How Much Does SQL Certification Cost?

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a standard programming language used for managing databases. It is one of the most popular and widely used languages in the technology industry. This is why many individuals become certified in the use of SQL to expand their knowledge and skills of the language and provide proof of their training and experience. While obtaining an SQL certification can be beneficial, cost is an important factor to consider.

The cost of an SQL certificate is dependent on the program. Some will offer parts of the program for free or a basic monthly fee around $19.99 while others will charge anywhere from $200 to $700. These programs are often held by established institutions that charge more for their reputations and resources.

In this article, we will break down the typical costs of an SQL certificate further, so you can decide whether this credential is worthwhile and, if so, how much you should spend. We will also list our top recommendations for SQL certification programs. These are all reputable programs that cater to a wide range of budgets, learning preferences, and training needs.

How Much Should I Spend On An SQL Certificate?

The cost of an SQL certificate will depend on a few factors, including the program's length, content, resources, and more. However, one question many people ask is what amount can they justifiably spend?

How much you should spend on an SQL certificate depends on your budget and what you value from these courses.

One person could enroll in a program for free and justify it fight just as much as someone who spends several hundred dollars because they might value different aspects of the experience and outcome.

Budget-Friendly VS. Prestigious SQL Certificate Programs

As we stated previously, the cost of these programs can vary significantly, but on average, the programs that cost $200-$700 are offered by established institutions, such as colleges.

There are a lot of pros and cons to attending these types of programs. Some advantages include:

Instructors who are highly trained and specialized in their topics
Access to the institution’s resources
The institution’s reputation associated with your certification
Structured, collegiate-style learning

Of course, there are some downsides to this as well. For one, you might be paying double if not triple the amount an alternative program is charging for relatively the same experience.

Another would be that some of these programs only accept current students, and their program is often tailored to collegiate student styles of learning, which might be too strict, intense, or, frankly, too much work for you. You also might not care about the institution’s reputation; you just want the certificate.

In the end, whether investing in a pricier program, or a SQL certificate at all, is worthwhile will depend on what you are willing to spend and what you want to gain from this investment. The best way to determine this is to make a list of your priorities, research your options, and decide which program matches your wants and needs best.

What Are The Best SQL Certification Programs?

Research is a crucial part of deciding which SQL certification program you want to enroll in, but sometimes you can get overwhelmed by the number of options. We know you don’t have the time or mental energy to research every SQL certification program out there, so we’ve done the hard work for you.

Three of the best SQL certification programs we recommend include:

Here is a quick overview of each program regarding its content, cost, format, and other relevant information that will help you decide which you prefer, if any. This

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals By Microsoft

If you’re looking for a highly reputable SQL certificate that will impress employers, Microsoft’s Azure Date Fundamentals certificate is an excellent place to start.

This program focuses on:

Mastering foundational knowledge of core data concepts
Understanding how core data concepts are implemented using Azure data services
Covering the basics for other Azure role-based certifications, such as:
- Azure Database Administrator Associate
- Azure Data Engineer Associate
- Data Analyst Associate
- Azure Developer Associate

On its own, this program will give you the core skills and knowledge you need to become a database administrator, data analyst, date engineer, or similar positions, but it is also a great introduction to other, more advanced, skills.

Cost: $99

Format: Online

Length: Work at your own pace. Materials are valid for one year.

Oracle Certified Professional: MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator By Oracle

MySQL is a commonly used open-source database software that requires knowledge and training to utilize properly. In this course, instructors and resources provided by Oracle will teach you just that.

During this program, you will learn how to install, configure, and monitor MySQL the database management system. By the end, you will have all the skills necessary to confidently perform the tasks of a database administrator trained in MySQL, and the credentials to prove it.

Cost: $245 (for test, training free)

Format: Online

Level: Beginner

Length: 31 hours

The Complete SQL Bootcamp 2022 On Udemy

One of the most highly regarded certificate programs available today is this comprehensive bootcamp offered on Udemy.

Here, expert instructors how to read and write complex queries to a database using PostgreSQL. In the span of nine videos, 14 articles, and additional resources, you’ll learn vital skills, including how to:

Replicate real-word situations in query reports
Use SQL to perform data analysis
Perform GROUP BY statements
Learn basics of SQL syntax

And this is just the beginning. By the end, you’ll be competent and confident in our SQL concepts enough to apply what you’ve learned to other major SQL databases, such as Microsoft SQL Server, Amazon Redshift, and Oracle.

Cost: $159.99

Format: Online

Level: Beginner

Length: 8 hours 51 mintues

Final Thoughts

A final thought you might be having after reading all the information provided here is whether the process and cost of getting and SQL certificate is worth it. While it is not required in most technology-based careers that use SQL, it can give you an upper hand over other applicants, and it never hurts to gain the additional knowledge and training. Ultimately, of course, this is up to you.