Best SQL Server Certification Path to Boost Your IT Career and Salary

Business intelligence and big data are the driving forces behind corporate growth in 2021. One key area that companies need expertise in is the management of relational database systems. SQL or Structured Query Language is the best tool in this area, and certification in SQL database management can help you with your career and salary. A certificate will prove to your employers that you can manage and take care of complex databases, making you a very valuable asset to the organization. Here are the best SQL certification courses in 2021.

Top 6 SQL Training & Certification Courses Online

Here’s a list of the 6 most highly recommended and valuable SQL certification courses that you can take and complete online. These will prepare you for the skill of database management, and you can work in tandem with analysts, data scientists, and more professionals.

#1 Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) in Database Fundamentals for Foundation

If you have absolutely no expertise in databases at all, then you should consider doing the MTA course in database fundamentals. This is a foundational course that will give you a lot of valuable info and prepare you for more advanced certificates. This is a great SQL online course.

#2 Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) in SQL 2016 Database Administration

It is no surprise that Microsoft is one of the leaders in the field of SQL training and education. Their MCSA course is the perfect choice for entry-level professionals who are well-versed in basic IT skills. This MCSA certificate will qualify you for a position as an infrastructure expert.

#3 Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) in SQL 2016 Business Intelligence Development

If you are interested in the realm of business intelligence, analytics, and SQL, then this MCSA certificate will be very helpful for you. This certificate will judge your ability to create and work with a SQL data warehouse. You’ll also learn how to develop complex SQL data models.

#4 Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) in SQL Data Management & Analytics

If you want to go beyond the MCSA certificate, then you should look into the MCSE certificate and course offered by Microsoft. This is a high-level certificate that will qualify you for a role as a database analyst, designer, and business intelligence expert. This is a very respected accolade.

#5 SQL – MySQL for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence on Udemy

Conducted by 365 Careers, the MySQL for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence is one of the most famous and bestselling self-paced courses on Udemy. It is a great place to start if you’re interested in upskilling – they have a bunch of amazing courses and their content is just great!

#6 Oracle Database Foundations Exam Number 1Z0-006 Conducted By Oracle University

If you want to work with something other than Microsoft SQL, you can try out the Oracle Database. This is one of the most valuable database management systems you can learn and the SQL course by Oracle University is one of the best online courses you can find.

Benefits of a Career as a Database Specialist or Administrator

Here are some of the primary benefits that you will be able to enjoy if you get an SQL certificate from a source like Microsoft, Udemy, or Oracle University.

Career Advancements & Additional Responsibility

If you want your IT career to advance and if you want to take on additional responsibilities, then you have to give serious thought to certifications. The right SQL certificates can help you to land the position of your dreams – improving your productivity and job satisfaction. You prove to employers that you’re qualified for more responsibilities.

Improvements in Earning Opportunities

According to sources like Glassdoor, the average yearly salary of a simple SQL developer is $85,000 in the US. With experience and expertise, you can start to earn $100,000 and more in the course of a year. If you finish the MCSE course and get the certificate, you can start work as a database administrator. This has a starting yearly salary of $108,000.

Upskilling and Gaining Expertise in a Specific Niche

The right certificate course will also help you to gain expertise and experience in a specific niche such as business intelligence or big data. The MCSA course in business intelligence, for example, is a perfect example of an SQL certification course that will help you to upskill in a specific niche. You can combine your SQL skill with Python or MongoDB as well.

Summing Up

These have been the 6 best online SQL courses that you can take to improve your career and salary prospects. The MTA and the Udemy course is perfect for beginners. For advanced professionals, the Oracle University or MCSA courses are a better fit. For experienced workers who want to advance further, the MCSE certificate is the best fit.