Learning SQL Server can help you be a more valued employee at your current job and provide you with the training to pursue new career options. Coursework is available for students with different schedules who must complete study around other commitments like full-time work, travel, or family engagements. Full-time and part-time study options are offered by providers to accommodate different scheduling needs. In addition, learners just starting working with SQL Server can find beginner-friendly coursework that introduces them to working with relational databases. For those who cannot commit to classes that take place in real-time, asynchronous content is another way to study SQL Server. These classes can be completed from any location with internet access. Study can occur at the learner’s own pace.

What is SQL Server?

SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) created by Microsoft. The data it contains is stored in tables similar to the columns and rows in a spreadsheet. Like other RDBMS software, SQL server is built on top of structured query language (SQL), the programming language most commonly used to communicate with relational databases. This database server’s primary function is storing and retrieving data that other software applications request. This data may run on the same computer or be stored on a computer across a network.

Read more about what SQL Server is and why you should learn it.

Benefits of Learning SQL Server 

In 2020, Stack Overflow listed SQL Server as one of the top three most popular databases. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, so there will be a demand for those trained to use SQL Server. In addition, working with Microsoft software is a good choice for entrepreneurs because of benefits such as clear licenses, excellent customer service and support, and how easy it is to implement. SQL Server remains a popular option because it’s been on the market for 35 years. Because of its longevity, it’s possible to find experts familiar with this RDBMS. This is not always possible with newer products and solutions like NoSQL.

There are many benefits to working with SQL Server. This product has a one-click installation procedure, which includes instructions that are easy to understand. This product offers excellent encryption and compression capabilities, which can help improve retrieval functions and data storage. In addition, Microsoft SQL Server is one of the most secure database servers; its encryption algorithms make it extremely difficult to crack the user’s security layers. Because SQL Server isn’t an open-source database server, this also mitigates the possibility of database server attacks. Another reason many individuals appreciate working with SQL Server is that multiple editions are available with different price points for enterprise, standard, workgroup, express, and developer usage. 

Read more about why you should learn SQL Server.

How Long Do SQL Server Courses Last?

SQL Server coursework ranges in length depending on the type of training format you select, as well as the content of the course. Skills classes are the shortest learning option. Bootcamp study is longer and more involved. Certificate programs are the longest and most intensive way to learn SQL Server.

SQL skills classes usually take only six hours to complete and are available in person and through live online study. This short learning option is intended for those who wish to fill a skills gap and acquire specific training that will help them extract information from databases. These classes combine instruction with hands-on training in various SQL and SQL Server skills, such as writing queries, joining tables, and aggregating data. Some providers offer skills classes for a few hundred dollars, which makes it a largely affordable way to acquire training with this in-demand skill. 

Career training bootcamps in SQL Server are longer than skills classes. These programs take approximately 18 hours to complete and provide students with training in a range of SQL Server skills that can help them perform their current job more effectively. The amount of time it takes to complete the bootcamp depends on whether you opt to study full-time or part-time. Some programs take three full days to complete, whereas others can be spaced over several weeks of part-time study. Bootcamp study is a great way to take your SQL Server skills from beginner to advanced in a contained amount of time. These courses cost around $1,000 or more. While this price is significantly more than skills classes, bootcamp tuition also often provides students with additional learning incentives, such as the option of a free course retake for up to a year, supplemental training material, or access to video tutorials after graduation. 

Those interested in learning SQL Server for career purposes, such as to apply for a new data-related job or to perform more efficiently as a Database Administrator or Database Architect, will likely require intensive training. Certificate programs in data science or data analytics often include SQL and SQL Server training alongside other related skills. Participants in these rigorous programs may also study Excel, data analytics, Tableau, Python, and other skills they can use alongside SQL Server. Certificate programs range in length but can require 100-160 hours of instruction. These programs are available in-person and live online. They can be completed in several weeks of full-time study or spread out over months for those who wish to complete coursework part-time. Tuition for certificate programs can cost $5,000 or more, depending on the provider. This fee includes more than in-class training; it also can provide career support and mentoring to help students develop professionally.

Different Courses with Different Schedules

The amount of time it takes to complete an SQL Server course depends on the delivery method and the depth of instruction provided. Skills classes are short and provide hands-on SQL Server training with beginner, intermediate, or advanced skills. Bootcamps are longer and offer a more thorough course of study. Certificate programs are the longest and most intensive way to acquire Microsoft SQL Server training.

In-Person & Online Classes 

In-person and live online courses are available in SQL Server. Because both training formats occur in real-time, the coursework length is the same in either format. Instead, what affects course duration is whether students opt to complete their studies part-time or full-time. 

In-person coursework is available in skills classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs. In-person study is the most interactive and engaging way to study SQL Server. This training format is a great option for extroverted learners who thrive in the traditional classroom learning environment. Participants not only have the chance to connect with an expert instructor who’s leading the class but can also network with others in their cohort. Class takes place in a designated training facility with computers with the most up-to-date software and tools for SQL Server study. Participants can ask questions and receive immediate clarification and support. 

Live online SQL Server training is also an option for skills classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs. Participants who opt for live online study have the same learning benefits as those who attend class in person. They connect in real-time with an instructor with real-world training in RDBMSs. If any questions arise, students can receive immediate guidance and even share their screen with the instructor (with permission). Because all coursework can be completed remotely, students never have to battle rush-hour traffic to attend class or pay for parking.

Synchronous & Asynchronous Classes

Deciding between synchronous and asynchronous SQL Server training material is another important consideration. Synchronous coursework is taught in real-time and provides participants with live access to an instructor. Both in-person and online coursework is available live and provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn this skill in an engaging format. Those interested in live study can choose from skills classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs. Because coursework is taught in real-time, students must be able to attend regularly scheduled meetings and commit to completing coursework on the schedule established by the provider. 

Asynchronous content is another way some students elect to study SQL Server. Self-paced study material is available in a variety of lengths and formats. It is generally shorter than live content; since no instructor is present, no class time is used on questions or activities. Participants can select from full SQL Server programs that take ten or more hours to complete or opt to learn through online videos and training materials that are shorter and more focused and may only require fifteen minutes or less. One of the benefits of learning through asynchronous material is that it’s pre-recorded. This means it can be paused, rewound, and watched as often as necessary to reinforce a relational database concept. Students can also choose how much time they wish to devote to their studies each day or week and complete lessons accordingly. Coursework can be completed at any time from any location with a stable internet connection.

Those who wish to learn through self-paced SQL Server coursework should do some preliminary research before enrolling to ensure the instructor is reputable and that those who took the course found it relevant and helpful. Asynchronous SQL Server classes can provide an introduction to this skill and a basic overview of relational databases and how to work with RDBMSs. However, if you’re a professional seeking career-specific training, it may be difficult to learn advanced concepts in this format since there’s no instructor. This is why some learners opt to begin their SQL Server learning journey through self-paced content, then progress into a bootcamp or certificate program.

Career-Focused & Skills-Focused Classes

Whether to pursue a career-focused or skills-focused SQL Server course will likely depend on your reasons for study and your ultimate goals for acquiring this skill. Career-focused classes, like bootcamps and certificate programs, are longer and more rigorous than skills classes. Bootcamps take around 18 or more hours to complete, and certificates can span 100-160 hours. Both formats provide hands-on training in SQL and SQL Server. Certificate study in a field like data analytics or data science may also include coursework related to data and databases, such as working with Tableau, Python, or Excel. Not only do career-focused programs provide in-depth classroom instruction, but they also often include career development. Some certificate programs provide one-on-one mentoring sessions that allow students to work individually with the instructor on their resume, professional portfolio, and other job materials. This allows graduates to not only immediately apply the SQL skills they learn at their current job but also to explore new career opportunities.

Skills classes can be completed in just a day or two and are focused entirely on SQL Server training. Over the course of six or so hours, participants learn how to work with RDBMSs and complete in-class activities to reinforce their understanding. The training acquired can fill a skill gap. Career support is not included in skills classes. 

Introductory Classes & Immersive Courses 

Selecting an SQL Server course at the appropriate learning level is important so you will get the most out of your studies. Those who are just getting started working with relational databases or who are new to using SQL likely will benefit most from an introductory-level SQL Server skills course. These classes provide hands-on training in a supportive and engaging environment where learners can feel free to ask questions as they learn the basics. Intermediate and advanced-level skills classes are also available from many providers. These courses are intended for those with a background working with RDBMSs who wish to further their skills. Some educators allow participants to combine beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level skills classes into one continuous, comprehensive study format in which they take all three courses back-to-back. Rather than paying the full fee for each skills class, a discount is sometimes available for those who book all three.

Longer SQL Server coursework provides a more immersive way to learn this skill. Instead of completing class in a day or two, those who enroll in bootcamp study commit to at least 18 hours of in-depth classroom study. Students who elect to take a certificate program commit over 100 classroom hours to learning SQL Server alongside other database tools and skills. Whereas bootcamps take days or weeks to complete, certificate programs can take several months.

Learn SQL Server Skills with Noble Desktop

If you’re new to SQL Server and want to learn the basics, Noble Desktop’s in-person and live online SQL Server Bootcamp is for you. Participants receive expert instruction about using SQL Server to locate information in databases using SQL queries, as well as joining tables, aggregating data, and filtering results. 

Noble’s in-person or live online SQL Bootcamp prepares participants to work with the free DBeaver app for exploring databases and executing queries. Noble also offers the Data Science Certificate and Data Analytics Certificate, in which PostgreSQL training is provided. The content in this course can be applied to SQL Server.

Key Takeaways

• SQL Server coursework is available in various formats requiring different time commitments. Skills classes can often be completed in six or so hours, whereas bootcamps take 18 or more, and certificate programs can span 100-160 hours of class instruction.
• Students can decide whether they wish to study SQL Server in person at a training facility or through live online coursework. Both options allow participants to connect to a live instructor.
• Asynchronous training material is also offered by some educators. This format allows students to establish their own study pace and decide where and when they wish to complete lessons.
• A great way to fully immerse yourself in SQL Server study is to enroll in one of Noble Desktop’s in-person or live online courses. These classes provide comprehensive training in SQL Server in an engaging, interactive environment.