development, or business intelligence development. Selecting the Database Administration option, which can help you get a job as a database administrator, shows that you are able to set up, maintain, configure, and troubleshoot databases. Then, businesses may look to you to improve the functionality of their databases and protect them from security threats.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification is the top tier of SQL credentials. You can showcase your proficiency in Database Management and Analytics, Data Platform, and Business Intelligence at this level, however, it’s crucial to know that these three certifications will be withdrawn on March 31, 2017. You may work as a computer or information systems manager and be in charge of organizing all computer-related activities inside a company if you pursue the data management and analytics concentration. In this senior position, you would assess the computing needs of an organization and create a strategy for improvement.
Which Microsoft SQL certification is the best fit for you?
You can select a Microsoft SQL Certification based on your professional objectives and prior experience.
The entry-level option for those who eventually want to work in business intelligence or data platform administration is the MTA: Database certificate. The MTA: Developer designation is available to aspire web developers and software engineers. The MTA: Infrastructure certificate provides training for students who eventually want to advance to professions in server infrastructure, desktop infrastructure, or cloud computing.
People who have acquired significant professional information technology skills through postsecondary education or practical job experience are eligible for the MCSA. Your search for a mid-level position may be helped by the title.
With the MCSA: Database Development credential, you can work as a database developer, designing and implementing systems for a range of businesses. The MCSA: Database Administrator Credential is available if you prefer to work as an infrastructure specialist or database administrator for a single company. The MCSA: Business Intelligence Development designation is offered for those who desire to concentrate their careers on business intelligence development, which would involve data modeling and online data processing.
Data Management and Analytics is the only designation at the MCSE level that is still relevant today. In order to move up to managerial roles in the information technology sector, MCSA holders should acquire this designation.
Certification offers you several extra advantages in addition to proving your skills. One can use the Microsoft Server logo, receive a plaque, gain access to the SQL Server community e-mail list, receive invitations to continuing education courses, and be listed in the Microsoft Certified Master directory among other benefits.
Also Read: Top 11 Benefits of Learning SQL
Why Should You Learn SQL?
To get a job, a certification isn’t required. Database administrators, data warehousing specialists, business intelligence architects/developers, and software developers/engineers are all jobs that involve a fair amount of database work, so we ran a Burning Glass analysis to see how frequently SQL-related certifications appeared in job postings for those positions. We discovered that a statistically insignificant portion of those jobs required those certifications.
Having said that, certificates have some uses. First off, they help you stand out in a competitive market, especially for jobs with plenty of applicants. Second, they reassure employers who may be concerned that you lack the requisite skills and are helpful for people who are new to database work. Third, depending on how you bargain, you can frequently utilize credentials to get your existing company to increase your pay.
A certification is undoubtedly worthwhile looking into if you’re interested in database work (and structured data in general) and want to work for a company that uses a specific type of SQL. Just keep in mind that the majority of SQL certifications call for an ongoing study to maintain your certification. It’s a recurring experience.
1. It Is Used by Everyone.
SQL proficiency is now a must for employment with major corporations. Every corporation, including Facebook, Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, has its database, and SQL is at the core of them all. But not just well-known companies are hiring. Every company uses data in some way, thus they need employees who are knowledgeable with SQL.
2. It’s In Demand.
If you want to work in data, you should focus on the skills that companies need.
You might be shocked to learn that, when it comes to employment opportunities involving data, SQL far outpaces other talents like Python, R, and machine learning in terms of demand.
3. It Pays Well.
Data analysts, according to research, make more money each year than is typical. A career in financial counseling or other high-paying fields can be accessed through continued education, specialization in SQL, and data analysis. Knowing SQL as a business owner can enable you to save costs and boost long-term revenue for your organization.
4. It Makes You More Prominent.
Companies favor applicants who list technical certificates on their applications. A training certificate raises the value of your resume to employers as well.
5. You Grow Your Business.
Companies depend on competent people because data is valuable. By demonstrating technical competence while dealing with organizational and customer databases, you promote yourself as a reliable asset to your present clients and business.
6. It Is An International Language.
Other programming languages like Python, JavaScript, C++, and several more are influenced by SQL. By learning SQL, you’re also establishing the groundwork for moving into other languages that are in demand right now.
7. SQL Is Adaptable.
Although it might change, the basics won’t change. An MS SQL certification makes sense if you decide to pursue a career in data sciences and analytics.
8. You feel successful.
Employers are attracted to you because of your great resume, a new skill, and good salary. Your work performance will improve as a result of all that certainty. Your extra efforts to hone your skills are noted by your employers as well.
Career Opportunities in SQL
SQL is the basis for all data analysis projects. Both an exploratory study and data cleaning and maintenance require SQL. There is a growing need for SQL expertise because of the exponential development in data output.
SQL experts assist us in gaining insights from the data and in discovering lesser-known information about the data that is generated daily by a variety of operations.
SQL Server is the third most popular database out of all of them. There are millions of SQL Server databases available, and a large number of SQL specialists work constantly with SQL databases and servers. Data science, engineering, business intelligence professionals, and SQL Server database administration and development are all viable career pathways for SQL.
1. SQL Server Developer
These experts are in charge of creating server-side queries and programs. They guarantee that the server is operational around-the-clock. They keep an eye on the server and are in charge of resolving any problems that may occur.
2. Software Developer
Software is written and maintained by software engineers. In full-stack developments as well as all other kinds, SQL is crucial. The language used to manage and execute database queries is SQL.
3. .Net Developer
Data is rapidly emerging as one of the most significant components of growth, and .NET is not an exception. NET developers should know about both SQL and NoSQL databases.
4. Big Data Engineer
These experts work with enormous amounts of data. They derive insights from the data and send them to the quality team, who will address the benefits and drawbacks of the outcome.
5. BI Reporting Engineer
Using Power BI, Reporting Services, Excel, or other technologies, the reporting engineer creates and automates the delivery of numerous reports.
Strong query performance skills are essential for reporting engineering, especially when working with large amounts of data.
6. BI Solution Architect (SME)
These experts are in charge of offering remedies for a specific company issue. These answers are discovered through the use of technologies like SQL and others to analyze data from diverse sources.
7. Quality Assurance Analyst
Professionals in quality assurance make sure that the product is created to industry standards and sent to market. They utilize SQL queries to select data at random for this and run checks on it to make sure the quality is upheld throughout production and delivery.
8. Senior Oracle Database Administrator
The ability to access and use the database is controlled by database administrators. They look after the database and make sure that there are no active proxies.
9. Quality Assurance Tester
Testing the quality parameters periodically is the job of the quality assurance tester. Testers assist us in ensuring that products of industry-standard reach the market. SQL queries are used to compile random data.
10. Azure/AWS Expert
These experts deal with Azure and Amazon Web Services. In the area of software development and deployment, AWS and Azure are the most well-known Cloud services. AWS and Azure both house SQL Servers. We also need solid expertise in all of these cloud technologies to handle these.
11. Analytics Managers
These experts oversee the BI Analytics or data and are in charge of maintaining the team’s efficiency.
12. BI Developer
These experts are in charge of creating scalable, deliverable solutions with BI. They are in charge of creating solutions that can be delivered to the client and used in the sector.
13. SQL Server Writer
These experts are in charge of creating and updating blogs, and documentation, and mentoring junior SQL engineers.
14. Microsoft Certified Trainer/Trainer
These experts instruct and train newcomers in the field of SQL. After passing a certification test, Microsoft certified them to teach SQL to a new group of developers.
15. Business Analyst
This industry experienced a boom a few years ago, and today practically every company has a fully functional department dedicated to it.
Business analysts must comprehend and assess the advantages and disadvantages of the company. and then assist in finding answers to any issues that emerge after the examination.
Also Read: How to connect your Linux Web Application to a SQL database via Private Endpoint
How to get SQL Certification?
You must pass a test and/or have the necessary work experience to obtain a Microsoft SQL certification. Microsoft or a third-party test provider may also charge you money.
The MTA: Database exam will test your knowledge of fundamental database concepts and object creation, data manipulation, data administration, and data storage. The MTA: Developer exam covers basic programming principles, object-oriented programming, software development, online applications, desktop applications, and databases. You will be examined on data storage, server installation, server roles, Active Directory, performance management, and server maintenance on the MTA: IT Infrastructure exam.
The MCSA: Database Development exam measures your proficiency with Transact-SQL data queries and SQL database creation. On the MCSA: Database Administration exam, you’ll be assessed on managing a SQL database infrastructure and establishing SQL databases. The MCSA: Business Intelligence Exam covers subjects like building SQL data models and setting up a SQL data warehouse.
To be qualified to take the MCSE exam, you must have previously earned an MCSA: Database Development, Database Administration, or Business Intelligence Designation.
Your abilities in a wide range of areas, such as developing data solutions at the organizational level and utilizing business intelligence data in both hardwired and cloud-based contexts, will be put to the test.
If you don’t pass an exam, you can take it again, but you have to wait at least 24 hours. There are fees associated with retaking a certification exam as often as necessary.
SQL Certifications for Professionals to Advance Your Career
One of the key competencies among technical experts utilized for database queries is Structured Query Language or SQL for short. A certification program, however, can help you advance your profession and increase your chances of success.
For exposure to and knowledge of SQL, one might enroll in one of the basic through expert-level courses. The goal is to study important database concepts, in-depth data analysis, database architecture, and business intelligence during a two- to six-month period.
Data analysts, database administrators, back-end developers, mobile app developers, machine learning professionals, and data scientists are just a few of the other abilities that SQL can help build. SQL can readily interface with databases with technological uses.
1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals
If you want to master cloud data, Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals is an excellent place to start. Introducing the fundamentals of key data concepts including big data, non-relational data, relational data, and analytics, .aids in the development of a solid foundation. The objective is to guarantee that the professional can have a fundamental comprehension of data jobs, functions, and obligations while obtaining certification to obtain the right work.
Your career will get a boost and you’ll have access to technical prospects involving Azure with the help of the certification. To strengthen Azure role-based certifications like Azure Data Engineer Associate, Database Administrator Associate, and Azure Developer Associate, to mention a few, it is possible to learn the fundamentals of data. Knowledge of Azure’s fundamentals can be verified via the course.
2. AWS Certified Database – Specialty
Start your AWS education with the best AWS Certified Database – Specialty, and get ready for the test. The certificate aids employers in finding employees with the necessary abilities to support cloud initiative implementation. AWS Certified Database candidates are capable of designing, advising, and maintaining an ideal database for enterprises. With a 300 USD charge and additional costs, the exam can be taken in 180 minutes.
There are 65 multiple-choice or multiple-response questions in it.
The passing score and exam material overview, along with other details, depending on obtaining an AWS Certified Database.
3. Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate
With an Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate working on an Oracle Database server, you can gain a basic understanding of basic SQL concepts. The certification aids candidates in acquiring practical expertise in data control language and data definition language as well as updating, adding, removing, and querying statements. To receive the certificate, students must sit for and pass the Oracle Database SQL test with a score of 63%.
4. Teradata Certification
Obtain a Teradata Certification to study SQL at all levels, from novice to expert. It provides candidates with in-depth knowledge of Teradata Vantage, including features and capabilities of machine learning, advanced SQL, and graph engines. For all levels of specialists, it is best to educate themselves on how to demonstrate digital badging and increase competitive advantage. It provides improved employment opportunities, raises in pay, and market recognition, assisting individuals in moving up the career ladder. Candidates have access to two Vantage certification tracks, and those who already hold Teradata 14 certification can easily skip several of the Vantage 1 track tests.
5. Database Administrator, Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 8.0
It is best to pass MySQL 8.0 Database Administrator Exam Number: 1Z0-908 if you want to become an Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 8.0 Database Administrator. Candidates can concentrate on acquiring the necessary MySQL architectural expertise. It aids in evaluating the extensive expertise of specialists, including MySQL database maintenance, monitoring, and security.
It is also feasible to make a demonstration employing high availability approaches, backup implementation, query performance optimization, and recovery techniques. To obtain the qualifications of Oracle Certified Professionals, candidates must pass a 30-minute exam.
6. W3Schools SQL Certificate
The W3Schools online certification program is ideal for assisting you in developing a profession while balancing it with your personal life. Candidates must receive a score of 75% to complete the 70-question, 70-minute W3Schools SQL certification exam. It includes multiple-choice questions for which one must prepare.
It enhances the value of candidates’ LinkedIn profiles, resumes, CVs, and other documents. By paying a set cost, candidates may take online tests at any time and from any location. The goal is to jump-start your career and enable you to succeed in the market.
7. Postgres Certifications
Obtain professional and associate-level certification for the EDB and PostgreSQL products. Candidates for Postgres Certifications and courses can take one-hour multiple-choice tests, and they must receive a passing grade of 80% or higher to receive a badge and a certificate. Understanding how to maintain, deploy, monitor, and set up databases can be accomplished with the aid of EDB associate and professional certifications.
Candidates who are proficient in PostgreSQL open-source can also pursue PostgreSQL associate certification. Replication, database benchmarking, database optimization, and high-availability systems are all covered by the PostgreSQL professional certification. To obtain the certificate, knowledge of the PostgreSQL tools is necessary.
SQL Certifications: Advanced Knowledge
Microsoft SQL Server 2016 is a cloud-based database with cutting-edge intelligence features. It has revolutionary features for applications that are mission-critical and blends operational analytics and in-memory performance.
The extensive security features of Microsoft SQL Server enable the protection of data when it is in motion and at rest.
With SQL 2016, businesses benefit from some tools and add-ons for data warehousing, business intelligence, and other types of data-driven applications. This is possibly the reason why each level of SQL certification offers a variety of credentials about databases.
In addition to sophisticated capabilities that go beyond business intelligence, organizations can gain deeper insights into their data. They may generate rich business insights on any device and do advanced analyses right within their database.
The hyper-scale cloud, which enables stretching all transactional data to Microsoft Azure to promote easy access regardless of size, can be advantageous for businesses. In addition, SQL Server offers a hybrid cloud database platform for creating solutions that span on-premises and the cloud.
Businesses rely on experts who understand how to use Microsoft SQL Server to drive hybrid cloud strategy and deliver mission-critical performance to get the most out of this technological solution. They require managers of business operations to be Microsoft certified.
A candidate can become a certified SQL Server Professional with the aid of SQL server training and certification. To support Windows Server 2016 and Microsoft SQL Server 2016, Microsoft offers a variety of certifications. In September 2016, Microsoft made significant modifications to its certification program, including five new certificates.
FINAL WORDS:
Using straightforward queries, SQL has evolved into a universal programming language that can support database monitoring and tracking. The intention is to guarantee that programmers or other experts can troubleshoot and address any difficulties.
It helps developers become more marketable, grasp RDBMS better, and make more money.
The Microsoft SQL Server database is among the most well-known. There are no signs that the advancement of SQL Server Machine Learning and Big Data Clusters Services will slow down.
Thanks to our training, you will become more knowledgeable about and proficient with Microsoft SQL Server. Create reliable databases, become familiar with SQL queries, create scalable Transact-SQL apps, grasp the principles of data warehousing, and create unique BI – Business Intelligence solutions for a more fantastic insight into data to make more wise business decisions.
Microsoft SQL Server technical training and knowledge are provided in-depth by Microtek Learning. It aids with the understanding of every element of the SQL Server database management system for both enterprises and individuals. If you want to learn more about building, managing, analyzing, or developing databases, or if you’re preparing to take the Microsoft SQL certification test for the MCSA in data platform, our comprehensive Microsoft SQL training courses can help you achieve your objective.
Microtek Learning provides fundamental to advanced SQL Server training in addition to assisting people in learning more about MS SQL training. Additionally, they can use it to transfer databases to the cloud and perform a range of database operations. It guides different types of databases, client interfaces, and SQL architecture.
Because all of our instructors are Microsoft certified, professionals can be confident that they will receive the best Microsoft SQL certification training to enhance their careers and create credibility. Our SQL Server 2016 Training course offers significant advantages to large corporations and organizations. Microtek Learning provides a wide range of Microsoft SQL certifications at the foundational, intermediate, and expert levels.
Students can study lessons on comprehending trigger ideas and data change using T-SQL. Our technical SQL Server certification training covers all the fundamentals, such as ensuring data integrity, optimizing database objects, and restoring and restoring databases. Obtaining SQL Server 2017 certification demonstrates the capacity to effectively implement and develop a strategy to realize the advantages of the SQL Server certification.