Hi Ahmad Safi:
Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A.
Yes it has been retired but currently there is no replacement for 70-461. Alternatively you can try to prepare any one of these below.
Microsoft Certified: Database Administrator Associate
Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
See the link below...
https://trainingsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/mcp/forum/all/replacement-for-exam-70-461-querying-microsoft-sql/d8a4e7c2-7855-4036-a37f-ed17862689c0
Please 'Upvote'(Thumbs-up) and 'Accept' as answer if the reply was helpful. This will be benefitting other community members who face the same issue.
Answer from Vinodh247-1375 on learn.microsoft.comMicrosoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › credentials › certifications › developing-ai-enabled-database-solutions
Microsoft Certified: SQL AI Developer Associate - Certifications | Microsoft Learn
As a candidate for this Microsoft Certification, you should have subject matter expertise in designing and developing AI-enabled database solutions across Microsoft SQL platforms, including Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL, and SQL databases in Microsoft Fabric.
Microsoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › credentials › certifications › azure-database-administrator-associate
Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate - Certifications | Microsoft Learn
Certification · Administer an SQL Server database infrastructure for cloud, on-premises and hybrid relational databases using the Microsoft PaaS relational database offerings. Congratulations · You've earned this credential · View my credential ...
Is there a certified course for SQL from Microsoft?
Is there a certified course to test SQL knowledge from Microsoft? To test the understanding of various commands in SQL? Moved from: Azure Synapse Analytics More on learn.microsoft.com
1
0
MSSQL Certifications
You're looking for DP-900, then DP-300. There's no "DBA" certificate anymore. More on reddit.com
16
15
September 19, 2024what are the best and most industry recognized SQL certifications for students.
If you’re working in the Microsoft eco system, the Microsoft certifications are free to study and exams are reasonable. More on reddit.com
12
1
November 13, 2025what is the difference between SQL certification from Oracle and Microsoft?
The difference is that one is completely worthless, the other one utterly worthless. Okay, I'm joking. But only 50%. Unless you got cash to burn I wouldn't bother. More on reddit.com
53
24
April 27, 2021What's the difference between SQL and Microsoft SQL Server?
coursera.org
coursera.org › browse › data science › data analysis
Microsoft SQL Server Professional Certificate | Coursera
What jobs utilize Microsoft SQL Server skills?
coursera.org
coursera.org › browse › data science › data analysis
Microsoft SQL Server Professional Certificate | Coursera
Is Microsoft SQL Server different from MySQL or PostgreSQL?
coursera.org
coursera.org › browse › data science › data analysis
Microsoft SQL Server Professional Certificate | Coursera
09:43
7 BEST SQL Certifications For Data Analysts - YouTube
Microsoft SQL Server Professional Certificate Review – Worth ...
08:49
Can I do a certification in SQL Server? - YouTube
08:56
Real Talk: Microsoft SQL Server Certification (MCSE/MCSA) - YouTube
07:21
Microsoft Certifications Training from SQL School - YouTube
04:24
Free MS SQL Course with Certificate - YouTube
Coursera
coursera.org › browse › data science › data analysis
Microsoft SQL Server Professional Certificate | Coursera
Offered by Microsoft. Learn SQL with Microsoft SQL Server. Learn essential database skills to design, query, optimize, and secure SQL Server ... Enroll for free.
Microsoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › credentials › certifications › resources › study-guides › dp-300
Study guide for Exam DP-300: Administering Microsoft Azure SQL Solutions | Microsoft Learn
You use a variety of methods and tools to perform and automate day-to-day operations, including applying knowledge of using Transact-SQL (T-SQL) and other tools for administrative management purposes. You’re responsible for the following concerning database solutions: ... You evaluate and implement migration strategies for moving databases between Azure and on-premises. Plus, you work with Azure data engineers, Azure solution architects, Azure developers, data scientists, and other professionals to manage operational aspects of data platform solutions. As a candidate for this exam, you should have knowledge of and experience with:
Indeed
indeed.com › career-advice › career-development › ms-sql-server-certifications
7 SQL Server Certifications to Boost Your Resume | Indeed.com
June 16, 2026 - It certifies that you know how to describe core data concepts and how to work with relational and nonrelational data on Azure.Take the DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals exam to earn this certification.
Coursera
coursera.org › coursera articles › data › data analytics › 5 sql certifications for your data career in 2026
5 SQL Certifications for Your Data Career in 2026 | Coursera
Using the Microsoft Azure DP-900 Data Fundamentals Exam Prep Specialization, you can study for your exam with guidance from the experts at Microsoft and redeem your exam discount at Pearson Vue proctor exam sites upon completion. The Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification demonstrates your knowledge of basic SQL concepts, especially how to use them to work with the Oracle Database server.
Published December 6, 2025 Views 1
Microsoft Community Hub
techcommunity.microsoft.com › microsoft community hub › communities › topics › the skills hub on tech community › the skills hub blog
New Microsoft Certified: SQL AI Developer Associate Certification | Microsoft Community Hub
March 12, 2026 - We’re introducing the Microsoft ... every day. To earn this new Certification, you need to pass Exam DP‑800: Developing AI‑Enabled Database Solutions, currently in beta....
MSSQLTips
mssqltips.com › home › sql certifications program from microsoft
SQL Certifications Program from Microsoft
April 6, 2023 - Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 is a certification exam offered by Microsoft that validates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in designing, implementing, and maintaining Microsoft Azure databases.
CertLibrary
certlibrary.com › blog › comprehensive-guide-to-preparing-for-microsoft-sql-certification
Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for Microsoft SQL Certification - CertLibrary Blog
May 21, 2026 - While Microsoft does not enforce strict prerequisites for entry-level certifications, having at least six months to one year of hands-on experience significantly improves your chances of success. You should be comfortable with basic SQL queries, database design principles, and fundamental administration tasks before attempting certification exams.
DataCamp
datacamp.com › blog › top-sql-server-certifications
Top 5 SQL Server Certifications: A Complete Guide | DataCamp
October 29, 2024 - Microsoft's certifications have ... specific roles, covering SQL as it applies within broader data and cloud contexts, such as the Azure-focused DP-300 exam....
LinkedIn
linkedin.com › pulse › list-sql-server-certifications-g-hemadribabu
List of SQL Server Certifications
April 10, 2026 - Exam 98-364 (Database Fundamentals) Associate Level: SQL-related Credentials at the MCSA · Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) Cost Per Exam: US$165 · MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Development · Exam 70-761 (Querying Data with Transact-SQL) ...
Learn.org
learn.org › home › articles › what is a microsoft sql certification?
What is a Microsoft SQL Certification?
January 20, 2022 - Microsoft SQL certifications are professional credentials that can be used to demonstrate your skills using SQL Server, Microsoft's relational database management system. To earn certification, you must pass an exam that tests your skills. However, there are three levels of Microsoft SQL Certification, and several specialties within each level.
ExamCollection
examcollection.com › Microsoft-SQL-training.html
Microsoft SQL Certification Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions - ExamCollection
Latest and Updated Microsoft SQL Practice Test Questions and Answers. Pass Microsoft SQL Certification Exam Fast With 100% Free and Real Exam Dumps. All Microsoft SQL Dumps and Practice Exam Questions and Answers are verified by Microsoft experts.
Analyticsexam
analyticsexam.com › blog › database-certifications-microsoft
Database Certifications from Microsoft | AnalyticsExam
Each credential requires candidates to pass two exams. The 2016 program is still under development as of this writing, but you can track its progress on the MCSE: SQL 2016 page. At the Microsoft MCSE level are three database credentials: Data Platform, Business Intelligence, and Data Management ...
Dataquest
dataquest.io › home › blog › best sql certifications in 2026 ― cost, prerequisites, and impact
11 Best SQL Certifications in 2026 (+ When to Skip Them)
January 6, 2026 - Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900) serves as Microsoft's entry-level data certification. The exam covers core data concepts, relational databases, SQL basics, and Azure data services.
Microsoft Learn
learn.microsoft.com › en-us › answers › questions › 5613967 › is-there-a-certified-course-for-sql-from-microsoft
Is there a certified course for SQL from Microsoft? - Microsoft Q&A
Yes, Microsoft offers a certified course for SQL knowledge through the course titled "Querying Data with Microsoft Transact-SQL" (Course DP-080T00-A).
ITExams
itexams.com › info › 70-461
Latest Microsoft 70-461 Actual Free Exam Questions - ITExams.com
Here you will find the latest Microsoft 70-461 actual exam questions for free that stimulates a real Understanding of MCSA Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 with the right answers.
Brent Ozar Unlimited®
brentozar.com › home › sql mcm
Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) of SQL Server
July 8, 2020 - What is a Microsoft Certified Master – an overview of the whole thing before I started. MCM Prep – Prerequisite Reading – the reading list you’re assigned before attending. You NEED to read this stuff. MCM Prep – Exams 70-433 and 451 – the database developer tests you have to pass before registering.
Codefinity
codefinity.com › blog › Top-3-SQL-Certifications
Top 3 SQL Certifications
This DBMS is developed by Microsoft, so this company definitely knows how to assess a user's knowledge of SQL and databases. You can obtain certificates at different levels of SQL and Azure proficiency, from beginner level to the level of a data scientist who regularly works with big data. Price: Such certification comes at a cost, typically ranging from $100 to $200, depending on the type of certification. Additionally, if you are unable to pass the exam on your first attempt, you may need to pay an additional fee for the opportunity to retake the exam.