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
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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?
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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).
Top answer 1 of 2
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Hi
all MCSA and MCSE tracks and associated exams were retired on January 31st 2021 and replaced by Role-based certifications on the Azure Tracks. I would say the closest match to your requirements would be this:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/azure-database-administrator-associate/
You can browse all role-based certifications here:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/browse/?type=role-based
Hope this helps,
Thanks
Michael Durkan
- If the reply was helpful please upvote and/or accept as answer as this helps others in the community with similar questions. Thanks!
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Hi @Patric Nghifikwa ,
This article brings together certificates from different databases, which may be useful for you.
https://www.coursera.org/articles/sql-certifications-for-your-data-career
Depending on your goals, you may choose to master the basics with the Azure AI Fundamentals certification, or level up with the Azure Database Administrator Associate, Azure Data Engineer Associate, Data Analyst Associate, or Azure Developer Associate certifications, or find the right Microsoft Azure certification for you, based on your profession.
Please refer to this:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/exams/dp-900/
Best regards,
Seeya
If the answer is the right solution, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".
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.
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August 7, 2020 - The economy is different in each country and Microsoft tries to set prices according to the economy in each country. Currently, the exam is in English, but that may change in the future. ... Yes, you can retake the exam 5 times per year. Here you have the retake policies: ... In this article, we learned about SQL Certifications...