How To Become SQL Certified Professional To Grow Your Career?

Saranya Mohan
JanBask Training
Published in
12 min readMay 5, 2020

Introduction

Handling large databases is a skill and database professionals who can manage complex databases are wider in demand across the global marketplace. Validating that you have the right set of skills for managing databases professionally, becoming the SQL certified professional is the wide choice to opt for, that can take your career to a way ahead.

The blog will give you enough information about the SQL certifications, why are they vital, which certification should you opt for, how to pass the certification exam and how to become SQL certified professional. Let us start the discussion with basics and dive deep into the topic SQL certification while moving ahead.

Why are SQL Certifications Vital?

Before resolving your query about “how to become SQL certified” or “how to get certified in SQL”, let’s learn why getting SQL certification is so vital. A reputed and proven SQL server certification is an important addition to the resume of an IT professional. Obtaining a valid certification not only illustrates that you have the appropriate SQL skills needed to handle complex database software, but it also helps employers to differentiate the employee’s caliber and let them hire the best suit for the position.

Moving ahead, we will let you know all the essentials of SQL certifications in detail to flourish professionally. Therefore, we will discuss the following points.

  • Three most important reasons to do SQL Certification.
  • Essential Factors to think about while selecting the SQL certification

Choosing the right certification is always important. Be it any profession, you can get the best out of your job responsibilities only by a relevant and effective certification. Once you know the reasons to do any course and its benefits, you get drawn towards it because you know that it is going to benefit you. Let’s know the reason why SQL certification is given high priority in the industry.

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3 Most Important Reasons to Become SQL Certified Professional

If you always think of how to get certified in SQL and have bigger goals for your professional development then choosing Microsoft SQL Server Certificate can be the best decision you can take for achieving the desired goals. Here are the reasons explaining why to become SQL certified.

1). Opens the gate to get higher salaries

According to a research, it has been revealed that an average database administrator can earn up to $90,000 yearly but if this professional adds a Microsoft SQL server certificate in his resume, then he can grab the hike of at least 10% on his past salary. Hence, you can easily get a job offering you a Six-Figure Salary, plus other additional bonuses and perks. Being a certified SQL professional, you can gain access to the best job offers in the entire industry.

2). You can be a part of future Innovation

Within the last decade, we have seen a huge difference in how the data management industry has grown at a rapid pace. Industry leaders like Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, etc. utilize SQL technology in a better way to predict the business’s future. With proper certification, you can gain a better understanding of underlying technologies, you can feel the improved efficiency in current operations, and have better security level than ever.

3). Shows your capabilities

If an individual is done with Microsoft SQL certification, it explains his/her extraordinary skills and other professional strengths. With respect to the rapidly changing and evolving IT industry, having a certification like this can make a huge difference and can give you plenty of options to grow professionally. Doing Microsoft SQL Server certification is quite a simple and effortless process, through which you can easily learn how to work with the SQL Language, how to design, setup and manage an SQL server.

Read: Most Popular SQL Server Performance Tuning Tips

Before you go ahead with the certification, there are many other factors that you should move towards.

Essential Factors to Think About While Selecting the SQL Certification

Knowledge of essential basics of SQL and database management is a must for clearing the exam, and it is better if candidates visit Microsoft’s website to know more about the exam format, past question papers, syllabus, and other details. Knowledge of MSBI would also be helpful. The Microsoft SQL Server certification is valid and respected throughout the world and hence, you can choose this certification without any hesitation.

A). Know your Purpose of Certification

Microsoft’s SQL Server certification is one of the best SQL certifications and is highly important throughout the IT industry because it is a widely-used database management system throughout the world. This MS SQL certification confirms the candidate’s capability of handling installation, configuration, along with the maintenance of the Microsoft SQL Server. Every professional that has MS SQL certification is seen as a beneficial source and is offered high salaries across the industry.

Read: What are Data Types and Their Usage in SQL Server Tables?

B). Accreditation Body

The IT giant Microsoft started this SQL certification with the aim of training efficient professionals for managing the huge amount of critical databases. Hence, it increases the individual’s skills and performance level to a great level. This course can actually equip the industry players with all necessary knowledge as well as experiences in order to help solve common life problems that are faced on day to day basis, by providing useful solutions to the complex business process.

C). Know Eligibility

There are no mandatory qualifications for SQL certifications. You have to register at the Microsoft website and choose the specific certification, you want to complete as per your interests. You should have the basic idea of database management, SQL concepts before you attempt for the exam. If you know MSBI then it can be an added benefit for you.

Read: Top 50 Informatica Interview Questions and Answers

See the Process to Get SQL certifications

Based on the level of the SQL certification, you have to follow the career path. Here are basic steps to becoming a certified SQL professional that can take your career to the next level.

  • Get a copy of SQL Server Express, that can easily be downloaded from the Microsoft website. This will help in training as well as learn different features, functions, etc. of the database.
  • Gear up and prepare for the exam. Once you have got the Express copy and have thoroughly gone through the training, you are all set to start studying for the exam with the help of textbooks, Microsoft documentation, and other sources.
  • Work harder, try to solve as many questions you can, let yourself grow more by leaving all the weaknesses behind.

Read: RDBMS Interview Questions

It is suggested by experts that every aspiring candidate for SQL certification should always be ready to keep evolving according to the industry need and should keep themselves updated with new upcoming technologies. The exam is in MCQ-format.

There is no ranking system in this certification and so candidates are declared a pass or a fail. One can appear in this exam in various languages. If a candidate is not able to pass the SQL Exam in the very first attempt, then there is no need to panic because it is quite common.

You can again appear for the retest and once you pass the exam, you will get the results along with the necessary feedback or suggestion on areas you can study further. It is, therefore, the key roles and responsibilities of every SQL certification holder to work hard and always maintain the on and off job disciplines to improve their careers. They should be capable enough to come up with new creative ideas to help the IT industry that is evolving continuously.

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What is the Best SQL Certification Program?

Skilled and knowledgeable database professionals are always in demand. Here are some of the best SQL certifications whose demand is very high in the IT market. These are:

Database technology is a crucial component of all applications and computing tasks. There is always a need for skilled database professionals in numerous database-related job roles. To get the depth idea of database certifications, it is recommended grouping them around job roles. Here are some popular job roles related to the database profile.

Read: SSRS Interview Questions & Answers For Experienced

  • Database Administrators
  • Database Developers
  • Database Designers
  • Database Architects
  • Data Analysts
  • Data Scientists
  • BI (Business Intelligence) Specialist
  • And Data warehouse specialists, etc.

To get into any of these profiles, it is necessary that you should have a basic understanding of the SQL profile. You can learn SQL either yourself or join the Oracle certification program online to learn the SQL concepts thoroughly.

When you are preparing for the certification exam, go through the training material in-depth and practice as many questions as you can. Try to gain industry-relevant skills and learn new technologies on time as they are announced in the market.

If you don’t clear the exam in the first attempt then don’t panic but prepare again and reattempt the exam. Once the exam is clear, start applying for jobs and don’t forget to share your learning experience with other learners who are waiting for your valuable feedback.

The major benefits of SQL certifications could be given as:

  • Make yourself more eligible for the position.
  • Make your employer more satisfied and happier.
  • Learn something new and improve the knowledge base.
  • Add skills to your resume for the next job
  • Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment.

Certifications are not only proof of your skills and knowledge but it makes you different from the crowd. To prepare for the SQL position, you should go through the top 100 SQL interview questions first and check which type of questions are usually asked by interviewers. Once you will go through these questions, you will be more confident about the interview and your chances of getting hired will also increase.

SQL certifications for Data Professionals

Data analysts and Data scientists are two different profiles sharing similar roles and responsibilities sometimes. When you are considering getting the SQL certification for data analyst or data scientist, it is necessary that you should know the difference between data science and data analyst profiles in detail. At the small level, both profiles are considered the same because they have to manage data in companies and driving meaningful insights from the data to make critical business decisions.

If you want to become a data scientist/analyst, the basic SQL knowledge is a must-have requirement for you. There are multiple SQL certifications available from different vendors like Microsoft, IBM, or Oracle, etc. A few popular considered suitable for data professionals are MCSA SQL server 2012, MCSE Data Platform, and MCSE BI Certification.

  • MCSA SQL server 2012: This certification proves your core skills in SQL server in different areas like relational databases, database administration, SQL warehouses, implementation of warehouses, etc. It is the starting point for database certifications.
  • MCSE Data Platform: This data platform certification requires a SQL server MCSA 2012 certification first that confirms the basic skills to develop and design robust database solutions.
  • MCSE BI Certification: This certification requires MCSA 2012 SQL server certification first that proves the basic knowledge in different areas like relational databases, database administration, SQL warehouses, implementation of warehouses, etc. Further, it makes you proficient in designing data models and effective BI solutions.

Read: All you need to know about SQL Cheat Sheet

SQL server certifications are considered highly important for Companies or recruiters, especially for the people who want to start their career in the SQL server domain. It is true that certified SQL professionals usually earn higher when compared to non-certified candidates.

I would recommend MCSE data platform certification for data analysts/scientists. You cannot apply for this certification directly but you have to go for MCSA SQL server 2012 certification first and gain basic SQL skills. After this, you can opt for MCSE data platform certification and learn to develop robust database solutions later.

The data analyst and data scientists are two different titles but their job objectives are the same. Data analysts are junior data scientists or we can say data analyst profile is converted to data scientist profile at the experienced level.

Read: MSBI Certification & Learning Path: My Success Story You Must Know

According to a survey, Data analyst/data scientist is the number one career choice for tech professionals in 2019 with an average salary of $131,046. Almost every Company needs Data professionals today with SQL knowledge who can manage data effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions For SQL Certifications

Is the SQL Training Enough?

When you are enrolled in a premier training institute whose course content is designed as per the certification exam, then you don’t have to go anywhere as it is easy to clear the exam with the training only. Don’t forget to add constant efforts and make a study plan of how you will move ahead along with the training. According to successful experts, the single-source study is not always enough and you have to study continuously to keep advancing. The fact is especially true in the case of technologies or you want to earn some higher-level certification.

Read: How to Get Your Career as an SSIS Developer Rolling?

What is the Exam Pattern?

If we talk about the exam format then it is available in MCQs format. There is no marking system but you will be declared as Pass or Fail. Questions may also appear outside the syllabus, so you have to prepare yourself accordingly. The best thing is that you can be given in a number of languages.

Can you reappear for the SQL certification exam?

You don’t have to panic even if you are not able to clear the exam in the first attempt. You can reappear for the exam within 14 days but there is a limit defined for reattempts. luckily, you don’t have to pay any extra penalty for the second or third attempt but the same fee as you paid for the first time.

Read: SQL Server Indexes-All You Need to Know

Salary of a Certified SQL Professional

On the successful completion of SQL certification, you can expect to earn $96K at the beginner level. As your skills-level will improve, the salary will also improve in the same ratio. Further, you will get a chance to work on multiple SQL domains.

Why should you join SQL Certification Course at JanBask Training?

The SQL course at JanBask Training is perfectly aligned with the certification exam. It will help you to clear the needed SQL certification in the first attempt and get chances to work with top leading MNCs.

Read: How to Use Alter, Drop, Rename, Aggregate Function in SQL Server?

If you have the basic knowledge of RDBMS then it can help you tremendously. The training will give you a chance to work on real-time projects and regular assignments. Industry experts will help you to settle down your doubts quickly and you can fast-track your career effortlessly.

On the completion of course, you will be awarded certification by JanBask Training according to the level of your project work. And our certification is widely recognized by top industries worldwide.

With this, we have managed to resolve your query of “how to get certified in SQL” or “how to become SQL certified” to help you effortlessly score your SQL server certification.

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Final Words

Certified data professionals usually get more attention as compared to non-certified candidates. So, what are you waiting for? If you are thinking of how to get certified in SQL, get trained and certified at JanBask Training now!

SQL is not a new topic that needs a discussion, but additional SQL certifications are a huge benefit for SQL professionals. Becoming an SQL certified professional can open plenty of gateways for you towards successful career growth. Reach us to get SQL certification for data analyst and other lucrative technical job options.

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Saranya Mohan
JanBask Training

Creative and performance-driven Social Media Analyst with 3+ years of exp. in conducting marketing research, analyzing data, & producing social media content.