The best SQL classes, bootcamps, and certifications near me

If you're looking to up your SQL game, these are the courses and classes you need to see, wherever you are in the world

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The world of data is rapidly evolving, and SQL is a critical skill for anyone who wants to excel in data management, analysis, or database development. The demand for database administrators and architects is perennially strong and is forecast to continue growing. SQL training can make all the difference in helping you launch your career or advance to the next level. This article explores the best SQL classes, bootcamps, and certifications available today, each with its own benefits. From comprehensive boot camps designed to fast-track your learning to certifications that validate your skills to potential employers, you’ll find the top options in SQL education. Ensure you find the perfect fit for your learning style and career goals.

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Explore the best SQL classes, bootcamps, and certifications near you

SQL Bootcamp

This comprehensive bootcamp starts with the basics of SQL and databases and takes you through the powerful advanced skills that will make you an essential part of any data team. You’ll start by using SQL to explore information stored in a database using the graphical interface of dBeaver, a popular free database app. You’ll learn to write SQL queries, combine data from multiple tables, and manipulate data to extract the information you need. You’ll gain experience with advanced functions like subqueries, string functions, and if-else logic with case, and you’ll learn to work with views and functions. 

In this training, you’ll learn Microsoft SQL Server, but the core concepts can be applied to other flavors of SQL, such as PostgreSQL, Microsoft Access, or MySQL, with minor syntax differences. There will be a mix of lectures to explain the concepts, coding demonstrations that show you how to write SQL, and time for you to write SQL queries based on challenge questions.

This is an ideal course for leaders who want to make better data-driven decisions or analysts who want to advance their skills beyond Excel and Tableau. Developers who need to work with databases will also find this course valuable.

SQL Server Bootcamp

The free SQL Server Management Studio app (SSMS) is a Microsoft database app that provides a graphical interface for SQL. It allows you to explore information stored in a database and write SQL queries to retrieve the data, combine information from multiple tables, and extract the information you need. You’ll also explore advanced techniques like subqueries, string functions, and if-else logic with case. You’ll be able to use views and functions as a simpler alternative to directly querying tables. In this training, you’ll learn Microsoft SQL Server, but the core concepts can be applied to other forms of SQL, such as PostgreSQL, Microsoft Access, or MySQL, with minor syntax differences. You don’t need any prior experience with programming to take this course.

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Data Science Certificate

You’ll master SQL and so much more in this comprehensive data science certificate program. This is a great way to start your career as a data scientist or Python engineer, some of today’s best-ranking jobs. The course starts with a 30-hour intensive study of Python for data science. You’ll learn to handle different types of data, control the flow of your programs, and use object-oriented programming to simplify your code. You’ll also learn to use the powerful Python library, which includes Numpy, Pandas, Matplotlib, and Scikit-learn.

Armed with these powerful skills, you’ll take a deep dive into SQL, where you’ll learn to use the free graphical interface of DBeaver to explore the information stored in the database. Master retrieving the data you need, combining information from different tables, and extracting the specific answers you need. You’ll gain experience with advanced SQL techniques as well. Then, you’ll return to Python for an in-depth study of automation, data visualization, and machine learning. This certificate is for you if you’re looking to break into senior data science roles or you’re an analyst who wants to add Python and SQL to your toolkit. This is also ideal for developers who want to learn data science and Python. You’ll complete real-world projects to add to your portfolio, and you’ll get valuable help with your job search and resume, along with one-on-one mentoring with an experienced Data Scientist.

Data Analytics Technologies Bootcamp

This introductory bootcamp covers the tools and programming languages essential to data analysts, including Excel, SQL, and Tableau. Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience working on real-world projects. The program consists of eight six-hour segments which cover the essential skills you’ll need to progress. Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals of Excel, such as using functions, formatting, visual charts, and workbook management, you’ll explore more advanced topics, like Pivot Tables, advanced functions, and special formatting. 

Then, you’ll dive into SQL using the graphical interface of SQL Server Management Studio, Microsoft’s free database app. You’ll use SQL’s plain English language to explore and manipulate the information in your database and glean valuable data-informed answers. Tableau is a data visualization tool that creates interactive dashboards like charts and graphs. You’ll learn to structure your data to present visualizations in Tableau and create dashboards and stories. Industries increasingly rely on data to drive decisions, and the skills you learn in this bootcamp will position you to aid in decision-making at any organization.

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Fullstack Data Analytics Bootcamp

This program is designed to help students develop the skills needed to succeed in a data-driven profession. Throughout the bootcamp, there’s a dive deep into the tools and technologies that Data Analysts rely on, including Excel techniques and advanced data querying with SQL. The curriculum starts with learning how to handle large datasets and using Excel to build, manipulate, and visualize data. As it progresses, you’ll explore SQL in detail, grasping how to clean and analyze data using tools like SQL Server and PostgreSQL. In addition to SQL and Excel, the program includes an in-depth look at Tableau to create interactive dashboards. The bootcamp prepares students for certification exams in Tableau and Amazon Web Services (AWS), a credential that will set you apart in the job market.

Data Science Bootcamp

This bootcamp is an intensive 12-week program designed to help participants master the analytical skills required to start a career in the field of data science. The program begins with a strong foundation in Python, where students learn how to manipulate data using libraries like Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib. They will also dive into SQL and write complex queries to extract and organize data across databases. As the course progresses, lessons cover the fundamentals of machine learning, including supervised and unsupervised learning models. Students will also work through case studies and build projects across industries like finance, public policy, and ecommerce to apply these techniques in real-world scenarios.

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Data Analytics Certificate

If you’re ready to launch a new career as a Data Analyst or Business Analyst, this comprehensive 156-hour program is a great place to start. You’ll learn to manipulate and analyze data, extract the information you need, interpret the results in a meaningful way, and visualize data so others can understand it. This comprehensive certificate program covers Excel, Python, SQL, and Tableau, all essential tools for data scientists. You’ll learn the fundamentals of data analytics and statistics and how they are used in businesses, and you’ll explore the hot new fields of automation and machine learning. 

Data analytics is about using data to solve problems, such as reducing risk, improving operations, or detecting fraud. In this course, you’ll work on real-world projects that prepare you for a professional career in fields like healthcare, finance, retail, gaming, and more. Plus, you’ll receive eight one-on-one mentoring sessions with a data analytics expert where you can ensure you’re on track with your learning goals, get help with challenging topics, review your portfolio, polish your resume and LinkedIn profile, and get advice for your job search. You can retake any part of this course, or even the entire program, at any time for up to a year.

SQL Queries Introduction

SQL queries allow you to retrieve and manipulate data from databases so you can glean answers to important business questions. They make it possible to perform tasks like updating or retrieving data on a database. Learning SQL opens up career opportunities because it’s used by the most common relational database management systems, including Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL Server, Access, and Ingres. In this introductory course, you’ll gain hands-on skills in executing simple queries and performing conditional searches. In addition, you’ll learn to work with functions, organize data, retrieve data from multiple tables, and export your query results.

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Introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL) for Data Analytics

If you just need to know how to get information from a database, this class gets right to the essentials. It will give you a great start on using SQL to inform your business decisions and perform basic analysis. This class uses Transact-SQL to query a relationship database. You’ll explore the basic concepts of how a relational database is structured and learn how data is retrieved. Then, you’ll gain an understanding of naming conventions and basic syntax, and you’ll use built-in functions for various operations. This course will take your data analytics skills beyond the basic spreadsheet.

​​Oracle Database: SQL Fundamentals

ONLC Training Centers offers an Oracle Database: SQL Fundamentals course that covers the fundamentals of SQL, including basic syntax to intermediate query optimization. This program has over 33 hours of instruction over five sessions, typically held on consecutive days over the course of one week. Many of the skills in this course can be adapted to other database platforms, such as Microsoft SQL Server and IBM DB2, as well as MySQL and PostgreSQL. The curriculum intertwines data modeling theory, relational database theory, and graphical depictions of theoretical concepts into the lessons, making this comprehensive course geared towards all Oracle professionals, both business and systems professionals. This school offers this course, and several others in the series that are featured are included in the Oracle Database Certified SQL Expert certification exam.

A quick guide to learning SQL

What is SQL?

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is the standard programming used to manage and manipulate databases. It allows you to retrieve, update, and insert data within a relational database, a format that stores information in rows and columns. SQL is based on simple, plain English commands that are simple to learn. It makes it easy to manipulate data and glean the information you need. 

Many types of applications use SQL because it integrates well with different programming languages. You can embed SQL queries within the JAVA programming language to build high-performing data processing applications. For example, you can use SQL to ask a database for specific information, like pulling customer data from a retail database or finding the total sales for a specific period. SQL is used in nearly every industry where data needs to be managed, from small businesses to large corporations. It enables databases to power everything from websites and apps to complex financial operations.

Why learn SQL?

Data has become central to almost every job, and knowing how to handle and control it is at the core of many jobs. With the rapidly growing body of data, databases are now the primary way to store and manage it, and working with databases requires knowledge of SQL. SQL is the leading tool for turning raw data into meaningful insights, making it indispensable for anyone looking to work with data, solve problems efficiently, or build a career in fields like tech, business, or finance. With SQL, you can organize, analyze, and retrieve information from large databases, helping you make informed business decisions and streamline workflows.

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What will I learn in an SQL bootcamp?

An introductory SQL class will start with the basics. You’ll learn how to write simple queries to retrieve data from a database using core SQL commands like select, insert, update, and delete. These basic commands allow you to pull specific information from the database, add new data, make changes, or remove outdated entries. Once you can filter, sort, and organize data, you’ll be able to dig deep into large datasets to find exactly what you’re looking for.

As you begin to understand how SQL works, you’ll dive into more advanced topics. Joining tables gives you a powerful way to connect different data sets to get a fuller picture. For example, if you’re managing an online store, you can combine data from your products table with your sales table to track which items are performing best. You’ll explore concepts like aggregate functions, such as summing sales figures or calculating averages) and how to group data to gain a better analysis.

In addition, many SQL bootcamps touch on database design, including how to create a database from the ground up and manage it going forward. You’ll learn the most efficient way to structure data by defining tables, setting primary keys, and establishing relationships between them. This is especially helpful if you work with data regularly and want to store and access it easily. An SQL class will prepare you to handle real-world data challenges and contribute to making data-informed decisions.

Is it hard for beginners to learn SQL?

Because SQL uses common English words, the basics are one of the easiest languages to learn. Many beginners can pick up the basics quickly and start writing simple queries after just a few lessons. Because it’s so powerful, though, learning intermediate and advanced SQL requires more effort and patience. 

Advanced concepts like joining multiple tables can be harder to grasp, but with practice, they become second nature. Many adept users find themselves continuing to learn new tips and techniques even after years of regular use. The good news is that SQL is very practical and hands-on, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to work through real examples.

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Industries that utilize SQL skills

SQL is used in any industry that needs to store and analyze data in a relational database. This is a broad swath in today’s data-driven world. You’ll find SQL professionals in finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and telecommunications, to name a few. 

Financial institutions like banks, investment firms, and insurance companies use SQL to manage vast amounts of financial data, including transactions, customer information, and market trends. SQL allows them to detect fraud and analyze investment performance. SQL allows healthcare organizations to manage patient records and analyze healthcare data. The companies are responsible for the security and accessibility of large datasets.

Online retailers use SQL to keep their sales platform running smoothly. It allows them to track their inventory and analyze sales trends. If you’ve received personalized recommendations from an e-commerce platform, you can thank the power of SQL. Any business that has customer accounts, inventory, call data, billing systems, or other data needs SQL to organize and access that information. 

Integrating SQL with other skills

SQL is a widely used skill that is often complemented by other tools and programming languages to improve functionality. When learning SQL or any new skill, it’s helpful to keep in mind how other skills can complement your training. For example, by integrating knowledge of databases, programming languages like Python, and data visualization software, you can enhance your abilities when it comes to working with large amounts of data. Let’s take a closer look at some of these complementary skills and how they can help you become more skilled in data analysis. 

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Python and other programming languages

Python is a versatile programming language often used in software development, data analysis, and automation. It’s become one of the most popular languages due to the fact that it is relatively easy to learn and beginner-friendly, making it simple for aspiring developers to learn while skilled professionals can take advantage of the extensive libraries. Mastering Python gives developers the ability to create applications and remains the go-to choice for small scripts to complex machine learning algorithms. 

In addition to Python, other programming languages like R play a key role in data analysis and statistical computing. R is particularly popular among Data Scientists who work with large amounts of data and need to perform complex operations. Its open-source nature and extensive ecosystem make it a tool for numerous analytical tasks, from predictive modeling to machine learning. Python is known for its versatility, but R’s specialization in data analysis makes it a valuable language for professionals who focus on pulling insights from data findings.

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel remains one of the top spreadsheet tools for organizing data thanks to its range of features, like pivot tables, charts, and built-in formulas that streamline management. It’s a great resource for initial data manipulation, but integrating Excel with other skills, like SQL Python, can help you automate tasks and make it easier to work with large datasets. Excel is also compatible with other Microsoft programs like PowerPoint and Word, allowing users to present their findings in visual forms like presentations. Additionally, many users find SQL easier to work with than Excel, citing its reliability and speed as factors in preferring this tool. However, merging the strengths of both Excel and SQL can provide the best of both worlds.

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Data visualization software

Data visualization software, most notably Tableau and Power BI are the backbone behind transforming collected data into helpful insights. These tools essentially take the raw data and turn it into visual elements like charts and graphs to highlight findings and shed light on patterns. When you gain experience with these visualization tools along with SQL, you have the ability to filter and organize data before presenting it to make sure the findings are clear. Overall, SQL and these data tools streamline the analysis process and make it easier to identify insights from large volumes of information. No matter what industry your organization is in, SQL and data visualization skills allow professionals to work with complex data in a practical and streamlined manner.

Cloud-based platforms

Some of the most common cloud-based platforms, like AWS and Google Cloud, have revolutionized the way companies manage their data. Learning SQL in the context of cloud-based platforms provides valuable skills that enhance your ability to work with cloud databases, which are now standard across many industries. Amazon Web Services, for example, offers cloud database solutions to run complex SQL queries on structured data. Similarly, Google Cloud offers its own set of tools for managing data, including Google Cloud SQL, a relational database service for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server. These platforms allow for the integration of SQL queries with other programming languages, like Python, for improved data analysis.

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