So You Want To Launch A Career as SQL Specialist?

1. Purpose Of Certification

Microsoft’s SQL server is among the largest and most widely-used database management systems in the whole world. The MS SQL certification validates a candidate’s ability to handle installation, configuration, and maintenance of the Microsoft SQL server. Anyone looking to learn how to frame database systems, store, or backup data would benefit greatly from taking an SQL course. An individual with this certification is viewed as a leader and an expert in offering database solutions.

2. Accreditation Body

The SQL certification is an initiative from Microsoft that aims at training professionals who have the responsibility of managing mission-critical database surroundings. The certification is designed to serve as confirmation of an individual’s capabilities in developing database solutions for leveraging business intelligence tools. Microsoft is the body that initiated and directed training and examination for the SQL certification. However, aside from Microsoft, accredited training bodies may also offer comprehensive training courses for individuals planning on taking an SQL certification exam.

3. Eligibility Criteria

There are no known official qualifications to take up the course for the SQL certification. The candidates interested only have to register with Microsoft on their website, choose the specific exam and mode of delivery, and schedule it with Pearson Vue. Knowledge of the basics of database management and SQL is a must to be able to clear the exam, and we suggest candidates visit Microsoft’s website and\or familiarize themselves with past question papers to get a fair idea of the exam format, syllabus, and topics covered. Some knowledge of Microsoft database solutions such as MSBI would also be useful.

4. Process To Get Certified

Depending on what level of the SQL certifications you need, there is a common path most successful candidates follow:

1. Obtain a copy of SQL Server Express, which can be downloaded from the Microsoft website. This will help you train and learn different features and functions of the database.
2. Start preparing for the exam; once you have acquired your Express copy and have gone through the training, you should start studying for the exam by familiarizing yourself with the exam’s focus areas by reading textbooks, visiting related website and looking at Microsoft documentation. Follow this up with practicing theory by trying it on the Server Express.
3. As with any other examination, there is no substitute for hard work. Answer as many practice questions as possible, take full-length simulation exams, score and evaluate your progress, and work on your weakest areas.

5. Choosing the right partner

The Microsoft SQL server certification is recognized and respected all over the globe. It, however, is not easily obtained, since the candidate needs to possess and demonstrate a high degree of proficiency in managing and executing database related solutions. The certification exam can prove to be a hard nut to crack without proper exposure to latest trends, developments, and dependable training. Choosing the right training partner to help at this stage is, therefore, crucially important to success first time out. Simplilearn is an internationally-recognized certification training provider that offers you a variety of training choices, including extensive instructor-led training in physical and online classrooms, video-based learning. 

6. Is Training Enough?

Although sound training should suffice to clear the exam and acquire the certification, the candidate should make every effort to enhance their knowledge on the topics and subjects to be tested, from various sources. Besides, a single source or method of study may not always be sufficient to pass the exams as the SQL technology domain is complex and continually advancing. Therefore, the candidate should always endeavor to keep up to date with technological advancements in the domain: much of this learning can also be utilized as they look to acquire higher-tier certifications beyond MS SQL.

7. Examination Structure

The exam is in MCQ-format. There is no ranking system as every candidate is only awarded a pass or a fail. Questions from topics that are outside the scope of the outlined syllabus may also appear on the exam.
The exam is delivered in a number of languages.

Also Read: Top SQL Interview Questions and Answers

8. What If One Fails To Pass The Exam In One Go?

Failure first time out in the SQL exam is not uncommon. A candidate who fails the exam can revise and retake the test after a minimum duration of 14 days has passed, with a limit on the number of attempts per year. Once an exam is completed, the candidate receives their results with feedback indicating areas that need further study. Failing one exam though does not affect the other exams since you can just retake the one exam you did not do very well on.
The exam fee for a retake is the same as for the first attempt, and no additional penalty fees are charged.

9. Career Growth Post-Certification

Armed with a certification, a MySQL professional can expect to earn over $96,000 a year, on average. With the increased proliferation of websites and increasing complexity, database management –particularly databases that utilize SQL- has become a key skill to possess, and applicants can expect to find jobs in a variety of domains.

10. Post-Examination Requirement

As stated earlier, Microsoft’s goal is to help equip the industry players with the necessary knowledge and experiences in order to help solve day to day life problems while providing solutions to complex business. It is therefore the role of each certification holder to work hard and maintain the on and off job discipline to improve their careers and try to come up with new ideas to help advance the IT market. Microsoft also offers a membership option for those who have gone through the process of acquiring certifications. This ensures that the individual continually works toward updating their SQL knowhow.