microsoft sql certification path

learn.microsoft.com › en-us › answers › questions › 1386395 › microsoft-sql-server-certification

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

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Answer from Vinodh247-1375 on learn.microsoft.com

Microsoft Community Hub

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SQL Server certification path | Microsoft Community Hub

June 25, 2023 - Is there any current Sql Server certs any more? The only ones I see are way back in 2016. Is there even Mssql master certs? ... Not really, Microsoft does not have product specific exams anymore. Best is DP-300 https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/exams/dp-300/

Microsoft Learn

learn.microsoft.com › en-us › credentials › certifications › azure-database-administrator-associate

Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate - Certifications | Microsoft Learn

As the Azure database administrator, you implement and manage the operational aspects of cloud-native and hybrid data platform solutions built on Azure SQL services and SQL Server. 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.

Discussions

SQL Server and SQL certification

The only certifications that really matter are the ones from the platform vendors themselves. If a hiring manager is making a decision based on certifications (and most of the time they're barely a consideration), they're going to take the one from Microsoft over whoever Alison is (I've never heard of this outfit). Microsoft currently has no SQL Server certifications. The closest is DP-300 but that's got a heavy Azure focus. Their certs are now all role-based, so you'd want to look at Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Data Scientist, Database Administrator depending on what kind of a role you're targeting. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/browse/?expanded=azure&roles=data-analyst%2Cdata-engineer%2Cdata-scientist%2Cdatabase-administrator More on reddit.com

r/SQLServer

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December 12, 2023

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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[Question] Certification Path for SQL Server Database Administration

Microsoft are pushing Azure at the moment and that's the only DBA exam (Azure DP 300). You can take it straight away with no prerequisites. But.... being certified doesn't automatically mean being capable. More on reddit.com

r/SQLServer

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December 4, 2021

Does Microsoft still provide SQL Server 2019 Certification?

Hi, my name is Lance Charles. I am a SQL Server (and Oracle) Database Administrator and I have been tasked with becoming MS SQL Server certified as part of my development plan. I have been all over the Microsoft training sites, but I cannot seem to… More on learn.microsoft.com

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The only certifications that really matter are the ones from the platform vendors themselves. If a hiring manager is making a decision based on certifications (and most of the time they're barely a consideration), they're going to take the one from Microsoft over whoever Alison is (I've never heard of this outfit). Microsoft currently has no SQL Server certifications. The closest is DP-300 but that's got a heavy Azure focus. Their certs are now all role-based, so you'd want to look at Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Data Scientist, Database Administrator depending on what kind of a role you're targeting. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/browse/?expanded=azure&roles=data-analyst%2Cdata-engineer%2Cdata-scientist%2Cdatabase-administrator

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Why? I mean, why and for what reason? Are you looking for a Sysadmin / Database admin job? Or Data analysis job? Or development job? Because the answer to your question "the best" would change based on the Why!

DataCamp

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Top 5 SQL Server Certifications: A Complete Guide | DataCamp

October 29, 2024 - Microsoft's certifications have transitioned to a role-based structure, focusing on specific career paths like Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Database Administrator, and Data Scientist. As a result, Microsoft offers certifications aligned with specific roles, covering SQL as it applies within ...

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Microsoft Learn

learn.microsoft.com › en-us › answers › questions › 1386395 › microsoft-sql-server-certification

Microsoft SQL Server Certification - Microsoft Q&A

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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.

MSSQLTips

mssqltips.com › home › sql certifications program from microsoft

SQL Certifications Program from Microsoft

April 6, 2023 - Role-based Certifications – Microsoft has moved to a role-based certification model focusing on the skills and knowledge needed for specific job roles. The new certifications are designed to align more closely with industry needs and job requirements. Streamlined Certification Paths – The new certification paths are more streamlined and focused on specific job roles, with fewer exams required to obtain a certification.

Coursera

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Microsoft SQL Server Professional Certificate | Coursera

Microsoft SQL Server is a specific database platform that uses its own implementation of SQL called T-SQL (Transact-SQL). T-SQL extends standard SQL with additional functionality including stored procedures, triggers, and transaction control. This certificate teaches you both standard SQL concepts and Microsoft's specific T-SQL implementation, giving you portable database skills along with specialized knowledge of one of the industry's leading platforms.

Rating: 4.6 - 270 votes

Microsoft Learn

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Professional and Technical Credentials and Certifications | Microsoft Learn

To get started, choose a credential, prepare with training, earn by passing an exam (Certifications) or a lab-based assessment (Applied Skills), then celebrate by sharing your credential on social platforms like LinkedIn.

K Chant

kevinrchant.com › home › recommended sql server certifications and badges

February 13, 2023 - Doing this route allows you to utilize your existing SQL Server knowledge to gain the Azure Database Administrator Associate certification first. From there, you can build up your knowledge about the rest of the Azure environment as you look to DevOps Engineer Expert certification. Be aware that the skills measured for the AZ-400 exam was updated on February 2. For more general advice about Microsoft certifications and exams you can read my post that provides advice if Microsoft certifications are your New Year’s resolution.

reddit.com › r/sqlserver › [question] certification path for sql server database administration

r/SQLServer on Reddit: [Question] Certification Path for SQL Server Database Administration

December 4, 2021 -

Hi,

All the certifications are listed on this Microsoft site https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/certifications/browse/?products=sql-server.

What is the order of the certifications to become a certified SQL Server administrator? I do not have any experience.

Thank you.

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Microsoft are pushing Azure at the moment and that's the only DBA exam (Azure DP 300). You can take it straight away with no prerequisites. But.... being certified doesn't automatically mean being capable.

Indeed

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7 SQL Server Certifications to Boost Your Resume | Indeed.com

June 16, 2026 - Candidates for this exam should understand all concepts covered in Exam DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals. Related: How To Choose an MS Certification Path in 2022 · This certification demonstrates that you understand fundamental SQL concepts needed to undertake database projects, especially when working with the Oracle Database server.Take the Oracle Database SQL 1Z0-071 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

02:26

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

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Microsoft Learn

learn.microsoft.com › en-us › answers › questions › 1476617 › does-microsoft-still-provide-sql-server-2019-certi

Does Microsoft still provide SQL Server 2019 Certification? - Microsoft Q&A

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All MCSA SQL Certifications (the old SQL Server certifications for on-premises DBAs) have been transitioned into Azure certifications. The MCSA: SQL 2016 Database Administration certification was the last SQL Server certification available and was retired on Jan 31, 2021.

The corresponding Azure certification for SQL Server DBAs is now the "Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate" certification.

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Hi @Lance Charles

Will there be Windows Server 2019 and SQL Server 2019 certifications available?

No, there will not be Windows Server 2019 and SQL Server 2019 certifications. Windows Server 2019 and SQL Server 2019 content will be included in role-based certifications on an as-needed basis for certain job roles in the Azure Apps & Infrastructure and Data & AI solution areas.

Refer to this doc for more details: MCSA, MCSD, MCSE certifications retire; with continued investment to role-based certifications.

Best regards,

Cosmog Hong

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linkedin.com › pulse › list-sql-server-certifications-g-hemadribabu

List of SQL Server Certifications

April 10, 2026 - Microsoft provides a huge number of certifications. We have a list of SQL Server Certifications well organized according to its components, which will provide you a clear insight.

SQL Shack

sqlshack.com › sql-certifications

SQL Certifications

August 7, 2020 - Many people ask me how to get the Microsoft SQL Certification. SQL Server has a lot of certifications and specializations. In this article, we will provide an introduction to each of them and provide some tips related. At the time of this publication, we are under the Coronavirus era.

Microsoft Learn

learn.microsoft.com › en-us › answers › questions › 1185079 › sql-server-certification

SQL SERVER CERTIFICATION - Microsoft Q&A

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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

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Microsoft Learn

learn.microsoft.com › en-us › training › paths › azure-sql-fundamentals

Azure SQL documentation - Azure SQL | Microsoft Learn

Azure SQL bootcamp · Introduction to Azure database administration Learning Path · DP-800 - SQL AI Developer Associate · DP-300 - Azure Database Administrator Associate · Educational SQL resources · @AzureSQL on YouTube · Azure SQL for beginners · Azure SQL Database essentials ·

DB Vis

dbvis.com › thetable › sql-certification-the-ultimate-guide-for-2024

Navigating SQL Certification in 2024: Your Essential Guide to Advancing in Data Careers

January 31, 2024 - Whether you're just starting out or looking to bolster your existing career, SQL certifications can provide a structured path to enhancing your skills and proving your expertise. Navigating the world of SQL certifications can be full of questions. Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your expertise, these FAQs aim to clarify common questions, helping you make informed decisions about your SQL learning journey. The "best" SQL certification depends on your career goals and the specific technologies you want to work with. For example, Microsoft's certifications are great for Azure-focused roles, while Oracle's are ideal for those concentrating on Oracle databases.

SQL Shack

sqlshack.com › it-is-the-time-to-specify-your-microsoft-certifications-path

It is time to specify your Microsoft Certifications path

September 28, 2020 - Passing both DP-200 and DP-201 exams, you will be certified as an Azure Data Engineer Associate. The Azure Database Administrator is responsible for managing and operating the data solutions using the Microsoft Azure data services and Microsoft SQL Server.