To become one, you’ll need a basic computer degree, tons of SQL database programming skills, and certifications to show your specialization in the field. In this article, you’ll find reputable online certifications for every data developer at different career stages.

1. Microsoft DP-900 Exam: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals

If you enjoy working with Microsoft Azure, this is the one for you. For students who are interested in Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals, Microsoft provides mock DP-900 exams and learning resources. This certification exam provides data development and administration knowledge using Azure as a reference point.

However, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with beginner courses and learning materials available on the platform because questions are coined from Microsoft Azure online courses.

Some of these courses are Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals: Explore core data concepts and Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals: Explore relational data in Azure. The exam has 40-60 questions and is slated for an hour. You can get access to it online for $99.

2. Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty

Database developers interested in SAP HANA database certifications can level up their portfolio with this Microsoft Certified course. This certification makes you fit to operate a database as a Microsoft Certified SAP developer. But you should have extensive knowledge of SAP HANA, S/4 HANA, Azure portal, and marketplace to get these certifications.

Although there’s a lot to learn before being credited with this certification, Microsoft covers all the aspects you need to know. Courses on the platform include Explore Azure for SAP workloads and Explore the foundations of IaaS for SAP on Azure.

The importance of database maintenance is equally beneficial as well as developing it. An SAP database developer works with a database administrator to ensure proper database maintenance and apply solutions to technical issues that may arise. This certification will be instrumental if you want to work with companies using Microsoft Azure as their cloud provider.

3. Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate

Show clients your competence in seamlessly handling Microsoft SQL Server databases and Azure data services. This certification indicates that you have vast knowledge in developing and implementing SQL databases. Plus, it also applies in companies that merge the position of a database developer and an administrator.

It shows employers your skills in managing their database administration programs. The Azure Database Administrator certification works for newbies and experts who want to switch to something new. So, it’s an upgrade of the DP-900 exam that treats the fundamentals of Azure.

Like its beginner certification course—the DP-900 exam—it also has courses and study materials to help prepare for your certification exam. The Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate certification goes for $165.

4. Oracle Database PL/SQL Developer Certified Professional

Specialize as an Oracle SQL database developer by taking this certification. It would add an Oracle professional badge to your career and make you stand out as a PL/SQL developer. Oracle also provides learning materials, including practice exams for beginners who would become Oracle-specialized PL/SQL developers.

Experts who only want to specialize can go ahead with the certification exams. Oracle SQL database certification exam is in two steps. You’ll need to pass Oracle Database SQL Exam Number: 1Z0-071 and Oracle Database Program with PL/SQL Exam Number: 1Z0-149 to qualify for this certification.

According to Payscale, the average salary for an Oracle Database PL/SQL database developer is $85,000, proving that this certification is worth it. For beginners, getting real-world SQL experience and earning these certifications would increase your worth on the job market.

5. Oracle Certified Professional MySQL 8.0 Database Administrator

This certification shows your proficiency in building and implementing MySQL 8.0 database. It shows that you understand the structure and architecture of this database model and its modifications. A database developer with this certification can also apply recovery strategies and optimize the company’s cloud platform for updates.

This certification is perfect for database developers who would love to double as administrators. However, you’ll need to pass this exam to qualify for the Oracle Database PL/SQL Database Developer certification. It costs $245, has no preceding requirements, and lasts 12 months. It comprises 85 questions that last approximately 3 hours.

6. SAP Certified Development Associate - SAP HANA 2.0 SPS05

This SAP certification endorses you as an SAP HANA professional. It tests beginners and intermediates with SAP skills in database development on the SAP HANA platform. This certification also validates your ability to build native software applications on the platform.

To qualify for this certification, you’ll need to acquire knowledge of the foundations of database and software development using SAP. In this certification program, you’ll find all the training that covers programming languages to learn and tools for building databases or software.

For maximum success with the SAP certification, you have to combine your experience as a database developer and the knowledge you’ll get from every module in this course. Some of the top areas covered in the SAP certification course are SQLScript development, creating a persistent data model, and using database security.

7. Oracle Database Foundation Exam Number: 1Z0-006

The Oracle Database Foundation Exam gives newbies a chance to showcase their abilities. This certification validates your knowledge about the foundations of database systems. It shows that you know how to design, implement solutions, write code using SQL languages and queries, and understand the basics of handling database components.

This certification is a prerequisite for other Oracle database certifications for database developers. Your success in the Oracle Database Foundation Exam qualifies you to move forward with the others. It provides some recommended training on the platform to help you ace the exam easily. Also, you’ll need to score at least 60% to pass this exam, and it costs $95.

8. EDB PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification

If you want to specialize in working with PostgreSQL databases, taking an EDB PostgreSQL 12 Associate Certification is the way to go. This certifies you as a database professional who knows about working with PostgreSQL servers. It is recognized by many organizations and authenticates your skills as a database developer.

To become an EDB-certified PostgreSQL database developer, you need to pass its prerequisite course, Foundations of PostgreSQL v11. The EDB PostgreSQL exam takes about an hour, and you can get this certification for $200.

9. Teradata Vantage Developer Exam

To qualify for a Teradata Vantage Developer Exam, you have to be knowledgeable about database design concepts, queries, and writing code for databases using SQL. You also need one year of experience working with an Advanced SQL Engine.

This certification will prove your professionalism in writing SQL database codes on the Teradata platform. The duration of this exam is 130 minutes, and it costs $249. The Teradata Vantage Developer Exam requires you to pass its Associate Exam before you can earn certification in it.

10. MongoDB Associate DBA Exam

MongoDB Associate DBA Exam certifies you as a professional in building MongoDB infrastructures. It shows that you understand how to build and manage databases and implement solutions on MongoDB’s platform. This exam has no prerequisites.

The test format comes in 60 multiple questions for 90 minutes, costing $150. MongoDB also has a preparatory guide and resources that will help you prepare on your own, including free online courses upon registering for this certification.

Where to Start With Database Certifications

Database certifications are a great way to prove your professionalism. It also provides you with the exposure you need and will likely increase your financial worth. So, start from where you are right now and apply for certifications that would validate your current skills. In addition, you’ll need to be skillful in basic SQL commands and queries.