Database certifications are valuable credentials that allow you to demonstrate specialized knowledge of vendor-specific and open source databases, as well as continuously develop your professional careers. A database certification can give a user the ability to use skills relevant to database jobs, including how to perform queries, SQL statements, create databases, and run stored procedures on DB2, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and Netezza, to name a few.
These are 10 of the top database certifications you can earn right now, along with the different skills they signal to a recruiter or interviewer.
| Certification | Skills Acquired | Requirements | Duration | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft DP-300 Exam |
Building database solutions for SQL server on-premises Azure SQL services |
None | Two hours (40-60 questions) | Remote & testing centers | $165 |
| Google Cloud’s Professional Data Engineer | Big Data and Machine Learning models | None | Two hours | Online & on-site | $200 |
| MongoDB Database Administrator | Data system programming and database software development | None | 90 minutes (60 questions) | Online | $150 |
| Meta Database Engineer Professional Certificate | Optimizing databases and writing database-driven applications in Python | None | Self-paced | Online | $49 per month |
| Oracle Certified Professional, Oracle Database 19c | Oracle data guard concepts and creating disaster recovery solutions |
Four to five years Database Administration Two to three years Data Guard |
Two hours | Online & at Pearson VUE testing center | $245 |
| EnterpriseDB’s Postgres Certification Program | Database administration, benchmarking, and replication |
Completion of associate exam and advanced PostgreSQL course | One hour | Online | $200 |
| IBM Certified Administrator – Db2 12 for z/OS | Database design and implementation | Passed exam C1000-078: IBM Db2 12 for z/OS Administrator | 90 minutes | Online | $200 |
| SAP Certified Application Associate, Reporting, Modeling, And Data Acquisition With SAP BW/4HANA 2.X | Modeling, data acquisition and query design with SAP BW/4HANA | None | Three hours (89 questions) | Online |
$217 for one attempt $543 for six attempts |
| Teradata Vantage Administrator Exam | Advanced SQL Engine | None | 105 minutes | Online or at a Pearson VUE testing location | $299 |
| Certified Data Professional (CDP) | Specialize in an area of interest within the data field | Up to five years of field experience | 90 minutes | Online or at a Pearson VUE testing location | $250 |
Best For Cloud
The Microsoft DP-300 exam is a baseline accreditation designed to teach the fundamentals of database knowledge. This course is intended to train students in how to use Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing service and culminates in the Microsoft DP-300 exam.
Visit Microsoft LearnA practice assessment for Microsoft’s DP-300 exam. Source: Microsoft
Designed for professionals who manage on-premises and cloud databases, this exam validates subject matter expertise building database solutions designed for SQL Server and Azure SQL services. While there are limitless innovations for cloud-native applications, having this certification provides an edge for database administrators who want to master the implementation and management of cloud-native and hybrid data platform solutions.
The Microsoft DP-300 Exam: Administering Relational Databases on Microsoft Azure will teach about Microsoft Azure, as well as how to do the following:
There are no prerequisites for the DP-300 exam, but the Azure Fundamentals certification recommends baseline knowledge that will make the exam easier.
Length of Exam: Two hours, 40-60 questions
Location: The exam can be taken at a remote location or a testing center.
Cost: $165
Practice tests are available on Microsoft’s website, or you can check out this practice exam.
Best For Machine Learning
Google Cloud’s Professional Data Engineers build systems that allow users to make data-driven decisions by collecting, transforming, and publishing data. Google Cloud’s Professional Data Engineer certification qualifies you to leverage, deploy, and continuously train pre-existing machine learning models.
Visit Google CloudGoogle Cloud’s certifications don’t just validate your skills in the latest cloud technologies and machine learning—they also help you advance professionally with benefits such as digital badges, exclusive tools, and network building through the Google Cloud Certified Community. Users can also follow the Machine Learning Engineering learning path to prepare for the exam through online training, in-person classes, hands-on labs, and a wealth of learning resources.
The Google Cloud’s certification will teach many skills to whoever completes it, including:
There are no prerequisites, but Google Cloud recommends three years of industry experience and one year of using Google Cloud.
Length of Exam: Two hours
Location: The online-proctored exam can be taken from a remote location, or the onsite-proctored exam can be taken at a testing center.
Cost: $200
Google Cloud’s Professional Data Engineer also has a certification guide.
Best For Beginners
MongoDB is often the go-to database choice for teams that need a NoSQL or non-relational database. It’s not the most commonly used database, but it’s employed frequently enough that a MongoDB certification can make a database administrator’s skills stand out.
Visit MongoDBMongoDB offers MongoDB Developer and MongoDB Database Administrators, which are platform-specific certifications relevant for database professionals. These certifications help beginners learn the basics of building, supporting, and securing a MongoDB database, as well as collaborating with a large number of teams. Users who support rapid iterative developments and have plans to scale their data repositories would find these certifications valuable.
The certification will teach many skills to beginners in the field. This includes:
The Database Administrator course has no prerequisites.
Length of Exam: 90 minutes, 60 questions
Location: A user can take the online-proctored exam.
Cost: $150
Try out this practice test to prepare for the DBA exam.
Best For Applications
Meta Database Engineer Professional Certification will give students the key skills required to create and manage databases using industry-standard programming languages. It will also certify them on the use of software such as SQL, Python, and Django used to support outstanding websites and apps like Facebook, Instagram, and more.
Visit CourseraDatabase professionals who are interested in becoming data engineers would find this certificate indispensable with its in-depth courses, real-world projects, and affordable pricing. Its comprehensive curriculum and hands-on approach offer a strong foundation in SQL and Python syntax, which are the backbones of modern database engineering. You can also learn how to build databases from scratch, a valuable skill for professionals venturing into this field.
The Meta certification will teach the following:
There are no requirements.
Length of Exam: Self-paced
Location: You can take the exam online.
Cost: From $49 per month
Best For Administrators
The Oracle Certified Professional, Oracle Database 19c: Data Guard Administrator certification is for database systems administrators with responsibility for disaster recovery. The certification challenges students on their knowledge and increases their value in the marketplace.
Visit OracleWIth this certification, administrators will gain skills and in-depth knowledge on Oracle Data Guard concepts, configuration, management, optimization and monitoring, data protection, high availability (HA) solutions, and disaster recovery. Passing this exam certifies that you have the capacity to create an HA or disaster recovery solution for an Oracle Database ecosystem, showing your advanced database skills and increasing your value in the marketplace.
The certification teaches the following skills:
You’ll need to complete one of several Oracle Database courses and have four to five years of Database Administration as well as two to three years of Data Guard experience.
Length of Exam: Two hours
Location: The exam can be taken online or at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Cost: $245
Learn more about database administrators and their work by reading our Guide to Database Management.
Best For Postgres
Since Postgres is open source, there are no certificates available directly from the PostgreSQL development team. The only option for a Postgres certificate is this third-party certification program offered by EnterpriseDB.
Visit EnterpriseDBEnterpriseDB training is delivered by Postgres experts who have hands-on and real-world experience managing databases. Possessing a certification from EDB affirms your Postgres skills, giving you an edge in today’s competitive enterprise environment. EDB Postgres also offers world-class training that suits your needs, whether it is on-demand (self-paced eLearning), classroom, role-based, live online, or customized training.
The certification will teach the following skills:
There are no prerequisites for the associate certificate. The professional certification requires the completion of the associate exam and Advanced PostgreSQL course.
Length of Exam: One hour
Location: The exam is conducted online.
Cost: $200
Best For Advanced Users
An IBM Certified Administrator on IBM Db2 12 for z/OS is the lead database administrator for the Db2 product on the z/OS operating system. Completing the certification shows you are capable of performing intermediate to advanced tasks related to database design and implementation.
Visit IBMThis certification is beneficial for users who are capable of performing intermediate to advanced tasks for a lead database administrator position. It affirms that the successful candidate has significant experience as an administrator and has extensive knowledge of Db2, up to and including Db2 12 for z/OS Function Level 506. Possessing this certification shows that you have the essential skills for planning, installing, and securing DB2 for z/OS environments.
The certification will teach the following skills:
You are required to have passed Exam C1000-078: IBM Db2 12 for z/OS Administrator to qualify for this certification.
Length of Exam: 90 minutes, 60 questions
Location: The exam is conducted online.
Cost: $200
Learn more about the current and future landscape for professionals working in the field of database administration: 5 Trends in the Database Job Market.
Best For SAP HANA
SAP certification can be valuable for professionals working in this area—the company offers a wide variety of credentials, but only two are directly relevant to SAP HANA.
Visit SAPReceiving a certification from SAP validates that you possess the fundamental knowledge and necessary skills required for modeling, data acquisition, and query design with SAP BW/4HANA. This certification proves you have an overall understanding of and technical skills in SAP HANA, which can help you land a role in a project team or other entry-level positions relevant to this field.
The SAP Certified Application Associate certification will teach the following skills:
There are no prerequisites for the exam.
Length of Exam: 180 minutes, 80 questions
Location: The exam is conducted online.
Cost: $217 for one attempt; $543 for six attempts
Best For SQL
Teradata offers this course and exam for Vantage database administrators (DBAs).
Visit TeradataTeradata is a leading data analytics platform offering premier certifications for IT professionals. Successful completion of the exam establishes that you possess the skills and knowledge of a Vantage Administrator relevant to monitoring, performance and database management, user administration, and more. It also validates that you are an expert on SQL fundamentals, including extensions to ANSI/ISO SQL, SQL data definition, and data handling.
The certification will teach the following skills:
There are no prerequisites for the course or exam. However, Teradata recommends one to three years of hands-on experience with Vantage, two to three years of Vantage Administration experience, and at least one year of Vantage Administration on the cloud.
Length of Exam: 105 minutes
Location: The test can be taken remotely or at a Pearson VUE testing location.
Cost: $299
Check out this practice exam on the comprehensive SQL course on Teradata.
Best For Variety
The CDP is an update of the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP). This applicable credential from The Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) allows you to specialize in an area of interest within the data field.
Visit ICCPThe ICCP is an established organization staying up to date with current subject matter experts in the data management and computing industries. Its CDP certification uses the latest industry scenario questions, ensuring that your knowledge and professional competency are evaluated properly. Data professionals can specialize in several areas; ICCP offers certifications for various fields that can be provided at five levels, from Foundation to Executive.
The CDP certification will teach the following skills:
Depending on the level of certification, you may need up to five years of experience in the field.
Length of Exam: 90 minutes
Location: The test can be taken remotely or at a Pearson VUE testing location.
Cost: From $250 to $4,500.
Read about Database Trends to learn more about the future of database administration.
Database administrators and professionals can earn various certifications throughout their careers. While some of these credentials are optional, certification programs can help in developing skills and advancing your career.
If you work in the IT industry—specifically database management—a certification can enhance your credibility and offer more job opportunities, making it a potentially profitable investment. A database certification is likely worth the investment in the following cases.
Evaluate the job market and determine which certifications are in demand, including cost, training fees, materials, types of examination, and prerequisites.
Weigh the cost and time you’ll spend getting the certification against the potential career advancement and salary increase.
Certifications that provide the right balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience through internships, practical exams, and special projects will offer good value for your time and money.
When considering a certification, assess your long-term career goals and find a learning path that will provide a solid foundation to help you master your chosen database management system.
Your certification’s learning path should match your own learning style and the time you’re willing to spend preparing for exams. A good certification program also offers different modes of learning, such as online, in-person, or hybrid.
Deciding to pursue a database certification depends on your industry demand, your long-term career goals, resources, and motivation. Before spending time and money on a certification program, conduct your own research, talk to professionals in your field, and assess the pros and cons of signing up for a course or examination.
Finding the right database certification can be a challenging task, especially if you’re spending a huge amount of time and resources. Here are several things to consider when choosing a database certification program:
Database professionals are in high demand right now, particularly those familiar with multiple databases. One or more certifications can help DBAs or students demonstrate their experience and stand out from other candidates.If you’re planning to apply for career opportunities post-certification, see our list of the top companies hiring for database jobs to find the best employers in this field.
A database certification is a great add-on to a resume that lets you improve your skills and continue to develop professionally. Before deciding on which certification program to take, use our list to assess which certifications fit your career goals, consult other database professionals, or sign up for free courses to gauge your knowledge.
If you’d like to complement your certification with practical skills, see our review of the top database management software and tools.
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