SQL Certificates Baltimore, MD

SQL stands for Structured Query Language, one of the most widely used programming languages worldwide. It is a domain-specific rather than a general-purpose language. To understand the difference, you can contrast domain-specific languages with general-purpose languages like Python, Java, or C++. Other domain-specific languages include CSS and HTML.

If you want to learn SQL basics, your approach should depend on how and when you plan to use SQL in your work. A business intelligence (BI) or data science role may require SQL fundamentals, but other positions demand expertise. SQL is essential for organizing and storing data in user-defined relational tables. Whether you want to earn an SQL certification credential or study it as part of a broad-based certificate program depends on your goals. If you seek an entry-level SQL role, you might need to master Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, or PostgreSQL. A career requiring advanced SQL skills might mean you need all of the above. Read on to learn more about this essential language.

Why Become Certified in SQL?

If you want to work in a specific SQL-centered role, getting certified in SQL can be worth the time and effort it takes. Careers that require ongoing database management are more likely to require SQL proficiency, especially those that include relational database management systems.

Your industry or sector can determine whether you need one or more SQL certification credentials. Popular certifications like IBM Certified Database Associate or Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals can be essential to give you an advantage over other job applicants.

However, an entry-level position demanding SQL knowledge may not require any certification credentials. You might qualify through an immersive bootcamp or certificate program that includes SQL in a broader data science or analytics curriculum. If you want a particular job, read up on typical industry requirements before you commit to a certification exam track or a certificate program.

What You’ll Learn While Becoming SQL Certified

As with other considerations, what you will learn while getting SQL training will depend on your current job or education, industry or sector, and whether you enroll in a certificate program or study for a certification exam. Knowledge and skills like other programming languages, cloud computing, and industry-specific tools all make varying degrees of difference.

However, some tools and skills are so widespread that you are more likely than not to need them in an SQL-centered or SQL-adjacent environment. Consider the following programming languages, software platforms, or skill sets:

Excel

Part of the Microsoft 365 subscription plan, Excel is about as universal and widely known as software can get. Like its fellow program Word, Excel has been a staple of business for decades and a requirement so fundamental that many job applicants don't even include it on their resumes. If you're going to work with spreadsheets, you probably need Excel expertise.

Still, not every SQL-focused job seeker puts Excel at the top of their priorities. That can be a mistake. Online job listings frequently list Excel alongside SQL, Python, and Tableau for positions like Business Analyst, Marketing Analyst, and other data-centric roles. Think of Excel as a tool you should at least understand. Master most of its features if you need advanced Excel proficiency.

Python

Excel is one of the best-known programs in the world, and Python is one of the most widely used programming languages. Tech professionals ranging from Data Analysts to Investment Advisors use Python for everything from basic task automation to advanced linear regression.

If you’re starting a computer science career, you might prioritize learning Python over SQL. You might also consider learning both as part of a broader data science or analytics curriculum. While some Python and SQL functions overlap, you might need to use these complex tools separately or together. It depends on your role and its essential functions. Some SQL-centered careers do not require Python, but if yours will demand both, consider learning SQL first. Either that or learn both together through an intensive bootcamp or certificate program.

Google Analytics

If you own and operate a small business, there is a good chance you have used Google Analytics to read reports, learn about your customers, and maximize your return on investment (ROI). If you do not own a small business or work in data analysis, you might not be familiar with the analytics tools Google provides. However, you should know that many roles that demand SQL expertise require Google Analytics proficiency.

While a data-centered curriculum does not always combine SQL and Google Analytics, you might not need as much training as you think. A short seminar or workshop covering Google Analytics fundamentals may be enough to do the job. If you have a particular role in mind, research the typical level of analytics proficiency required.

Power BI

Microsoft Power BI is a powerful data visualization software, an essential tool for many business intelligence (BI) positions that demand SQL expertise. If your work environment is Windows-based, you can run SQL queries for visualization by integrating with Power BI. Many data-centered roles require using Power BI with SQL Server, another Microsoft product.

While the standard discussion is Power BI vs. Competitor Tableau, you might not need to favor one or the other. Each has its advantages and disadvantages for specific tasks. Some employers want their data pros to have Tableau expertise, others prefer Power BI, and some even want employees to know both. Consider researching roles first before you commit to learning these visualization tools.

Apache Spark

Spark from Apache is another essential tool for a high percentage of SQL-centered positions. Apache Spark is an open-source analytics engine and processing system for large datasets. Supported programming languages include SQL, Python, Java, and others. Its features include real-time streaming, SQL analytics, and machine learning (ML).

Not all SQL-centered roles require Spark proficiency, but some specify it as essential. A Machine Learning Engineer position may list Spark SQL under requirements, while other job listings may feature Spark in the job title, like Spark Developer or PySpark Developer. As in other cases, research the role thoroughly if you have a specific job in mind.

SQL Industries in Baltimore

Baltimore is part of the Baltimore–Columbia–Towson Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). This vast area borders the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV MSA, another massive, densely populated metro area. While the DC area reaches multiple states, the Baltimore MSA is all Maryland.

With a population approaching three million and a median age of 39, the Baltimore–Columbia–Towson MSA boasts high employment rates. Among the top industries here:

• Transportation & Logistics
• Construction
• Education
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare

The need for SQL expertise in these sectors may not stand out to inexperienced job seekers. However, SQL in data analytics is essential, and many positions require it. Logistics companies may need employees with titles like SQL Report Writer, SQL Server Manager, and Transportation Data Analyst. Healthcare professionals today hold roles like Billing Operations Specialists, Health Business Analysts, and Healthcare BI Analysts.

A comprehensive list would be beyond the scope of this article. If you work in one of the abovementioned industries, you likely already have SQL basics. If you want to secure a position with job security in Baltimore, consider using your SQL training in one of the area’s top industries.

SQL Careers in Baltimore

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS) projects continued growth in jobs requiring SQL proficiency, including Database Administrators, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Software Developers. In the Baltimore–Columbia–Towson metro area, median household income and property values continue to rise, a positive sign for high-tech area workers.

A skilled Quality Assurance Analyst in Baltimore typically earns an average annual salary of about $66,000 to $104,000, while a Financial Analyst can expect to make slightly more, averaging $74,000 to around $105,000 annually. A Business Analyst can do even better, earning an average annual salary of $77,000 to about $115,000.

Further up the pay scale, a Baltimore-area Software Developer can anticipate making around $93,000 to $128,000 annually on average, and a Database Administrator’s salary starts at less but averages more on the high end—about $88,000 to $132,000 annually.

As in many other parts of the country, one of the most prestigious and high-paying tech careers is Data Scientist. In the Baltimore metro area, an experienced Data Scientist can anticipate annual compensation of around $114,000 to $164,000, including bonus pay, profit sharing, and other financial incentives.

For more information about roles like Business Analyst, Data Analyst, and Data Scientist, check out the Careers Page at Noble Desktop, which provides condensed job descriptions and nationwide salary ranges.

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification?

One of the first questions many of those new to SQL ask is, Should I enroll in a certificate program or work to qualify myself to sit for a certification exam? And what's the difference between a certificate and a certification, anyway? While a private course provider may offer multiple bootcamps or certificate programs, they typically award a certificate of completion to each graduate rather than a certification credential. Conversely, a certification exam usually comes at the end of a study period for that credential. Not all private course providers offer certification exam prep, although some do.

Bootcamps or certificate programs (which may consist of multiple bootcamps) are often ideal for novice SQL students. Whereas some tech pros sit for certification credentials before applying to entry-level roles, certifications are typically more common among intermediate or expert-level professionals. Another aspect to consider is enrolling in a certificate program today can prepare you for a certification exam in the future.

Top SQL Certificate Programs in Baltimore

SQL users in high-tech roles range from Data Analysts to Quality Assurance Testers in every industry and sector. Marketing, FinTech, healthcare, and cybersecurity are just a few of the areas where SQL has and will continue to have a dominant role—for data storage, analysis, and retrieval. If you find the appropriate certificate program or certification credential, you can launch a data-centered career or level up from your current position to an even more successful role.

• Noble Desktop—SQL Bootcamp

Noble Desktop has been a respected course provider for three decades, and their SQL training includes in-person coursework at their NYC headquarters and live online classes you can take from anywhere. Their immersive SQL Bootcamp gives novice learners the skills and knowledge to use this essential data tool.

Topics in this in-depth bootcamp include SQL Server, MySQL, and PostgreSQL, to name a few, in a project-based, interactive online environment. You’ll code queries, filter data, and learn how to gain insights from large datasets alongside fellow participants. SQL Bootcamp graduates receive a digital certificate of completion and can retake the course for up to a year at no additional charge.

• Computer Training Source, Inc.—SQL Queries Introduction

Computer Training Source has offered business courses since 1991, including Microsoft programs, HTML and CSS, Adobe Creative Cloud software, and other subjects. Their SQL Queries Introduction is available in-person at their Chicago location or live online anywhere with an internet connection. Computer Training Source also offers private training and tutoring by request.

SQL Queries Introduction teaches beginners how to retrieve and work with data from databases, and topics include simple queries, conditional searches, and exporting results. The class is open to students ages 18 and above, and Computer Training Source encourages participants to store completed exercises on an external hard drive or flash drive. See course listings for more detailed information.

• Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification

Oracle is one of several major multinational corporations that offer training related to their platforms, along with Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Their Database SQL Certified Associate credential is one of the most popular choices, as qualified applicants need only basic computer literacy, knowledge of command line interfaces, and experience working with the command line.

However, this certification requires training in multiple courses and a practice exam. To earn the SQL Certified Associate credential, students must pass the Oracle Database SQL (1Z0-071) exam. Like most certification paths, this one is more appropriate for experts than for novice SQL learners.

• NYIM Training—SQL Level I

New York-based NYIM Training provides comprehensive training in numerous software programs, including Microsoft products, Adobe, AutoCAD, and others. They offer in-person training at their Manhattan headquarters and live online bootcamps and certificate programs you can take from anywhere.

SQL Level I is the beginner-level offering from NYIM Training and a precursor to their intermediate and advanced courses. Participants gain knowledge of SQL fundamentals and experience coding queries, filtering results, and learning how to gain insights from datasets. NYIM Training also offers its SQL Levels I-III as a separate SQL Bootcamp focused on PostgreSQL. Check listings for more detailed information, including any prerequisites.

• Practical Programming—SQL Bootcamp

Practical Programming is another highly regarded Manhattan-based course provider offering classes in-person and live online via teleconferencing. Subjects here include Python machine learning (ML), JavaScript, and cybersecurity, to name a few.

The SQL Bootcamp from Practical Programming teaches students the skills to clean, organize, and analyze data. This immersive program also includes training in more advanced concepts like aggregate functions, finding NULLs, and using CAST to change data types.

• Developer Bootcamp—SQL Programmer Bootcamp

Developer Bootcamp offers tech training for Developers, Programmers, and other tech professionals, primarily in the industrial field. Their courses are available live online by teleconferencing and include topics like Java, C++, SQL Server, and UNIX, to name a few. Their classrooms feature on-demand video lectures and facilitated hands-on labs. Support staff provide setup assistance, while instructors answer questions and assist students during lab exercises.

The SQL Programmer Bootcamp is one of several SQL-centered courses from Developer Bootcamp. Other options include an SQL Server Administrator Bootcamp and SQL Server Business Intelligence (BI) Developer Bootcamp. Attendees gain profound insights into SQL programming, including database design, syntax, and related topics. Each Developer Bootcamp is self-paced, so check class schedules carefully before blocking out time to complete one.

• NYC Career Centers—SQL Level I

NYC Career Centers is another New York-based course provider that offers tech training in-person and live online via teleconferencing. They host classes ranging from HTML and CSS to SQL, AutoCAD, and PowerPoint, to name a few. Their SQL Level I training program delivers relational database fundamentals, including database architecture, SQL queries, and related topics.

Attendees must be 18 or older, and the interactive online classroom sizes are small to provide more individualized attention. Students can also save by taking SQL Level I as part of NYC Career Centers' SQL Bootcamp. They also offer a separate PostgreSQL Bootcamp for tech pros who need to use PostgreSQL and the DBeaver application. Check course listings for more details.

SQL users in high-tech roles range from Data Analysts to Quality Assurance Testers in every industry and sector. Marketing, FinTech, healthcare, and cybersecurity are just a few of the areas where SQL has and will continue to have a dominant role—for data storage, analysis, and retrieval. If you find the appropriate certificate program or certification credential, you can launch a data-centered career or level up from your current position to an even more successful role.