Tell me more ×
Programmers Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professional programmers interested in conceptual questions about software development. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 1 down vote favorite

I have a couple of years of experience with SQL Server, mostly basic tasks of writing queries and stored procedures, but have not been employed for a number of years (getting my masters in a totally unrelated field). I've been applying for months and no prospects yet as it seems most companies are worried about the gap in my employment. Do you think it would be worthwhile to get a SQL certification? I'd really appreciate your insights since I truly don't know what to do. Thanks!

share|improve this question
1  
What other qualifications do you have and what jobs have you been applying for? – Emmad Kareem Jul 5 '12 at 15:39
As a rule certifications only benefit the certification body! Would a certification from a hardware vendor that sold to Dentists convince you to go to a Dentist working on a doctorate in a completely unrelated field and only this certification? – Jarrod Roberson Jul 5 '12 at 16:34
I've been applying for various positions along the lines of data processing, analysis, SQL developer and SSRS, which has been my experience. The issue is that I want to change careers but it will not happen as quickly as I desire, so in the meantime I wanted to do what I hve experience in, which is some simple programming, reporting and working with databases such as SQL Server. – SK9 Jul 5 '12 at 17:16
@SK9 - Will in compensate... no. Will it demonstrate a desire to learn and grow maybe. If you have the time and money sure. If you are lacking either you are better spent putting your efforts elsewhere. – Chad Jul 5 '12 at 18:10
I created a question @ The Workplace inspired by your question. – Chad Jul 5 '12 at 18:20
show 1 more comment

closed as too localized by Ryathal, gnat, Jarrod Roberson, thorsten müller, ChrisF♦ Jul 5 '12 at 16:43

This question is unlikely to help any future visitors; it is only relevant to a small geographic area, a specific moment in time, or an extraordinarily narrow situation that is not generally applicable to the worldwide audience of the internet. For help making this question more broadly applicable, see the FAQ.

2 Answers

up vote 3 down vote

Certification is just a add on value. However, you need to have good working knowledge of the area that you are intending to get certification for. Otherwise, it may work against you.

For MS SQL server, you may proceed with the following certifications in 2008/2012.

share|improve this answer
I have been thinking of 70-433 Database Development, but will look at that as well. Thanks! – SK9 Jul 5 '12 at 17:19
up vote 0 down vote

It may be worthwhile gaining a certification if you feel it would allow you to be more confident in your knowledge and skill level of SQL. It may also be a good idea as you would probably learn new things, get some practice and it would show employers that you have addressed the gap in your experience by getting a certification.

In my opinion, if you already have knowledge of how to write queries and stored procedures, it probably wouldn't take you long to get back into it and learn as you go along if you were working on a project.

share|improve this answer
Thank you for all your quick responses. – SK9 Jul 5 '12 at 17:09
Aspdotnetuser, I felt the same way, that I could publish up my skills and refresh my memory just studying myself and practicing with SQL Server, but from the initial interviews or calls I've had, it doesn't seem like they quite feel that way since I don't get a second interview or call back. – SK9 Jul 5 '12 at 17:19

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.