10 Best Microsoft SQL Training Courses (2024)

1. Introduction

In many modern business environments, Microsoft SQL Server is often utilized as the foundation for a multitude of data management and business intelligence tools. As such, gaining an understanding of this robust database system is crucial for many IT professionals and others who are seeking to bolster their skillsets.

1.1 Importance of Microsoft SQL Training Course

Proficiency in Microsoft SQL can open vast opportunities in the IT industry. With countless organizations, large and small, employing SQL Server in their infrastructure, the demand for knowledgeable professionals is high. A comprehensive training course can provide you with insights into SQL theory, hands-on practice, and—importantly—certifications that can assist in advancing your career.

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1.3 Objectives of this Comparison

This comparison aims to provide an objective overview of several prominent Microsoft SQL training courses available online. By laying out their pros and cons, we hope to guide potential learners towards a course that best aligns with their individual needs, career goals, and learning style. In determining the aptest course, we will consider factors such as depth of course content, flexibility, modes of learning, price, and job support, among others.

2. Microsoft Educational SQL Resources

Officially provided by the team at Microsoft, this resource offers a breadth of SQL Server learning materials. These learning paths and modules span from beginner to advanced levels, and align directly with Microsoft certifications. The freely accessible materials cover a variety of SQL Server versions and use-cases.

2.1 Pros

Cohesion with Microsoft Certifications: As an official product, the training aligns perfectly with Microsoft SQL Server certifications, helping users to prepare directly for these qualification exams.
Comprehensive Content: A wide range of topics are delved into, befitting both beginners and experienced SQL Server practitioners.
Price: The learning materials are entirely free, making the resource highly accessible.

2.2 Cons

Lack of Instructor Interaction: Unlike paid courses, there is no direct instructor engagement for the resolution of doubts and deeper explanation.
No Hands-On Experience: The materials are largely theoretical, thus offering less opportunity to learn in a practical, hands-on manner.
No Certification: Despite preparing learners for Microsoft certifications, no such certification is actually provided upon completion of the training.

3. igmGuru Microsoft SQL Server Training Online and Certification Course

igmGuru provides an online SQL Server training and certification course that covers SQL Server installation, Query writing, data protection, and error troubleshooting. The course comes with instructor-led live sessions, lifetime access to course material, and an industry-recognised certification upon completion.

3.1 Pros

Instructor-led course: This course is guided by experienced instructors, providing learners with the opportunity for live interaction and doubt clearance.
Lifetime access: Upon purchase, learners gain perpetual access to the course material, offering the chance for prolonged or revisited learning.
Certification Provided: On completion of the course, learners receive an industry-recognised certificate.

3.2 Cons

Expense: Compared to free resources, this course requires a substantial investment.
Requires Time Commitment: To get the most out of this course, learners need to allot dedicated time for live sessions and self-study.
Focus on Certification: The course is heavily geared towards certification, which might not be a priority for all learners.

4. WebTrainingRoom Microsoft SQL Training Course for Beginners

WebTrainingRoom’s SQL Course is designed explicitly for beginners and provides a solid foundation in SQL Server. Aimed at complete novices, the course introduces fundamentals concepts, provides practical opportunities for applying these, and also covers more advanced topics like stored procedures and indexes.

4.1 Pros

Beginner Friendly: The course material is designed from ground-up for newcomers to SQL Server. It provides a comfortable starting place for beginners.
Blended Learning Approach: The mix of theory and practical applications helps learners digest the course contents and apply their learning.
Comprehensive Materials: The course covers a broad range of topics, ensuring that learners are well-versed in many aspects of SQL Server.

4.2 Cons

Limited Advanced Training: As it is designed for beginners, this course lacks detail in more advanced SQL Server topics.
No Certification: No certification is offered upon completion of this course, potentially limiting its value on a resume.
Less Interactive: Unlike instructor-led courses, this self-paced online training may not offer ample opportunities for personalized questions and clarifications.

5. MindMajix SQL Server Training

MindMajix offers a SQL Server Training course suitable for learners of all levels. With 30 hours of instructor-led training and a focus on hands-on learning, this course claims to boost your practical skills. The course provides real-time use cases, exercises, and a live project.

5.1 Pros

Hands-on Learning: This includes practical real-time use cases, exercises, and a live project, helping learners gain practical knowledge.
Instructor-Led: Live instructor-led sessions ensure personal interaction and direct doubt resolution.
Comprehensive Content: The course includes a wide range of topics aimed at making learners fully competent in SQL Server.

5.2 Cons

Time Intensive: The 30-hour instructor-led training requires a significant time commitment from learners.
Cost: This training course is relatively expensive, thus may not be suitable for those on tight budgets or simply exploring SQL Server.
No Certification: Despite the immersive training, there’s no certification upon completion to show for the effort and time invested.

6. MS SQL Server Training – Sipexe

Sipexe’s SQL Server training focuses primarily on the detailed administrative aspects of managing a SQL Server database. The course features guided instruction for practical, hands-on experience in maintaining and operating SQL Server databases, making it ideal for those looking at becoming Database Administrators (DBAs).

6.1 Pros

Practical orientation: The course content is geared towards practical management of SQL Server databases, catering to those aiming for DBA roles.
Detailed content: The course dives deep into administrative tasks, offering extensive coverage on SQL Server management.
Expert instructors: The course is taught by experienced professionals with considerable industry experience.

6.2 Cons

Narrow focus: The specificity of this course means it may not be suitable for learners interested in SQL Server’s broader applications or developer-oriented tasks.
Investment: The course demands a significant investment in terms of both time and cost for full completion.
No certification: There’s no official certification provided upon completion, which may limit formal recognition of the skills acquired.

7. Microsoft SQL Server Courses and Certification Training | ONLC

ONLC offers a suite of courses and certification training for Microsoft SQL Server, covering a wide spectrum of roles from administration to development and business intelligence. Each course comes with a detailed curriculum, preparing students for specific Microsoft certification exams.

7.1 Pros

Wide Range of Courses: With courses targeted at various roles, there is likely a course that matches your specific needs and career goals.
Prepares for Certification: Each course aligns with a specific Microsoft SQL Server certification, preparing learners for these professional milestones.
Comprehensive Materials: The courses cover a broad range of topics, ensuring that learners are well-versed in many aspects of SQL Server.

7.2 Cons

High Costs: The price for these courses can be quite high, placing them out of reach for some learners or organizations.
Time Investment: The comprehensive course content requires a significant time investment to cover.
Depends on Self-Pacing: Without set course times or direct interaction with an instructor, learners must be self-disciplined to ensure they go through all course materials.

8. Mind Q Systems SQL Server Training

Mind Q Systems offers SQL Server Training that covers both the fundamentals and advanced aspects of the technology. The course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of SQL Server administration and development, bolstered by extensive practical exercises and real-life project simulations.

8.1 Pros

Pactical Learning: The course offers comprehensive practical exercises and real-life project simulations, giving learners a chance to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Expert Faculty: Courses are delivered by instructors with considerable experience and deep understanding of the industry.
Comprehensive Content: The curriculum covers both basic and advanced topics, enabling a well-rounded understanding of SQL Server.

8.2 Cons

No Certification: Regardless of the detailed training provided, there is no certification awarded upon completion of the course.
Pricier Option: Compared to some other options, Mind Q Systems’ offering can be more expensive.
Time Commitment: With the wide range of topics covered, the course may demand a substantial time commitment from learners.

9. SMEC SQL Course MS SQL Microsoft Certification

SMEC Labs offers a SQL course focused on MS SQL Microsoft Certification. The aim of the course is to enable learners to administer, develop, or analyze data with Microsoft SQL Server. The training includes proprietary study material, hands-on exercises, and mentorship from industry experts.

9.1 Pros

Certification Orientation: The course specifically prepares learners for MS SQL Microsoft Certification, adding credibility to their professional profile.
Practical Exposure: Hands-on exercises provide practical experience and deeper understanding of concepts.
Expert Guidance: The course is taught by experienced professionals, facilitating high-quality learning and doubt resolution.

9.2 Cons

Relatively High Cost: The course is pricey compared to some other options.
Dedicated Time: The course requires a notable time commitment to cover the comprehensive curriculum.
Focus on Certification: The heavy emphasis on certification may not align with the learning objectives of all students, particularly those more interested in general understanding or practical skills.

10. IntelliPaat SQL Course and Certification Training

IntelliPaat’s SQL Course and Certification Training is a comprehensive course that provides in-depth knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server. Apart from SQL commands and functions, the course also provides learning on more intricate aspects like SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), and SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS).

10.1 Pros

Well-rounded Curriculum: The course offers a robust learning pathway, covering SQL Queries, functions, subqueries, joins, and transactions as well as more specialized SQL Server tools.
Job Assistance: IntelliPaat provides job assistance to its learners, helping them find opportunities to apply their newly acquired skills.
Self-Paced: Learners can progress at their own pace, making it suitable for individuals with varying schedules and learning speeds.

10.2 Cons

Cost: As a comprehensive course with multiple features, the cost is higher compared to some other online SQL Server training courses.
Time-Intensive: The extensive breadth and depth of the course content requires a substantial time investment from the learner’s end.
Self-Discipline Needed: The self-paced nature of the course might require a higher level of self-discipline and initiative from learners.

11. Udemy Microsoft SQL Server For Beginners

Udemy’s Microsoft SQL Server For Beginners is a course tailored for those who are kickstarting their journey with SQL Server. It introduces the fundamentals of databases, SQL queries, and uses an engaging, hands-on approach to impart practical skills.

11.1 Pros

Beginner-Friendly: The course is curated for beginners, requiring no prior experience and providing a gentle introduction to SQL Server.
Life-Time Access: Once purchased, learners have unlimited access to the course, enabling them to learn at their own pace and revisit the material as needed.
Affordable: As with many Udemy courses, there are frequent discounts that make this course quite affordable.

11.2 Cons

Limited Depth: As it is targeted at beginners, the course does not delve deeply into more advanced topics.
Varied Quality: Being a third-party platform, the quality of Udemy courses can vary and may not always align with official standards.
No Official Recognition: Although a completion certificate is provided, it might not hold as much value as those from Microsoft or other officially recognized bodies.

12. Summary

12.1 Overall Comparison Table

Training Course	Contents	Price
Microsoft Educational SQL Resources	Various learning paths and modules from beginner to advanced levels	Free
igmGuru Microsoft SQL Server Training Online and Certification Course	SQL Server installation, Query writing, data protection, error troubleshooting	Paid
WebTrainingRoom Microsoft SQL Training Course for Beginners	Basic to slightly advanced SQL Server concepts	Paid
MindMajix SQL Server Training	30 hours of SQL Server training including real-time use cases, exercises, and a live project	Paid
MS SQL Server Training – Sipexe	SQL Server management and administration	Paid
Microsoft SQL Server Courses and Certification Training \| ONLC	Courses covering various roles from administration to development and business intelligence	Paid
Mind Q Systems SQL Server Training	SQL Server administration and development, practical exercises, real-life project simulations	Paid
SMEC SQL Course MS SQL Microsoft Certification	Database administration, development, and data analysis in Microsoft SQL Server	Paid
IntelliPaat SQL Course and Certification Training	SQL Queries, functions, SQL Server tools, and job assistance	Paid
Udemy Microsoft SQL Server For Beginners	Basics of databases and SQL queries	Paid (Discounts periodically available)

12.2 Recommended Course Based on Various Needs

When choosing a SQL Server Training course, the best option may depend on individual circumstances and needs. For beginners looking for an affordable option, Udemy’s Microsoft SQL Server For Beginners or WebTrainingRoom’s course may be suitable. Those seeking an extensive examination of SQL Server, from basics to advanced topics, MindMajix SQL Server Training, or IntelliPaat could be a good choice. If your goal is specifically to gain Microsoft certification, the courses offered by ONLC, SMEC or igmGuru have curriculums specifically aligned to these certifications.

13. Conclusion

13.1 Final Thoughts and Takeaways for Choosing a Microsoft SQL Training Course

Whether you’re a novice stepping into the world of database management or an experienced professional seeking to deepen your knowledge of SQL Server, there are numerous options available that cater to diverse learning preferences, career goals, and budgets. The course you choose should be aligned with your individual objectives and availability. Consider the depth and breadth of the course content, the delivery mode, the availability of practical exercises, and whether certification is provided. Remember, what works best for your needs is the right course for you.

Finally, we can conclude that enrolling in a SQL Server training program can notably enhance your data management skills, offer practical experience, and potentially fast-track your career in the IT sector. While the above courses vary significantly in structure and offerings, each one brings its unique value in your learning journey.

Author Introduction:

Vera Chen is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, which provides a wide range of products, including a PDF repair tool.