Employers often hire certified SQL developers who can effectively create or optimise SQL queries, design and implement data models. Candidates can pursue a certification course to improve their programming and database knowledge. Learning about such certifications can help you advance your career in software development. In this article, we provide a list of SQL developer certification programmes and discuss some tips to help you use a certification during the job search process.
What is an SQL developer certification?
An SQL developer certification allows candidates to develop skills and knowledge in the field of SQL development. Several organisations offer certification programmes for different levels of SQL development. It can be a great way to enhance your career prospects and explore various job opportunities with better salaries and benefits. Having an extra certification on your resume can demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to the field of development. You can select a certification based on your career goals, interests and job requirements.
5 SQL developer certifications to earn
Here are a few certifications related to SQL development that you can gain depending on your long and short-term career goals:
- Microsoft certified: azure data fundamentals
This certification course can be a good option for candidates who want to work with data on the cloud. During this course, you can develop skills and knowledge to work with relational and non-relational data and the cloud. This SQL certification covers numerous topics such as data storage options, data modelling, power BI reports, data deployment, AI models and data analytics in Azure. It allows you to gain a better understanding of core data concepts, analytics workload on Azure and other Azure data services. Candidates may require a basic knowledge of SQL and data to enrol in this certification course.
- Oracle database SQL certified associate
Having this certification in your portfolio is an indication that you are familiar with the core SQL concepts. SQL developers with this certification can handle various database projects working on Oracle database servers. With this certification, you can also apply for entry-level SQL developer job roles. It covers a variety of topics such as introduction to SQL, restricting and sorting data, statements and tables, conversion, single-row or group functions and data dictionaries. Candidates who wish to gather practical knowledge and expertise in SQL and improve their ability to work with Oracle databases may consider acquiring this certification. Candidates with basic knowledge and understanding of SQL and Oracle database architecture and administration can apply for this certificate.
- IBM certified database administrator
This certification can allow employers to determine the skills and expertise of candidates in administering and managing IBM databases. It covers various important topics such as physical design, performance of databases, security and data management. Candidates who want to work in the field of designing, implementing and managing DB2 databases may apply for this certification. During this course, you can learn various methods and practices for managing database configurations. The knowledge gained through this certification may also help SQL developers perform their day-to-day duties and responsibilities. You can learn about different tools and techniques for monitoring and managing, database performance, storage spaces, disaster recovery solutions and other core concepts of SQL.
- Cloudera certified SQL developer
This SQL development certification from Cloudera can be a great way to learn and develop the skills required to write SQL queries for data analysis. Some important topics covered in this course are data ingestion, data transformation, data troubleshooting, data analysis and performance optimisation. You learn about various tools and methods for importing, exporting, creating, inserting and querying data. This certification demonstrates that the SQL developer has knowledge and expertise for diagnosing and troubleshooting issues and errors related to data analysis, transformation and ingestion. Before pursuing this course, understanding SQL and its basic concepts such as joins, subqueries and data manipulation can be helpful. Getting familiar with various Cloudera tools and technologies such as Pig, Hive and Impala can help in learning and understanding the topics in an easier way.
- Amazon web services (AWS) certified database
This certification can help you demonstrate your skills and ability to design, deploy and manage SQL-based AWS database solutions. Once you achieve this certification, you can join the AWS-certified global community and connect with other like-minded individuals. It allows you to build your network and receive the right guidance to become an SQL developer. You can also get a badge to highlight your certification status. This badge allows candidates to get exclusive access to AWS events or conferences.
- Oracle certified professional, MySQL 5.7 database administrator certification
This certification by Oracle can improve the credibility of your resume. Candidates interested in developing software and applications with MySQL database servers can pursue this course. It can help you improve multiple skills including security, speed, replication, and optimisation. Candidates skilled in MySQL 5, MySQL server and performance tuning can apply for this certification. In addition, you may also require some experience in performing database backups, protecting MySQL databases and setting up replication and security. This certification course allows you to apply to organisations that use MySQL products.
- Udemy – The complete SQL bootcamp
This certification programme by Udemy allows candidates to learn how to use SQL to perform data analysis and query a database. This course covers the basics of SQL syntax, common SQL JOIN commands, PostgreSQL or PgAdmin and databases with constraints on data entries. By enrolling in the programme, you can improve your SQL and data analysis skills. Many candidates pursue this course to write complex queries to a database using PostgreSQL.
- Coursera – managing big data with MySQL
With the help of this online certification, you can learn effective ways to use relational databases in business analysis. This course focuses on various skills such as SQL, teradata, MySQL and data analysis. In addition, it can also help you improve your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Many candidates pursue this course to improve their portfolio of queries for potential job opportunities.
Tips to use SQL development certifications
Here are some effective tips you can consider to use your SQL development certification:
Add certification on your resume
Highlighting a certification on your resume can be a great way to present your SQL development skills during the job search process. While mentioning a certification, make sure to input all the important information such as the name of the university, the date of certification issue and your grades or marks. It can prove that you are able to handle the day-to-day responsibilities of an SQL developer.
Apply for promotions
SQL developers can improve their existing skills or learn new ones by pursuing a relevant certification. You can set a career goal and determine the skills you want to improve. After achieving a certification, you can apply for promotions in the same organisation. You can also explore relevant job opportunities with better salaries. Many candidates use their certifications to prove the values they can contribute to the company.
Network with others
Earning an SQL development certification allows you to connect with seniors and experienced developers in the industry and learn from them. Several certification programmes allow you to get in touch with other developers, share knowledge and explore various job prospects. You can also connect with different clients and understand common database requirements. SQL developers who want to work as a freelancer can use their certification to increase their client base. By verifying the certification, the client can be more confident about hiring you. Certifications allow you to advertise your development services and promote your business.
- EDB certified professional – PostgreSQL 12
Candidates applying for the role of SQL developer can pursue this certification by EnterpriseDB. It allows you to improve your knowledge of PostgreSQL database administration. By earning this certification, you can learn effective strategies to reduce risk and manage database responsibilities. Many candidates pursue this course to learn about SQL tuning, extension modules, connection pooling and WAL archiving. Candidates with an EDB associate – PostgreSQL 12 certification can pursue this course. Consider acquiring it if you wish to gather practical knowledge and expertise in PostgreSQL open source databases.
Tips to choose the right SQL certification
Here are some effective tips to select the right SQL certification for you:
Determine your career goals
Consider determining your career goals before deciding which certification to pursue. Candidates with a goal to improve their skills can pursue a certification course that provides the basics of SQL. If your goal is to advance in your career, consider pursuing a course that provides industry-wide recognition. Employed SQL developers can get a company-specific certificate to improve their knowledge.
Learn about the certification
Before enrolling in a certification course, invest your time in learning about it. Research and know about the provider and its reputation in your field. It can help you determine if the certification can help you advance in your career. Consider pursuing a certification relevant to the job role. Employers may prefer hiring candidates with a recognised SQL certification.
Check the cost of certification
Consider comparing the costs of different certification courses. You can check if the provider offers different payment plans, discounts and scholarships. It can help you pursue a certification within your budget.
Review the syllabus
Checking the curriculum can be helpful before enrolling in a certification programme. It can help you review if the course contains all the important topics related to SQL development. In addition, you can also check if the certification curriculum is up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.
Consider your experience
Candidates can benefit from pursuing certifications depending on their SQL experience. Many providers offer different certifications for beginner, intermediate and expert SQL developers. You can also check if the certification can help you improve your existing skills.
