Microsoft MCSA SQL Server Database Certifications and Their Impact on Database Administrators and Database Developers

Big data and Business Intelligence are of the top priorities for organizations in 2018. Organizations rely on database to gather insights that inform critical decision making in their business. The implication of this is that the SQL Server knowledge and skills are in great demand within the IT industry. However, to secure a high paying role in this field, you must be able to show that you have the required abilities to perform. In order to be able to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in SQL, it is recommended that you pursue an SQL Server credential path. Earning one of these certificates proves that you have the capability to develop and administer complex database and information solutions, which makes you a great asset in your organization.

The MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 certification is the most useful one for the professionals working as database developers and database administrators. This is because the credentials are important differentiators for these specialists willing to grow their career in the path of database development, analysis, or administration. Hiring managers see the certifications as a substantial proof of competence and skills in the database field.

Earning the credential acts as a springboard for you and provide you with the opportunity to get your desired high paying positions faster than your non-certified colleagues. The average salaries of professionals working in the field of database development and administration within the United States have been highlighted as follow:

• SQL Developer $85,510
• SQL Database Administrator $85,923
• Senior SQL Database Administrator $106,102

No doubt, earning the SQL Server credential can change your career prospects rapidly. Whether you aim at a promotion in your organization or want to pursue another career path, the MCSA: SQL Server 2012/2014 certification will provide you with the professional credibility and hands-on experience you need to get your desired position. It can help you function optimally in your new role. Before we look at how useful the credential is for database developers and database administrators, it is important that we explore the certification path.

MCSA: SQL Server Certification Path

Database related credentials are offered by Microsoft at different expertise levels. The certifications go from Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) to Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), and then to Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE). Each of these levels has its own certification requirements and exams to be written. The further you go on the certification ladder, the more you receive in your career growth. Understanding of the certification path and pursuing it diligently will enhance your career opportunities and salary potentials.

• MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration

This credential validates your skills in database configuration, installation, provisioning, and maintenance. Earning MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration prepares you for a position as a development lead, an infrastructure specialist, or an architect. You are required to have foundational skills in IT or have the MTA certification to earn this MCSA credential. The professionals who have fundamental work experience with database can write the certification exam without getting MTA.

• MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development

This credential demonstrates your skills and knowledge for working with cloud-based and on-premises databases. When you pass the test, you are qualified for a middle-level job role as a database developer. Before you can attempt the exam, you are required to have the MTA certification or fundamental skills in Information Technology.

• MCSA: SQL 2016 BI Development

The professionals wanting to take a job role as a Business Intelligence developer are advised to take this certification. It demonstrates your skills in the area of ETL (extract, transform, load) and warehousing data. It also shows that you have an understanding of how to implement business intelligence solutions through the use of Online Analytical Processing cubes, as well as multi-dimensional and tabular data components. To earn this credential, you are required to have the MTA certification or foundation skills in IT.

Benefits of MCSA SQL Server Database Certifications

The MCSA: SQL Server Database certifications are very useful for the professionals working as database developers and database administrators. As a matter of fact, there are a number of opportunities and benefits that can be explored by these specialists with these Microsoft credentials. These benefits are highlighted below.

• Verification of skills + Great career opportunities

With the rapid growth of cloud-based jobs in IT industry today, it is easy to say that a certification will open many opportunities for the holder. Microsoft gives professionals an edge by offering them globally recognized credentials that demonstrate their abilities and skills mastery, their readiness to embrace latest technologies. There are numerous opportunities that are available in the industry for these professionals, and earning credentials is a sure way to explore them.

• Opportunity to grow rapidly

If you want to climb the career ladder faster, earning a certification is the way to go. For database developers and database administrators, one of the MCSA SQL Server certifications is the perfect tool for achieving their career goals. About 23% of professionals with such a credential receive up to 20% increase in their salary. Apart from the salary growing, there is also the high possibility to take more responsibilities such as supervisory role, which is an easy way to earn a promotion fast.

• Strong career building blocks

With any of the MCSA certification, a database developer or administrator can expect to advance the career with more ease. The hiring managers use credentials as recruitment criteria when it comes to hiring and offering promotion. The employers are also willing to pay professionals with certifications more than the average salary. Some career fields, such as networking, cloud, and security are absolutely dependent on the IT certificates. If you want to build a strong career from an entry to expert level, the credentials are what you need to validate your skills and knowledge.

• Ability to attain a leadership position

The certified professionals attain full productivity more rapidly than their non-certified colleagues. This gives more opportunities for career advancement. The database administrators and developers who pursue the MCSA: SQL Server credentials find themselves in a leadership position within a short period of time.

• Recognition by the employer

If you want to get recognized and be saddled with more responsibilities at work, go after a certification. Earning a certificate indicates that you are not complacent. Thus, you are ready to develop yourself and become a better professional. With the MCSA SQL Server Database certifications, you get recognition from your employer not just because you have this certificate to show but because you have the capability to deliver maximum output in your role as a database developer or a database administrator.

Conclusion

The Microsoft MCSA SQL Server Database certifications are indeed helpful to database developers and database administrators. They provide them with rapid career growth and more rewarding positions in the IT industry. There is no doubt that SQL is a universal coding language, which means that it is here to stay for a very long time. Therefore, pursuing this certification path will allow you to obtain valuable knowledge and skills that will be relevant to your career as a database developer or administrator.