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. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Take computing if it is offered. Install a free database at home and break it on purpose.

2. 2

   Two or four year degree

   2 to 4 years

   Computer science, information systems or information technology. A two year associate degree is enough for many employers.

3. 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. 4

   Certification

   A few months of study

   A vendor certificate from Microsoft, Oracle or Amazon Web Services proves a specific platform on paper.

5. 5

   Database administrator

   Ongoing

   Junior first, with someone senior reviewing your changes, then on your own.