Education · 1 of 5
The path
There is no exam that makes you a database administrator. You get there by proving you can be trusted with the data.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Take computing if it is offered. Install a no-cost database at home and break it on purpose.
- 2
Bachelor's degree
4 years
Computer science, information systems or information technology. In the federal survey, 89% of database administrators said the job needs a bachelor's degree. Only 3% said a two year degree is enough.
- 3
First technology job
1 to 3 years
Help desk, junior developer or systems support. You need to have seen a production system before anyone hands you one.
- 4
Certification
A few months of study
A vendor certificate from Microsoft, Oracle or Amazon Web Services proves a specific platform on paper.
- 5
Database administrator
Ongoing
Junior first, with someone senior reviewing your changes, then on your own.