What to Look for in a Database Certification
Database certifications aren’t all created equal. As a result, a few things to consider while selecting the best one for you.
First and foremost, you’ll need the appropriate certificate for the database you’re using. All major databases, including SQL, MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL, have certifications. Some certifications cover numerous databases, which might benefit your work with various systems.
It would help if you considered the components that make up the certification. Many certificates may require you to demonstrate one or more of the competencies listed below:
- Managing the data platform as well as the operational resources
- Performance duties are being optimized and automated
- Multiple architecture environments to manage
- Keeping the database safe
You might want to think about the expense of database certification. It may require several thousand dollars for some courses and credentials. As a result, you should think about whether the investment is worthwhile for your DBA career.
Finally, it would help to consider the certificate issuer’s reputation. For example, receiving it straight from Oracle may be the best option if you need a qualification for Oracle databases.
4 Leading Database Administrator Certifications
We’ve already discussed why database certification is essential and how to find the right one for you. Let’s look at four of the finest solutions for various databases, keeping those aspects in mind.
1. The Best SQL DBA Certificate: Azure Database Administrator Associate is a Microsoft certification.

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One of the most significant possibilities for SQL DBAs is the Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate certification. It’s a two-part certification demonstrating your knowledge of SQL and Microsoft Azure databases.
It’s an entry-level SQL certification that will allow you to work as a DBA. You’ll only need to pass one exam to get it. During the assessment, you’ll have to show that you can:
- Can use T-SQL for administrative chores.
- Make a High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HADR) environment and use it.
- It is appropriately allocating and utilizing data resources.
- Can automate tasks.
Although there is a charge for the exam, you can finish the training courses on the Microsoft website for free. As a result, you may quickly ensure that you possess the relevant skills.
You’ll receive an online certificate if you pass the test, which you can save and share with your new or potential employers. You’ll also receive a Microsoft Certified badge that you can display on social media sites like LinkedIn or your CV.
Price: Depending on the country you take the exam in, the exam costs roughly $165.
2. Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional is the best DBA certificate for Oracle.

© Oracle 2022
The Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional certification is a good option if you work with Oracle databases. It is a higher-level certificate that builds on the fundamentals taught in Oracle’s entry-level certifications.
Furthermore, the Oracle database certification is a prerequisite for the Certified Master certification. As a result, it might be a good fit for experienced DBAs wishing to advance to a senior administration position.
You must demonstrate the following competencies to get the Oracle Database 12c certification:
- Database administration skills in general
- Database backup solutions are being developed and used.
- Approaches to cloud computing
- Upgrades and installations
At least one advanced administration course from the Oracle University platform is required. These modules can be delivered remotely or in person, but no self-study options are available. After that, you’ll sit for the final exam to receive your certification.
You’ll get the relevant badge if you pass the exam. You can put it on the internet in places like your résumé or professional networks. You’ll also be able to print a certificate confirming your qualifications.
The exam will set you back $245.
3. PostgreSQL DBA Certification: Certified PostgreSQL DBA (CPSDBA)

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2022 POSTGRESQLCERT
PostgreSQL databases are open-source databases that are utilized by over 5000 businesses throughout the world. As a result, obtaining a PostgreSQL DBA certification could lead to various job prospects with large corporations.
The Certified PostgreSQL DBA (CPSDBA) is a vendor-neutral entry-level certification in PostgreSQL. As a result, you’ll learn how to manage database types independently of specific firms.
You’ll acquire and exhibit skills in the following areas during the course:
- The architecture of the system
- Database cluster management
- Fundamental database design and maintenance
- Data security and monitoring Database upkeep and improvements
- Topics on advanced personalization
The CPSDBA, unlike several other qualifications, has a rigid timetable. You must complete all four courses in four days to get the certificate. As a result, you may need to take some time off work to achieve this credential.
The total cost of the qualification is $1795.
4. Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 8.0 Database Administrator, is the best DBA certificate for MySQL.

© Oracle 2022
MySQL is the world’s second-most-used database management system. As a result, you’ll almost certainly need to use it during your DBA career. As a result, obtaining a MySQL database certification can help advance your career and open doors to new opportunities.
The Oracle Certified Professional MySQL 8.0 Database Administrator Certification is a stand-alone credential with a test. It exhibits expert knowledge of the MySQL 8.0 system.
To obtain this certificate, you must demonstrate the following abilities:
- Installation and configuration of the server
- Protocols for database security and defense against database attacks
- Processes and growth must be maintained and monitored.
- Query optimization in MySQL
- High-availability methods configuration
The Oracle University platform allows you to complete free training. To master the ideas, you’ll probably need practical experience from your work as a DBA.
You’ll then take the exam online. If you pass, you’ll get your certificate within 30 minutes after finishing the test. The certificate comes with an online badge that you can use to promote yourself on social media and in your professional life.
The exam will set you back $245.
Conclusion
Database certification can help prove that you’re a capable database administrator (DBA). Furthermore, a distinguished qualification may improve your career prospects or lead to a promotion within your company.
To summarize, the following are four of the most popular database certifications for DBAs:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate is the most excellent DBA certificate for SQL.
- Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Professional is the top DBA certification for Oracle.
- The greatest PostgreSQL DBA certification: Certified PostgreSQL DBA (CPSDBA).
- Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 8.0 Database Administrator, is the top DBA certificate for MySQL.
As a DBA, you’ll most likely have to devote yourself to various activities daily. You can more easily manage database performance and boost the efficiency of your data pipeline with SolarWinds® database solutions.
About Enteros
Enteros offers a patented database performance management SaaS platform. It proactively identifies root causes of complex business-impacting database scalability and performance issues across a growing number of clouds, RDBMS, NoSQL, and machine learning database platforms.
The views expressed on this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Enteros Inc. This blog may contain links to the content of third-party sites. By providing such links, Enteros Inc. does not adopt, guarantee, approve, or endorse the information, views, or products available on such sites.
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