SQL Certifications FAQs

Certifications are a way to validate your skills and prove knowledge of and experience with a certain technology. It is important to note that certifications on their own are not worth much. It is always better to use certifications to complement your real-world experience. In many cases it is much easier to prepare for and pass a certification exam after at least a year of hands-on experience with a certain technology.

Every vendor has their own SQL-related certifications. Therefore, it is easier to answer if we group the available certifications by vendor.

Currently Microsoft offers the following certifications: DP-300 Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate, DP-700 Microsoft Certified: Fabric Data Engineer Associate, DP-800 Microsoft Certified: SQL AI Developer Associate (beta), and DP-900 Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals.

This is the core SQL Server related exam. It covers everything related to administering an SQL Server database infrastructure for cloud, on-premises and hybrid relational databases using the Microsoft PaaS relational database offerings. Access the DP-300 Administering Microsoft Azure SQL Solutions Study Guide.

The certification focuses on MS Fabric for data loading patterns, data architecture, and orchestration processes. Candidates should be skilled at manipulating and transforming data by using Structured Query Language. Find the Study Guide for Exam DP-700 here and FAQs here.

Candidates for this certification, should be adept at building AI‑enabled database solutions across Microsoft SQL platforms, integrating AI features, applying T‑SQL and CI/CD practices, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to deliver secure, scalable, high‑performance data solutions. Here is the Study Guide for Exam DP-800: Developing AI-Enabled Database Solutions

This certification is an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of core data concepts and related Microsoft Azure data services. Candidates for this exam should have familiarity with the concepts of relational and non-relational data as well as distinct types of data workloads such as transactional or analytical. DP-900 Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals Exam Study Guide is available here.

AWS has the DEA-C01 AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate certification.

The AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate exam validates a candidate’s ability to implement data pipelines and to monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize cost and performance issues in accordance with best practices. The certification is not primarily focused on SQL; however, it requires knowledge of the AWS RDS service. Associate Exam Guide (DEA-C01).

Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate is Oracle’s core SQL certification.

The certification demonstrates your understanding of fundamental SQL concepts needed to undertake any database project. Passing the exam illustrates depth of knowledge of SQL and its use when working with the Oracle Database server. Earn the Oracle Database SQL Associate Credential.