Best SQL Certification Programs

Udacity's SQL program covers the basics of SQL and relational databases. However, its unparalleled student support and career assistance earned it our top spot as the best program overall.

Udacity's “nanodegree” program in SQL includes two courses. The introductory course teaches students core SQL commands and how to clean and optimize SQL queries. The second course introduces students to SQL Database Definition Language (DDL), which they can use to create data schemas, and Database Manipulation Language (DML), for migrating data. Students also learn how to use nonrelational database programs, such as MongoDB.

Udacity's program lets students apply their SQL knowledge to two projects. In part one of the course, students act as data analysts for an organization working to prevent deforestation. In part two, students build a clone of Reddit, the social news aggregation site. The program is self-paced, but students can reach out to technical mentors for support. Udacity staff also helps students optimize their Github portfolios and LinkedIn profiles to showcase their new SQL skills when applying for jobs.

Udacity's program is best for aspiring business analytics and database professionals. However, individuals seeking careers as data scientists, software engineers, and product managers may also benefit from the program. Students should understand different data types before enrolling. The program costs $399 a month or $678 for two months. Students can complete the course in two months studying 10 hours per week.

Udemy's complete SQL bootcamp is more affordable than in-person bootcamps, making it a good choice for students seeking a quick and affordable way to learn SQL.

Udemy is one of the most popular online learning platforms, and its complete SQL bootcamp is one of its most highly rated SQL classes. It introduces students to PostgreSQL, a popular relational database management system, and PgAdmin, an administration and development platform. Students learn the basics of SQL syntax, create tables and databases, and use Python to improve their skills.

Data scientist Jose Portilla teaches the course, which includes nine hours of video content, 14 articles, and 13 downloadable resources. The bootcamp is self-paced and does not include personalized support from the instructor.

Throughout the course, students can apply what they learn in hands-on challenges and tasks. Udemy's bootcamp is appropriate for beginners, but it also addresses advanced topics, such as working with timestamp data and variable character information.

Students who complete the bootcamp earn a certificate. A certificate from Udemy may be less impressive to prospective employers than one from an accredited school or industry leader, such as Oracle. However, it can lay the groundwork for earning subsequent SQL credentials. Udemy's complete SQL bootcamp costs $189.99, but Udemy courses are often available at steep discounts.

Codecademy is known for the quality of its free and low-cost training materials. The quality and accessibility of its SQL lessons make it the best place for students on a budget to begin learning SQL.

Codecademy offers free resources to help people learn coding, data science, and other skills. Students can access SQL lessons and cheat sheets for free on the site. However, quizzes and projects are only available to Plus and Pro members.

Codecademy's basic SQL course includes four lessons, which students can complete in eight hours. Codecademy's SQL skill path offers more comprehensive training. It consists of eight lessons and takes about six weeks to finish. The learning path covers both SQL basics and advanced topics, such as data analysis and SQL functions.

All Codecademy courses are online and self-paced. While Codecademy classes do not have instructors, Plus and Pro members receive step-by-step guidance and peer support. They also earn certificates when they complete courses. Plus memberships are $17.49 per month billed annually ($34.99 billed monthly) and Pro memberships are $29.99 per month billed annually ($59.99 billed monthly), but college students are eligible for a 55% discount.

Simplilearn is a leading information technology (IT) certification provider. Its SQL certification training course is rigorous but doesn't require previous SQL experience, making it the best option for beginners serious about developing their SQL skills.

Unlike many free and low-cost providers, Simplilearn offers courses accredited by independent global bodies, such as the Dutch IT company Exin. Simplilearn's courses are not accredited by the same organizations that accredit colleges and universities. However, like accredited college courses, they must meet a higher standard of academic rigor. Employers may give more weight to a certificate from an accredited training provider such as Simplilearn than one from an unaccredited program. 

Simplilearn's SQL certification course covers fundamental SQL topics, such as query tools and commands, database relationships, and tables and joins. The class is suitable for professional programmers and software developers. However, students do not need any previous SQL training or experience to enroll.

Simplilearn's course is self-paced and entirely online. Course materials include case studies, exercises, and over three hours of recorded video lectures. Students do not interact directly with their instructors. However, Simplilearn offers 24/7 learner assistance.

Simplilearn's SQL certification training course is $1,199, and graduates have lifetime access to the materials. The program also offers a 100% money-back guarantee to students who request one within seven days of purchase. Those who score 85% or higher on their final exam earn their SQL certification.

LinkedIn Learning offers short courses and a learning pathway for professionals with SQL experience. The quality and depth of its advanced courses make it the best choice for SQL pros.

LinkedIn Learning's master SQL development pathway includes six certificate courses appropriate for advanced students. The class on advanced SQL for query tuning and performance optimization addresses how queries can be made more efficient. The advanced class on logical query processing has two parts and focuses on how relational databases process SQL queries.

Individuals can purchase a LinkedIn Learning subscription for $39.99 a month, or $19.99 a month if they sign up for an annual subscription. Advanced SQL courses are short—some can be completed in under two hours—and include project files, course videos, and quizzes. The SQL development pathway contains 12 hours of content.

Experienced data visualization and big data experts teach all of LinkedIn Learning's advanced SQL pathway courses. However, instructors do not grade assignments or offer personalized feedback. Therefore, this program is best for students with a solid understanding of SQL basics who enjoy learning independently. Those who complete the learning pathway earn a certificate. 

SQL is an essential programming language for data analysts. IBM's data science with Python SQL specialization offers the best training in how to use SQL and other tools to manage and analyze big data.

The course provides students with hands-on experience using Jupyter, SQL, and Python. It's suitable for beginners with basic computing knowledge but is particularly beneficial for prospective data analysts. Students learn statistical analysis techniques, including descriptive statistics. Courses also cover data visualization, probability distribution, hypothesis testing, and regression. 

The data science with Python and SQL specialization is self-paced and includes five classes, the fifth of which focuses specifically on databases and SQL. Students can complete this course while working toward their specialization certificate or take it as a standalone class.

The program includes 36 to 48 hours of coursework. Students who devote 10 to 12 hours a week to their studies can complete the specialization in one to two months. Course materials include videos, readings, and graded assignments. The program is currently available for $39 a month.

Duke University's Excel to MySQL program teaches students how to respond to business challenges using data science, making it the best SQL program for business analysts. 

The class focuses on using SQL to analyze and optimize business practices. The program consists of four online courses available through Coursera covering business metrics, data analysis with Excel, and data visualization. The fourth course provides an introduction to MySQL, a relational database management system.

At the end of the program, students complete a capstone project sponsored by Airbnb. Using MySQL, Excel, and Tableau, students identify ways for a fictional real estate management company to increase profits. The top 10 capstone students then present their work to Airbnb's senior data scientists, who offer feedback. 

Students can access Duke University's Excel to MySQL program for $49 per month. Course materials include videos, readings, and practice quizzes, and instructors give personalized feedback on assignments.