Guide to 14 Unique Database Administrator Certifications

Updated December 22, 2022

Many database administrators earn professional certifications related to their careers. Although these credentials are typically optional, database administrator certification programs can help individuals hone their skills and advance their careers. Learning more about the various database administrator certification options can help you determine which certificate might benefit you most.

In this article, we explore the logistics, prerequisites and advantages of 14 unique database administrator certifications.

Key takeaways:

A certification in database administration can help you enter the information technology (IT) field and highlight your competence to potential employers.
Database administrator certifications typically require you to study learning materials and pass an exam verifying your knowledge.
Many large tech companies offer database administrator certifications and earning a credential from one of these companies could help demonstrate your understanding of their software programs.

Considerations when choosing a database administrator certification

Here are some topics to reflect on when deciding which credential to pursue:

Determine which database you want to study. Different organizations use different databases, so it's important to choose one to specialize in so you can select the right certification course. If you want to learn more than one database, target a more comprehensive certification.
Make a budget. Certifications typically require you to pay a fee, so decide how much you can afford. It's an investment in your career, but choosing a course that's within your budget might help you meet your goals without overextending yourself.
Reflect on your career goals. These certifications can be valuable for a variety of database-related professions. Deciding if you want to become a database administrator, database architect or database developer could refine your search for a suitable certification.

14 database administrator certifications

Below are details and descriptions of 14 different database administrator certifications:

1. Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals

The Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals is a certification program designed to provide beginners with foundational knowledge and skills related to Azure databases. Through this program, participants can understand fundamental data concepts, which can help them later advance to other more complex or specific Azure roles or certifications.

Prior to beginning the certification program, participants ideally have a rudimentary understanding of data workloads and data concepts, like relational and non-relational data. Many participants spend a few weeks or months preparing for this certification process. The exam itself lasts for 90 minutes.

2. Microsoft Certified Azure Database Administrator Associate

The Microsoft Certified Azure Database Administrator Associate Is an intermediary-level certification for Azure databases, among others. This credential demonstrates that database administrators possess skills like automating database tasks, appropriately allocating data resources and constructing a High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HADR) environment. Participants can prepare for this certification exam by either taking Microsoft's free online training courses or paying for an instructor-led class.

3. MongoDB Associate Database Administrator

The MongoDB Associate Database Administrator (DBA) can be a good certification option for people who currently work or are interested in working with NoSQL or non-relational databases. Participants in the certification program learn about essential database and server administration topics, software development and systems programming. The MongoDB Database Administrator certification program also teaches participants about the distinct features of MongoDB, such as its scalability functions.

Anyone can register to take the exam, and MongoDB offers study tools and online practice questions. The qualifying exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that participants have 90 minutes to answer.

4. PostgreSQL Associate Certification

The PostgreSQL Associate Certification teaches participants about the fundamentals of PostgreSQL, which is an open-source and object-relational database system. These fundamentals include the system's setup, deployment and maintenance. To earn this credential, you take an hour-long multiple-choice test that participants can either do virtually. EnterpriseDB, which administers the certification, recommends the Foundations of PostgreSQL course as a prerequisite.

5. SAP Certified Application Associate, Reporting, Modeling, And Data Acquisition With SAP BW/4HANA 2.x

The SAP Certified Application Associate, Reporting, Modeling, And Data Acquisition With SAP BW/4HANA 2.X certification verifies that candidates possess core database skills. Through this program, participants can develop fundamental knowledge of modeling, data acquisition and query design with SAP BW/4HANA. The exam consists of 80 questions and lasts 180 minutes. A passing grade is at least 65% or higher.

6. SAP Certified Application Associate - Data Integration with SAP Data Services 4.2

The SAP Certified Application Associate - Data Integration with SAP Data Services 4.2 certificate focuses on the data process known as extract, transform and load (ETL). Participants in this program learn how to implement ETL projects and use SAP Data Services, such as optimizing performance design and performing troubleshooting exercises. The exam lasts 180 minutes and participants answer 80 questions during this time.

7. IBM Certified Specialist - InfoSphere Optim for Distributed Systems Fundamentals

The IBM Certified Specialist - InfoSphere Optim for Distributed Systems Fundamentals Is an intermediate-level certificate for people who use IBM's InfoSphere Optim data management products. This program teaches participants how to install, configure, create, maintain and privatize data within an InfoSphere Optim environment. To pass the exam and earn the credential, IBM expects participants to get at least 41 out of the 60 questions correct during a 90-minute time period.

8. IBM Certified Administrator - Netezza Performance Server V11.x

The IBM Certified Administrator - Netezza Performance Server V11.x is a credential for an experienced database administrator. This certificate demonstrates that individuals excel at using the IBM Netezza Performance Server. Topics covered by the certification program include architecture, supportive tools, system maintenance and best practices related to this performance server. A passing grade is at least 41 out of 60 questions on this 90-minute exam.

9. Vantage Data Science Master

This expert-level certification demonstrates that a database administrator possesses advanced knowledge related to the creation and management of Teradata enterprise-wide data warehouses. This includes having the skills to create, implement, evaluate and manage these systems throughout the data warehouse development lifecycle. Prior to earning the Vantage Data Science Master credential, Teradata expects candidates to receive the Vantage Analytics, Vantage Data Science and Vantage Data Engineering certificates.

10. IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate

The IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate prepares individuals for entry-level positions related to data analytics. Individuals with this certificate understand how to apply various analytical techniques to diverse data sets, develop data visualizations and share their findings with others. You can earn the certificate by first enrolling in and taking eight free courses offered by IBM, then passing the associated assessments testing your understanding of key concepts.

11. MongoDB Associate Developer Certification

Although more specific to developer skill sets, the MongoDB Developer Certification program can also help database administrators hone their abilities. You can choose to certify your MongoDB skills in various languages and environments, such as C#, Python or Node.js. This certification program covers the insertion and management of data and documents in databases. The exam comprises 53 multiple-choice questions.

12. Apache Cassandra Administrator Associate Certificate

The Apache Cassandra Administrator Associate Certificate can be a good credential for database administrators who work with Apache Cassandra clusters. Participants in this certification program learn how to install, handle, configure and troubleshoot these databases.

DataStax administers courses to prepare you for the certification exam, which you can take online at any time through a secure digital platform. The exam lasts 90 minutes and requires 70% correct answers to pass.

13. ICCP Certified Data Professional

This broadly applicable credential from The Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) allows you to specialize in an area of interest within the data field. You might choose to focus on data management, data warehousing, data analytics and design or data and information quality. You can also pursue your choice of five different certification levels, depending on your competence, goals and preferences:

Executive Management: This requires the completion of a four-day training workshop and a score of at least 70% on a test.
Principal: This level requires the complete of a two-day workshop and a score of at least 70% on three tests.
Mastery: This level requires a score of at least 70% on three tests.
Associate/Practitioner: This level requires a score of at least 50% on three tests.
Basic: This level requires a score of at least 50% on two exams.

Testing times range from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the level of certification you pursue. Prerequisites vary, as lower-level certifications are open to candidates with little to no experience, while upper-level versions require at least five years in the industry.

14. ICCP Certified Data Scientist

The ICCP Certified Data Scientist credential is a more targeted certification intended for data administrators and managers with the mathematical skills to work as data scientists. The program tests your ability to utilize research, analytical skills and technical knowledge to review, assess and draw conclusions from data of all types. You can choose between the following certification levels:

Executive management: This level requires the completion of a four-day training workshop and a score of at least 70% on a test.
Principal: This level requires the completion of a two-day workshop and a score of at least 70% on three tests.
Mastery: This level requires a score of at least 70% on three tests.
Associate/Practitioner: This level requires a score of at least 50% on three tests.
Basic: This level requires a score of at least 50% on two exams.

Tests can take between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on your selection. Top certification levels require four to five years of technical experience.

Please note that none of the companies mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.