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
Databases and SQL for Data Science with Python
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Databases, Stored Procedure, Relational Databases, Database Design, Query Languages, Database Management, Data Analysis, Jupyter, Data Manipulation, Pandas (Python Package), Transaction Processing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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
543 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
DeepLearning.AI
DeepLearning.AI Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Google Sheets, Data Presentation, Web Scraping, Spreadsheet Software, Dashboard, Tableau Software, Data Visualization Software, Seaborn, Interactive Data Visualization, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Statistics, Probability Distribution, Pandas (Python Package), Statistical Analysis, JSON, Query Languages, SQL
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
IBM Business Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Requirements Elicitation, Risk Mitigation, Business Analysis, Business Process Modeling, Data Presentation, Risk Analysis, Process Optimization, Data Visualization, Requirements Management, Risk Management, Interactive Data Visualization, Business Requirements, Stakeholder Management, Work Breakdown Structure, Scope Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Excel Formulas, Microsoft Excel, Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
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, Peer Review, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Pipelines, Databricks, JSON, Statistical Analysis, Query Languages, Data Manipulation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of California, Davis
SQL for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Data Governance, SQL, Data Quality, Query Languages, Data Manipulation, Data Modeling, Relational Databases, Data Science, Data Analysis, Database Management Systems, Descriptive Statistics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL)
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, SQL, MySQL, Relational Databases, Database Management, Databases, Data Modeling, Data Integrity, Development Environment, Software Installation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.4K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Understanding Basic SQL Syntax
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Query Languages, Data Access, Relational Databases, Data Manipulation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
281 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Google
Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL
Skills you'll gain: Bash (Scripting Language), Operating Systems, File Systems, Linux Commands, Linux, SQL, Unix Shell, Database Management, Command-Line Interface, Relational Databases, Authorization (Computing), Authentications, User Accounts
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, SQL, Descriptive Statistics, Jupyter, Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, Probability Distribution, Pandas (Python Package), Data Visualization Software, Statistics, Data Visualization, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Databases, Stored Procedure, Web Scraping, Relational Databases, Automation, Data Science, GitHub, Python Programming
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
70K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
LearnQuest
Oracle SQL Databases
Skills you'll gain: Oracle SQL Developer, SQL, Oracle Databases, PL/SQL, Database Design, Database Theory, Database Management Systems, Database Administration, Relational Databases, Database Management, Databases, Database Software, Database Architecture and Administration, Database Development, Data Storage, Query Languages, Transaction Processing, Stored Procedure, Data Access, Data Modeling
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
834 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera Project Network
Advanced Relational Database and SQL
Skills you'll gain: Stored Procedure, SQL, Data Presentation, Query Languages, Relational Databases, Database Development
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
368 reviews
Advanced · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours