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 certification, you should be adept at building AI‑enabled database solutions across Microsoft SQL platforms, integrating AI features, applying T‑SQL and CI/CD practices, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to deliver secure, scalable, high‑performance data solutions.
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April 24, 2026 - Administer an SQL Server database infrastructure for cloud, on-premises and hybrid relational databases using the Microsoft PaaS relational database offerings. ... As a candidate for this certification, you should have subject matter expertise in building database solutions that are designed to support multiple workloads built with:
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Microsoft SQL Server Certification
Hello, I was looking to find training material for Microsoft Exam 70-461 but came across a couple of links saying this exam has been retired. I tried to find the same link on Microsoft's website but was not able to. Therefore, I am posting a question… More on learn.microsoft.com
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October 9, 2023Latest certifications for SQL Server DBA's
sql server - What Microsoft DBA certificate should I acquire? - Database Administrators Stack Exchange
If I get "MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration" will I be able to administer Azure DB? How different is that? ... The MCSA certifications are being retired very soon. This certification retires on January 31, 2021. You will no longer be able to earn this certification after this date. I would not recommend starting to pursue any of them right now. The "replacement" exam is Microsoft ... More on dba.stackexchange.com
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5 SQL Certifications for Your Data Career in 2026 | Coursera
Build job-relevant skills and prepare for certification with one of these courses on Coursera: If you're new to the field and looking to start or advance your data career, earning the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 Certification is ...
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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.
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Top 7 Microsoft SQL Certifications 2026 — Kamerpower
January 30, 2026 - Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals. SQL for Data Analysis – Udemy. Oracle Database SQL Certified Associate Certification – Oracle.
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Optimize database performance through ... intelligence tools ... Build skills for in-demand data roles with the Microsoft SQL Server Professional Certificate....
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k21academy.com › azure-data › dp-300
K21 Academy: DP-300 Azure DBA Certification
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SQL Certifications
August 7, 2020 - In this article, we will learn some tips to study for the MS SQL Certification exam. We will learn sources to study, rules and some other tips.
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Latest certifications for SQL Server DBA's
January 6, 2021 - We cannot provide a description for this page right now
MSSQLTips
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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.
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It is time to specify your Microsoft Certifications path
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Microsoft SQL Server Certification Guide | PDF
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learn.microsoft.com › en-us › shows › data-exposed › prepare-for-the-dp-300-exam-and-the-azure-database-administrator-associate-certification-data-exposed
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SQL DBA Certification
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