Being able to use SQL, a domain-specific language, is a key skills for many IT, cybersecurity or web development roles. So, if you’re in one of these roles and you’re looking to progress your SQL skills further, we have spent the time researching the best SQL courses that are available online. We have included both free and paid courses, that are suitable for all levels, to ensure that you can find a course best suited to you!
But first, let’s answer a very important question – what is SQL?
Structured Query Language (or SQL) is a domain-specific language used in programming and design for managing data held in a relational database management system, or for stream processing in a relational data stream management system (RDSMS).
SQL offers two main advantages over older read-write APIs, such as ISAM or VSAM. Firstly, it introduced the concept of accessing many records with one single command. Secondly, it eliminates the need to specify how to reach a record.
If you are working in an IT, programming or cybersecurity role, or are someone who would one-day like to work in one of these roles, you can learn how to code using SQL through online learning. Suitable for all levels, I have spent the time researching the best online SQL tutorials out there. So, if you’re looking to progress your IT or cybersecurity skills, there will be an online course out there for you!
1. The Complete SQL Bootcamp 2022: Go from Zero to Hero (Udemy)
- Level: Beginner
- Completion time: 8h 51m
- Cost: $79.99
- Certification: No
- Number of people who have completed the course: 280,619
- Course rating: 4.7/5 (out of 115,589 ratings)
In this course, you will learn how to read and write complex queries on a database using PostgreSQL.
In this course, you will get started with PostgreSQL and PgAdmin, which are the two most popular SQL tools. You will then go on to learn the basics of SQL syntax, how to analyze data using aggregate functions and how to run advanced queries. After, you will also take a look at other common SQL commands, how to create tables and databases, how to use Python to further advance your SQL skills and much more.
This course puts you in control and is designed to challenge you and get you applying situations to the real world. Once you have completed this course, you should have the skills to work with all major SQL databases, such as MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Amazon Redshift, Oracle and more.
2. The Ultimate MySQL Bootcamp: Go from SQL Beginner to Expert (Udemy)
- Level: Beginner
- Completion time: 20h 33m
- Cost: $79.99
- Certification: No
- Number of people who have completed the course: 280,619
- Course rating: 4.6/5 (out of 61,713 ratings )
Designed for complete beginners, this course will help you become an expert at SQL.
You will cover creating databases and tables, inserting data, revisiting data types, the power of logical operators and how to work with lots of instagram data!
Once this course is over, you should be able to create your own database and be able to interact with existing databases. You will be able to write complex SQL queries and build a web app using NodeJS and MySQL. Importantly, you will be able to answer company performance or sales questions accurately by using data.
3. SQL: Master SQL Database Queries in just 90 Mins! (Skillshare)
- Level: Beginner
- Completion time: 1h 38m
- Cost: 14 day free trial
- Certification: No
- Number of people who have completed the course: 6,833
- Course rating: N/A
In just over an hour, you will understand the essences of SQL queries. This way, you will have the ability to use SQL on a daily basis for important tasks, text processing, calculations and web development.
This course will help you master SQL databased, simple to advanced single table queries, how to join multiple tables and how to write subqueries. So, whether it’s for personal projects, or for business, in just 90 minutes this course should have provided you with the ability to use SQL freely and easily.
4. Learn SQL (Codecademy)
- Level: Beginner
- Completion time: 8h
- Cost: Free
- Certification: Yes
- Number of people who have completed the course: 1,825,766
- Course rating: N/A
In this course, you’ll learn how to communicate with relational databases through SQL. You will take a look at manipulation (accessing, creating and updating data stored in databases), queries (performing complex queries), aggregated functions (learning powerful functions for performing complex database operations) and multiple tables (manipulating databases with multiple related tables).
To really help solidify your knowledge, you will learn and practice with 4 projects that teach you how to manipulate data and build queries that communicate with more than one table.
5. SQL Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning)
- Level: Beginner
- Completion time: 3h
- Cost: 1-month free trial
- Certification: Yes
- Number of people who have completed the course: 38,000
- Course rating: N/A
In this LinkedIn learning course, you will learn how to code and manage relational databases and database-drive applications. This essential training is designed to help you understand the most common language for database wrangling (which is SQL).
This course stands out from the rest as all lessons have been recorded in SQLiteStudio, which is easy to instal and follow. Instructor Bill Weinman teaches all the major features of SQL: creating tables defining relationships, manipulating strings, numbers and dates, using triggers to automate actions and using sub-selects and reviews.
Once you’ve completed this course, you should have a solid working knowledge of the language so that you can retrieve and manage all sorts of data efficiently.
6. Introduction to Structured Query Language (Coursera)
- Level: Intermediate
- Completion time: Approx. 16h
- Cost: Enroll for Free
- Certification: Yes
- Number of people who have completed the course: 128,463
- Course rating: 4.8/5 (out of 4,222 ratings)
Offered by the University of Michigan, this course will walk you through installation steps for installing a text editor, MAMP or XAMPP and creating a MySQL Database. You will learn about single table queries and the basic syntax of the SQL language, as well as database design with multiple tables, foreign keys, and the JOIN operation.
This 16 hour course gives you the option for self-paced learning, practice quizzes, graded assignments and graded programming assignments. To top this all off, you will also get a shareable certificate to highlight your skills to potential employers and work colleagues.
7. SQL: Data Reporting and Analysis (LinkedIn Learning)
- Level: Intermediate
- Completion time: 2h 17m
- Cost: 1-month free trial
- Certification: Yes
- Number of people who have completed the course: 13,197
- Course rating: N/A
Offered on LinkedIn learning, this course gives you all the information you need to get the data you want by writing a bit of SQL code. Once you’ve completed this course, you won’t just be able to pull data out of the database; you’ll be able to manipulate it and merge, group and relabel it.
Teacher Emma Saunders is an SQL expert and in this course, she shows you how to write simple SQL queries for data reporting and analysis using a publicly accessible online database! Once you’ve done the course, you will earn a sharable certificate that will allow you to standout as a professional in your desired industry!
8. SQL and PostgreSQL: The Complete Developer’s Guide (Udemy)
- Level: Beginner
- Completion time: 22h 13m
- Cost: $79.99
- Certification: No
- Number of people who have completed the course: 21,165
- Course rating: 4.8/5 (out of 2,735 ratings)
In just under a days worth of work, you will learn how to apply multiple database design patterns.
You will be able to understand how to use PostgreSQL to store information at the hardware level and build common app features, such as a ‘like’ and ‘mention’ systems. You will practice all of these skills using a huge number of built-in exercises to really solidify your knowledge. Once you’ve finished this course, you will be able to optimize queries for superb read and write efficiency, and connect PostgreSQL to front-end apps using an API. On top of this, you will also learn how to handle complex concurrency issues and race conditions and use PostgreSQL to speed up automated tests.
9. Advanced SQL: SQL Expert Certification Preparation Course (Udemy)
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Completion time: 13h 34m
- Cost: $104.99
- Certification: No
- Number of people who have completed the course: 29,528
- Course rating: 4.5/5 (out of 4,321 ratings)
Suitable for those with intermediate to advanced SQL knowledge, you will learn all the advanced subjects that you need to achieve the SQL expert certification.
You will cover how to write, read and analyze any advanced SQL codes with ease. After you have done this, you will take a look at advanced SQL functions, such as introducing database objects, creating and using views, using advanced subqueries (with hundreds of example) and creating and using indexes. To help solidify your knowledge and understanding, you will also be able to partake in a number of weekly quizzes and assessment so that you can ace your expert certification and be able to get a better job and income!
10. The Complete SQL Server For Beginners (Skillshare)
- Level: Beginner
- Completion time: 5h 31m
- Cost: 14 day free trial
- Certification: No
- Number of people who have completed the course: 2,245
- Course rating: N/A
In the complete SQL server for beginners course, all SQL beginners can learn everything they need to master SQL server for developers. To complete this course, you need zero levels of experience in SQL, you just need a passion and enthusiasm to learn to understand SQL databases.
You will dive deep into the word of SQL databases and learn: how to create databases and schemas, how to create tables, how to filter data using where clause, how to use case statements, how to filter data, how to use keywords and much more. During this course, you will also be designing a human resources database from scratch so that you can learn how to perform different SQL queries and statements on this database.
Once you’ve completed this course, you will have given your CV the huge boost it needs by mastering the SQL sever!
11. Learn SQL Basics for Data Science Specialization (Coursera)
- Level: Beginner
- Completion time: Approx. 4months at 5h per week
- Cost: Enroll for Free
- Certification: Yes
- Number of people who have completed the course: 105,973
- Course rating: 4.5/5 (out of 5,351 ratings)
In this Coursera course, you will learn how to use SQL commands to filter, sort and summarize data. You will also learn SQL commands to help you manipulate strings, dates and numerical data from different sources for analysis.
You will also assess and create datasets to solve your business questions and problems using SQL. After, the course will finally cover how to use the collaborative Databricks workspaces and create and end-to-end pipeline that reads data, transforms it and saves the results.
By the end of this course, you will have skills in data analysis, data science, query string management and much more. To top it all off, you will have a certificate to demonstrate these skills to future employers!
Conclusion
So, there you have it… the 11 best SQL courses that are available online. These classes are suited to anyone who is wanting to develop their skills and land a role in the tech, IT and computing industry.
Having excellent SQL skills will aid you in landing hundreds of exciting careers careers. Specific careers where SQL skills are particularly helpful include:
- Computer Network Architect
- Computer Programmer
- Cybersecurity Professional
- Cryptographer
- Game Developer
- IT Support
- Security Architect
- Systems Analyst
- Web Developer
To gather the SQL Skills that will make you progress in lots of careers, there are lots of online courses available for you. There are free courses that take only a few hours to complete. And, there are more expensive courses that take over 24hours to complete! Some courses are suitable for those with no previous experience in IT. Whereas other courses are better suited for those with lots of experience in IT, but are looking to increase their knowledge and understanding.
The online classes in this list are the best of the best. Each is taught by an experienced and dedicated teacher, and they all have lots of satisfied and happy customers.
So, which course you decide take depends on your experience, funds and spare time. Are you someone who has lots of IT and tech experience? Or, are you completely new to both roles? Do you have a huge amount of money to spend on your skill development? Do you have a lot of spare time, or are you just looking for a quick, but effective, skill top up?
