SQL Server Training Cost

Looking to learn SQL Server? If so, SQL Server 2019 Express and SQL Server 2019 Developer are available for free, and Standard and Enterprise versions are available, ranging in price from $209 to $13,748. Beyond this, you’ll want to consider the cost of SQL Server training. SQL Server training varies in price depending on the training type you select. Some online video tutorials are free, and many self-paced SQL Server courses are available for under $100. SQL Server bootcamp study typically costs several hundred dollars, whereas certificate courses can cost thousands. Read on to learn more about how much you can expect to spend on learning SQL Server.

What is SQL Server?

SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) created by Microsoft. The data contained within an RDBMS is stored in tables similar to the columns and rows in a spreadsheet. Like other RDBMS software, SQL server is built on top of structured query language (SQL), the programming language most commonly used to communicate with relational databases. This database server’s primary function is to store and retrieve data that other software applications request. This data may run on the same computer or be stored on a computer across a network.

SQL Server was created to compete with Oracle databases and MySQL. It supports the standard SQL language ANSI SQL. In addition, SQL Server also comes with T-SQL, or Transact-SQL, its unique implementation of SQL. This Microsoft proprietary language offers additional capabilities, such as exception handling, declaring variables, and stored procedures. The main interface tool for SQL Server is SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), which can support either a 32-bit or 64-bit environment. When Software Developers write business apps that store information in databases, they frequently work with SQL Server to look after the databases instead of writing code to perform this task. This helps speed up the process of writing database applications, making them cheaper to build and ensuring that they are more secure, reliable, and scalable.

Read more about what SQL Server is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with SQL Server?

SQL Server has many uses for those tasked with managing and storing information in relational databases. It supports core operations in analytics, transaction process, and business intelligence. Any information on the server is stored in the relational database. However, the system comprises more than a database; it also includes a management system. 

Microsoft SQL Server is especially useful in the business sector. The database stores and manages a variety of business information. This system also facilitates data sharing by computers in the same network, which can increase reliability. Not only that, but SQL Server can also improve the speed at which data is processed, which makes it easier to execute large operations. In addition to creating and maintaining databases, SQL Server also analyzes data through SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS). It creates reports using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). It executes ETL operations using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS).

Another benefit to working with SQL Server is that it provides a range of features for advanced performance. This system has encryption features, as well as transparent data compression. In addition, users don’t need to modify programs to secure and encrypt their data. SQL Server also includes efficient management tools for permission and access controls that can secure sensitive business data.

In-Depth Review of the Training Cost

Different training options are available for different price points if you want to learn SQL Server. The most affordable study option is free online materials such as YouTube videos, tutorials, community forums, and blogs. These are a great starting point for those new to SQL Server or working with relational databases. One of the main perks of asynchronous study material is that it is pre-recorded, which means you can watch it from any location with an internet connection. It can also be paused, rewound, and rewatched as often as necessary to facilitate note-taking. However, because on-demand SQL Server courses and online content don’t provide learners access to an instructor, it can be difficult to master more complex database topics using solely asynchronous study material. For those who need more advanced SQL Server skills, live online or in-person coursework is likely a better option.

If you’re a learner who values connecting with an instructor in real time but doesn’t want to leave home, live online SQL Server courses are for you. This learning format offers hands-on training in relevant SQL Server concepts, such as joining tables, writing SQL queries, and aggregating data but can be completed remotely. All participants in live online courses can ask questions as they arise and receive guidance from an expert instructor with industry training in SQL Server. Although online coursework can cost several hundred or several thousand dollars, it often includes added benefits, such as professional development and guidance in creating portfolios. One important consideration of live online study is that it still requires meeting for regularly scheduled classes, which may be difficult for those who work full-time.

For extroverted learners, in-person SQL Server courses are a great option. In-person study is often the most expensive learning option (it generally costs several hundred to several thousand dollars), but with this investment comes many learning incentives. Not only do these classes allow you to connect with an instructor who’s leading each lesson, but they also provide a way to network with others who are on the same learning path. Coursework is completed in a computer lab equipped with current software and tools. In-person study requires commuting to and from campus for each meeting, which will require additional transportation and parking costs. However, classroom study is an effective and engaging way to master beginner and advanced SQL Server skills.

Free Introductory SQL Server Course Online 

If you want to learn SQL Server but aren’t ready to dive into an entire course, the good news is that you can get started learning SQL Server for free online. In this free Intro to SQL course offered by Noble Desktop, you’ll receive an overview of SQL Server and examples of what you can do with this versatile querying language. This hour-long tutorial offers general SQL information which applies to all the major SQL flavors.

In addition to Noble’s free SQL resources, other top educational providers also have free content about SQL Server. Udemy’s SQL Server in One Hour teaches participants essential database concepts. Participants also learn how to install SQL Server and create a sample database. Udemy also offers a range of free SQL-related videos, such as Introduction to Databases and SQL Querying, Advanced Databases & SQL Querying, and SQL For Data Analytics. For those who want to learn how to work with T-SQL, Microsoft SQL Server’s dialect, edX’s Querying Data with Transact-SQL is another free learning opportunity. Participants receive instruction on how to make tables and add data to them, as well as how to perform SQL queries.

Read more about free SQL Server videos and online tutorials. 

Learn SQL Server with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Those who want to learn how to use SQL Server choose from a variety of excellent in-person and live online study options available through Noble Desktop. If you’re new to SQL Server and want to learn the basics, Noble’s in-person and live online SQL Server Bootcamp is for you. Participants in this program receive expert instruction about using MS SQL Server to locate information in databases using SQL queries. Students also receive instructions on joining tables, aggregating data, and filtering results. This class covers SQL Server and the free SQL Server Management Studio app. All participants have the option of a free course retake for up to a year after completing this bootcamp to revisit the material. 

Noble’s in-person or live online SQL Bootcamp is also available. This program prepares participants to use PostgreSQL. This hands-on class also teaches students to work with the free DBeaver app for exploring the database and executing queries. These concepts can be applied to other SQL flavors, such as MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server, with minor syntax changes.

If you want to browse Noble’s course offerings that provide SQL training, you can search for in-person and live online SQL courses. In addition to SQL Bootcamp and SQL Server Bootcamp, Noble also has courses such as the Data Science Certificate and Data Analytics Certificate, in which PostgreSQL training is provided. The content taught in these lessons can be applied to SQL Server.