10 Best Microsoft SQL Certifications (2024)

1. Introduction

1.1 Importance of Microsoft SQL Certification

Microsoft SQL Server is one of the leading tools for managing and storing corporate data, making SQL Server skills among the most sought after in the IT sector. Earning Microsoft SQL Certification showcases these skills in a verifiable way, enabling professionals to stand out in the job market.

These certifications certify a candidate’s ability to manage and maintain SQL Server systems, perform database administration, keep data secure, conduct detailed analysis, and more. They are generally considered a benchmark for skills and knowledge in the SQL Server domain, and are recognised by employers worldwide.

1.2 SQL Server Recovery Tool

Besides the certification, a SQL Server recovery tool is also vital to all SQL Server users. DataNumen SQL Recovery is the most widely used one:

1.3 Objectives of this Comparison

With so many Microsoft SQL certification courses available on the market, finding the right one that suits your needs and learning style can be overwhelming. This comparison aims to provide a comprehensive overview of popular courses, covering their introductions, pros, and cons. This will allow readers to gain insights into different aspects of the courses such as the course content, teaching style, duration, price, and more. The goal is to aid individuals in making informed decisions in their journey to obtaining Microsoft SQL Certification.

2. MindMajix SQL Server Training

MindMajix offers a comprehensive SQL Server Training Course that is designed to aid students in understanding the core concepts of SQL Server. It offers training on various aspects including architecting, copying, managing, and transporting data from the database in SQL Server.

2.1 Pros

• Comprehensive Content: The course covers all necessary SQL Server topics, from basic to advanced, ensuring a solid grasp of SQL Server management.
• Real-World Examples: MindMajix uses hands-on, real-world examples in teaching, making abstract concepts more understandable and practical.
• Access to Recorded Sessions: This feature allows learners to access the content anytime, which is highly advantageous for those with busy schedules or those who want to review specific sections.

2.2 Cons

• Pricing: The cost of the course might be a barrier for some, as it falls on the higher end of the spectrum compared to other SQL courses.
• Requires a Basic Understanding: This course might not be suitable for complete beginners as it assumes that the learner has some basic understanding of databases.
• No Free Trial: Unlike some competitors, MindMajix does not offer a free trial, making it difficult for learners to gauge the quality of the course before purchasing.

3. igmGuru Microsoft SQL Server Training Online and Certification Course

igmGuru offers a Microsoft SQL Server Training Online and Certification course that aims to provide a thorough understanding of the SQL Server environment. The course covers a range of topics such as SQL commands, functions, subqueries, joins, and transactions, among others.

3.1 Pros

• Professional Trainers: The course is led by industry professionals who provide in-depth knowledge and share their practical experiences.
• Lifetime Access: igmGuru offers lifelong access to course materials, which is beneficial for those who want to revisit the content at their own pace.
• Interactive Learning: The course aims to ensure maximum interaction and engagement, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective.

3.2 Cons

• Lack of Free Content: There are limited free resources available making it difficult for potential learners to understand the course content and teaching style.
• No Physical Training Materials: All course content is digital and online, which might be less appealing to those who prefer studying from hard copy materials.
• Required Equipment: Learners will need to have access to a reliable computer and high-speed internet to undertake the course, which may be a barrier for some.

4. Microsoft SQL Server Courses and Certification Training | ONLC

ONLC offers a variety of Microsoft SQL Server courses tailored to all levels of expertise, from beginners to experienced professionals. They also provide training to prepare for Microsoft SQL certification exams, using authorized Microsoft curriculum and materials.

4.1 Pros

• Variety of Courses: ONLC provides a wide range of SQL courses catering to different skills levels, allowing learners to choose a course or certification path that best suits their needs.
• Authorised Curriculum: Their curriculum is authorised by Microsoft, ensuring learners receive current and comprehensive knowledge.
• Flexible Scheduling: Many ONLC courses are available on demand or remotely, providing flexibility for learners with busy schedules.

4.2 Cons

• Cost can be high: Costs for ONLC’s courses can be high, particularly for advanced training and certification courses.
• Requires Equipment: To access the training, you’ll need a computer with a stable internet connection, which might be a barrier for some learners.
• Limited International Access: With much of the course delivery focused on North America, international learners may find accessibility and time zone issues.

5. Mind Q Systems SQL Server Training

Mind Q Systems provides SQL Server Training that covers a wide array of SQL Server topics from basics to advance concepts. The training helps learners understand efficient methods to store, retrieve, and manipulate large databases in SQL Server.

5.1 Pros

• Experienced Instructors: Instructors at Mind Q Systems have years of hands-on experience which they bring to the virtual classroom.
• Hands-on Practical Training: The course offers practical assignments which enable learners to relate topics to real-world situations.
• Job Placement Assistance: Mind Q Systems also provides job placement assistance, which is a handy tool for learners looking for jobs in this field.

5.2 Cons

• Time Limitation: The course requires a significant time commitment to complete the comprehensive coverage of topics.
• Limited Course Materials: Learning materials provided by Mind Q Systems are not very extensive, which may hinder the learning process for some.
• No Free Course Content: Lack of free content makes it tricky for potential learners to evaluate the course before signing-up.

6. SMEC SQL Course MS SQL Microsoft Certification

SMEC Labs provides a SQL course designed specifically for those seeking Microsoft Certification. This course offers in-depth knowledge with a focus on SQL Server Installation, SQL queries, Stored Procedures, Triggers, and more.

6.1 Pros

• Certification-Focused: The course content is particularly molded to fit the requirements for Microsoft Certification, making it a top choice for those eyeing this qualification.
• Experienced Instructors: SMEC Labs employs instructors with rich industry experience, ensuring up-to-date insights.
• Job Placement Support: They provide job placement support to students, aiding their career progression.

6.2 Cons

• Duration: As the course is designed for comprehensive learning, the duration can be long which may not suit learners wanting quick training.
• Pricing: The total cost can run high with no options for separate module purchases.
• No Trial Access: SMEC Labs does not provide preliminary trial access, hence learners cannot sample content before enrollment.

7. IntelliPaat SQL Course and Certification Training

Intellipaat offers a comprehensive SQL Server training and certification course providing a complete understanding of SQL server architecture, SQL Server command, and the various concepts involved in working with a relational database.

7.1 Pros

• Expert Instruction: The course is facilitated by industry professionals providing real-world insights and hands-on practical training.
• Self-Paced Learning: The course offers a blend of both instructor-led and self-paced training, providing flexibility for each learner’s pace and style.
• Career Services: Intellipaat’s course comes with career services, including resume-building and mock interview sessions.

7.2 Cons

• Expensive: The training course is quite pricey, which may be a barrier to entry for some learners.
• Lengthy Course Duration: The duration of the course may be a bit lengthy for those looking for a quick course.
• Requires Commitment: The course requires a substantial time commitment, which might not work for learners with tight schedules.

8. Udemy Microsoft SQL Server For Beginners

This Udemy course serves as a primer for beginners to the Microsoft SQL Server. The course covers the basics of SQL syntax, SELECT statements, aggregate functions, and much more, providing a comprehensive introduction to SQL Server.

8.1 Pros

• Beginner-Friendly: The course is tailored for beginners and explains each concept from its roots, making it ideal for those with minimal or no prior experience.
• One-Time Payment: With a one-time fee, learners get lifetime access to the course materials.
• Course Updates: The course is regularly updated with new content and improvements based on student feedback.

8.2 Cons

• Not Certification Oriented: This course is mainly for knowledge enhancement and does not have a strong focus on preparing learners for certification exams.
• Limited Interactive Components: The course involves a lot of video lectures, which might not be as engaging for some learners.
• Quality of Instruction: Udemy courses are made by a variety of instructors, so the quality of instruction can vary significantly among different courses.

9. EDUCBA Free SQL Course

This free SQL course by EDUCBA aims to provide a fundamental understanding of SQL basics. It covers SQL syntax, data manipulation language (DML), and data definition language (DDL), among other topics, making it a good starting point for absolute beginners.

9.1 Pros

• Free Access: As the name suggests, this course is free of charge which makes it an excellent option for learners on a budget.
• Suitable for Beginners: This course covers the basics of SQL and therefore does not require any prior knowledge.
• Self-Paced: With accessible content at any time, learners can proceed with the course at their own pace and convenience.

9.2 Cons

• Limited Depth: Since the course is free, the depth of content covered is limited compared to more extensive (and expensive) SQL courses.
• No Certification: Upon course completion, there is no industry-recognised certification, making it less appealing for those looking for certification.
• Quality Concerns: The course content might not be as thoroughly reviewed and updated as premium courses.

10. LearnSQL SQL Course

LearnSQL’s SQL Course is an online course designed for people who are new to SQL. It includes a series of interactive exercises and challenges, aimed at teaching you how to read and write SQL queries. The course is broken down into multiple chapters, covering everything from basic SQL syntax to complex queries and joins.

10.1 Pros

• Interactive Learning: The course is designed with a hands-on approach, allowing learners to actively write and execute SQL queries, promoting better understanding.
• Progress Tracking: Learners can track their progress throughout the course, allowing them to understand their areas of strength and those which require further focus.
• Structured Content: The course content is effectively structured, beginning from basics and progressively tackling more complex SQL tasks.

10.2 Cons

• Lack of Advanced Topics: The course primarily focuses on SQL basics. Advanced SQL topics are not deeply covered here.
• Requires Subscription: To access the complete course, a subscription is required, which could be a drawback for some users.
• No Certification: On completion, there is no certification provided, which is an important credential for many learners.

11. Simplilearn Solutions Free SQL Course with Certificate

Simplilearn Solutions offers a Free SQL Course designed for beginners. The course covers the essentials of SQL, including how to design schema, create, update and retrieve database data. The course comes with a completion certificate.

11.1 Pros

• Completely Free: The course is fully free of cost, making it a great option for learners who are budget-conscious.
• Included Certificate: Upon course completion, learners receive a certificate. Although it may not be industry-recognised, it can still serve as a testament of knowledge gained.
• Self Paced: The course content is available for learners to progress at their own pace, providing flexibility especially for those juggling other commitments.

11.2 Cons

• Limited Content: As a free course, the depth and breadth of content vary, and may lack compared to full-fledged paid programs.
• No advanced Topics: The course is primarily focused on basic SQL, with no much support for advanced SQL topics.
• No Personal Feedback: As it’s self-paced, learners do not receive personalised feedback on their progress and understanding.

12. Summary

12.1 Overall Comparison Table

Certification	Requirements	Price
MindMajix SQL Server Training	Basic Understanding of Databases	$$$
igmGuru Microsoft SQL Server Training Online and Certification Course	Computer with Internet Connection	$$
Microsoft SQL Server Courses and Certification Training | ONLC	Computer with Internet Connection	$$$
Mind Q Systems SQL Server Training	Time Commitment	$$
SMEC SQL Course MS SQL Microsoft Certification	Time Commitment	$$$
IntelliPaat SQL Course and Certification Training	Time Commitment	$$$$
Udemy Microsoft SQL Server For Beginners	None	$
EDUCBA Free SQL Course	Internet Connection	Free
LearnSQL SQL Course	Internet Connection	$
Simplilearn Solutions Free SQL Course with Certificate	Internet Connection	Free

12.2 Recommended Certification Based on Various Needs

The ideal certification depends on individual needs and situations. For those completely new to SQL, courses like ‘Udemy Microsoft SQL Server For Beginners,’ ‘EDUCBA Free SQL Course,’ and ‘Simplilearn Solutions Free SQL Course with Certificate’ are recommended. For those seeking a more comprehensive understanding of SQL Server, ‘MindMajix SQL Server Training’ and ‘igmGuru Microsoft SQL Server Training Online and Certification Course’ are recommended. If you are seeking to gain certification in SQL, ‘SMEC SQL Course MS SQL Microsoft Certification’ and ‘IntelliPaat SQL Course and Certification Training’ are great choices. However, all listed courses have their unique benefits and drawbacks as outlined earlier, and learners should make a choice based on their specific needs, budget, and career goals.

13. Conclusion

13.1 Final Thoughts and Takeaways for Choosing an Microsoft SQL Certification

Choosing the right SQL certification will depend on several factors, including your current knowledge level, your career goals, and your budget. Beginners might prefer starting with a free or lower-priced course that covers the basics, while those with some experience might look for more advanced, comprehensive courses.

Microsoft SQL certification can significantly boost your value as an IT professional. It demonstrates your dedication to enhancing your tech skills and your ability to manage and manipulate databases—a crucial ability in many industries. Therefore, the time and effort invested in gaining SQL certification can be deeply rewarding.

In the end, it’s essential to remember that earning a SQL Server certification is not just about passing an exam, but rather about gaining a deeper understanding and becoming a more capable IT professional. Therefore, the best course for you is one that leads to your growth and enhances your competency in SQL Server management.

Author Introduction:

Vera Chen is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, which provides a wide range of products, including a DWG file recovery tool.