How Do I Become a Certified Database Administrator?

<p>Aspiring and current database administrators typically need to obtain database administration certification, or DBA certification, in the specific products they use. Database certification is available through certification providers or software vendors and helps keep administrators updated on current best practices. </p> <p>Database administrator certification online is fairly standard and available in topics like Structured Query Language (SQL) and Oracle. Usually there are courses or trainings that prepare students for the certification exam. Specific DBA certification online courses may include: </p> <ul><li>Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Platform </li><li>Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Business Intelligence </li><li>Oracle Database </li><li>MySQL for Database Administrators </li><li>MySQL Performance Tuning </li></ul><p>Some of these certifications, like those offered with Oracle Database, may provide varying levels of certification. For example, students may be an Oracle Certified Associate in one category and an Oracle Certified Expert in another. </p> <h3 id="section---DBACertificationCost">DBA Certification Cost</h3> <p>Database administrator certification usually does require some cost to the individual. Outside of the time it takes to study, most DBA certification exams include a charge. For example, as of 2019 some of the Oracle certification exams cost $245. Students may also choose to purchase other resources, such as learning subscriptions, to help prepare for the exams. </p> <h2 id="section---OtherDatabaseAdministratorTraining">Other Database Administrator Training</h2> <p>Although there are degree programs as high as a PhD in Database Administration available and some employers may prefer those with a master's degree, most database administrators only need a bachelor's degree. Usually this degree is in computer science, information technology, or another closely related field. </p> <p>Besides the necessary technical skills, such as working with programming languages like SQL, it is also important for database administrators to obtain the analytical and problem-solving skills needed to work with complex database systems. These administrators should also be able to communicate well, work on teams, and catch small details in their work. </p> <h2 id="section---DatabaseAdministratorCareerOverview">Database Administrator Career Overview</h2> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td>Bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Degree Field</b></td><td>Computer science</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Other Requirements</b></td><td>Likely certification</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Annual Mean Salary (2018)*</b></td><td>$92,030</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026)*</b></td><td>11%</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <p>Most database administrators work full-time and made an average annual salary of $92,030 in 2018, according to the BLS. These positions are expected to increase faster than the national average, and as of 2018, most database administrators work in computer systems design and related services, per the BLS. Specific job duties of database administrators may include, but are not limited to: </p> <ul><li>Organizing data </li><li>Securing database information </li><li>Maintaining and backing-up data </li><li>Changing database structures </li><li>Creating new databases </li></ul><h2 id="section---RelatedPositions">Related Positions</h2> <p>There are several related positions available to database administrators that also require only a bachelor's degree, but explore different areas of computer science. For example, those interested more in computer systems and networks may explore <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Do_I_Become_a_Certified_Network_Administrator.html">how to become a certified network administrator</a>. Other related positions may include: </p> <ul><li>Computer programmers </li><li>Computer systems analysts </li><li>Information security analysts </li><li>Software developers </li><li>Computer network architects </li></ul><p>It is also possible for database administrators to advance in the field after years of work experience. For example, some may go on to become computer and information systems managers.</p>