What's the best way to learn SQL?

Knowing why you need SQL, whether for data analysis, database management, or web development, can sharpen your focus. Regular practice with SQL queries enhances your problem-solving efficiency. Online communities like Stack Overflow and SQL subreddits can offer support and solving challenges. Work on real projects such as building and querying your own databases. SQL for Data Science by the University of California, Davis is a valuable course to start with.

What skills can I learn from SQL courses on Coursera?

SQL courses on Coursera help equip learners with crucial database management and querying skills: Basic to advanced SQL commands for data retrieval, insertion, updating, and deletion Techniques for designing and managing relational databases Skills in writing complex queries to analyze and manipulate data Understanding of database optimization and performance tuning Application of SQL in data science for querying large datasets Integration of SQL with other data analysis tools and languages

Do I need prior experience with databases to start learning SQL on Coursera?

SQL courses on Coursera are designed to accommodate all learners, regardless of their background: Beginners can start with introductory courses that explain the fundamentals of SQL and relational databases. Intermediate learners can enhance their skills with more complex data manipulation and optimization techniques. Advanced users can explore specialized topics such as SQL for data science or database administration.

What certifications and credentials can I earn through SQL courses on Coursera?

After completing SQL courses on Coursera, learners can acquire credentials that may help in their career progression: Professional certificates that validate your SQL skills and understanding of database management Specializations that focus on specific applications of SQL, such as business intelligence or data warehousing Certificates that are recognized in the tech industry and can bolster your professional qualifications

What career opportunities can be pursued with skills in SQL?

SQL skills are highly sought after in various fields: Database Administrator , managing and maintaining database systems Data Analyst , extracting and analyzing data from complex databases Business Intelligence Analyst , using SQL to create dashboards and reports for strategic decisions Software Developer , integrating SQL into application development for data-driven functionalities Data Scientist , leveraging SQL to manage and query large datasets for advanced analyses

Are there free SQL courses or certifications available on Coursera?

Yes, Coursera offers a variety of free courses across many topics, including SQL. While you can access most course materials for free by auditing the courses, this does not include graded assignments or a completion certificate. For those looking to obtain a certificate to showcase their learning or enhance their professional profile, Coursera provides the option to purchase the course. Additionally, Coursera offers free trials or financial aid to learners who qualify, making certifications more accessible to everyone.

Best SQL Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the SQL Course Catalog

IBM
SQL: A Practical Introduction for Querying Databases
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Stored Procedure, Relational Databases, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Servers, Query Languages, Database Management, Databases, Cloud Management, IBM DB2, Data Manipulation, Data Analysis, Transaction Processing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
582 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
Databases and SQL for Data Science with Python
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Relational Databases, Stored Procedure, Databases, Query Languages, Jupyter, Data Manipulation, Data Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Transaction Processing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: AI skills
DeepLearning.AI
DeepLearning.AI Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Google Sheets, Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Web Scraping, Spreadsheet Software, Large Language Modeling, Dashboard, Pandas (Python Package), Interactive Data Visualization, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Statistics, Statistical Modeling, Matplotlib, Data Visualization Software, SQL, Data Manipulation, JSON
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
58 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
IBM
IBM Business Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Requirements Elicitation, Risk Mitigation, Business Analysis, Business Process Modeling, Risk Analysis, Process Mapping, Process Optimization, Requirements Management, Risk Management, Business Requirements, Stakeholder Management, Work Breakdown Structure, Scope Management, Process Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Data Visualization Software, Excel Formulas, Microsoft Excel, Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: AI skills
Microsoft
Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Dashboard, Excel Formulas, Extract, Transform, Load, Power BI, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Copilot, Data Modeling, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Star Schema, Data Analysis, Data Presentation, Data Visualization Software, Spreadsheet Software, Data Validation, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Transformation, Data Cleansing, Data Storage
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.1K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of California, Davis
SQL for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Data Governance, SQL, Data Quality, Database Design, Query Languages, Data Manipulation, Data Modeling, Relational Databases, Data Analysis, Data Cleansing
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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University of California, Davis
Learn SQL Basics for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Data Governance, Presentations, Data Cleansing, Feature Engineering, SQL, Apache Spark, A/B Testing, Distributed Computing, Descriptive Statistics, Data Lakes, Data Quality, Data Storytelling, Data Analysis, Peer Review, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Pipelines, Databricks, Database Design, Query Languages
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New AI skills
Google
Google Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Literacy, Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Data Ethics, Rmarkdown, Interactive Data Visualization, Interviewing Skills, Data Cleansing, Data Validation, Ggplot2, Tableau Software, Presentations, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Stakeholder Communications, Dashboard, Sampling (Statistics), R Programming
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
167K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Data Analysis with Python
Skills you'll gain: Data Wrangling, Data Cleansing, Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Import/Export, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Science, Statistical Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Regression Analysis, Predictive Modeling, Pandas (Python Package), Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Machine Learning Methods, Data Pipelines, NumPy
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
19K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Meta
Introduction to Databases
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, Database Management Systems, SQL, Relational Databases, Databases, MySQL, Data Integrity, Query Languages, Data Manipulation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL)
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, SQL, MySQL, Relational Databases, Databases, Data Modeling, Development Environment, PHP (Scripting Language), Software Installation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.4K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: AI skills
IBM
IBM Data Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Dashboard, Data Visualization Software, Plotly, Data Wrangling, Data Visualization, Generative AI, SQL, Interactive Data Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Big Data, Jupyter, Matplotlib, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Data Manipulation, Excel Formulas, Professional Networking
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
91K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months