Database Certification Roadmap 2026
From SQL basics to real-world database skills
Databases are everywhere: websites, apps, analytics, cloud, AI. This roadmap helps you build a practical database foundation—starting with SQL, then choosing a direction (MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, MongoDB).
🟢 Level 0 — SQL fundamentals
Start with core SQL: SELECT, JOIN, GROUP BY, subqueries, constraints, indexes, and basic normalization. This is the universal base.
- MySQL (SQL basics)
- SQL fundamentals in practice
Goal: Write queries confidently and understand how tables relate.
🟡 Level 1 — Relational databases (pick your ecosystem)
Now choose a path based on where you want to work: enterprise (SQL Server/Oracle) or general web/business (MySQL).
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Oracle Database SQL
- MySQL
Goal: Learn transactions, locks, execution plans, and performance basics.
🟠 Level 2 — Performance, reliability & admin mindset
Real jobs require more than queries: backups, permissions, monitoring, indexing strategy, and troubleshooting slow queries.
- Indexing & query optimization
- Backups & recovery
- Roles/permissions
Goal: Keep a database fast, safe, and recoverable.
🔴 Level 3 — NoSQL & modern data needs
When you understand relational well, you can add NoSQL. MongoDB is common for flexible data models and modern apps.
- MongoDB Developer
Goal: Know when NoSQL fits—and how to model documents properly.
💰 Database salary outlook (2026)
Global ranges vary a lot by country and role. Use as orientation.
Junior
$45k–$70k
Mid-level
$75k–$110k
Senior / DBA
$120k+
The fastest growth usually comes from combining SQL + performance + a real project (not only theory).
🔍 SQL vs NoSQL — which one first?
Most people should start with SQL. NoSQL makes more sense after you understand relational models.
| SQL (Relational) | NoSQL (MongoDB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Structured data, reporting, consistency | Flexible models, rapid iteration |
| Common use | Business apps, enterprise systems | Modern apps, event-like data |
| Start here? | Yes (recommended) | After SQL basics |
Recommendation
Start with SQL (MySQL/SQL Server). Add MongoDB later when you can explain normalization and joins without pain.
FAQ
Which database should I learn first?
Start with SQL fundamentals. MySQL is a great entry point.
Do I need Oracle?
Only if you aim for enterprise environments where Oracle is common.
Is MongoDB enough to work?
It helps, but SQL is still the most requested baseline.
How do I get job-ready fast?
Build a small project: schema + queries + indexes + backup plan. Show it.
🚀 Start now (practical plan)
Learn SQL first. Practice daily. Then pick an ecosystem (SQL Server/Oracle/MySQL) and add MongoDB when you’re stable.