Oracle vs SQL Server Certification
Compare Oracle Database and Microsoft SQL Server DBA certifications.
Oracle Certified Professional: Database Administrator
Oracle
Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator
Microsoft
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | Oracle Certified Professional: Database Administrator | Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Oracle | Microsoft |
| Difficulty Level | Professional | Associate |
| Exam Duration | 150 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $245 USD | $165 USD |
| Exam Format | Multiple choice | Multiple choice + labs |
| Prerequisites | OCA certification | None |
| Validity Period | Does not expire | 1 year (renewal) |
| Ideal For | Oracle DBAs | SQL Server/Azure DBAs |
| Salary Range | $95,000 - $145,000 | $90,000 - $135,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
Oracle Certified Professional: Database Administrator Focus Areas
- Administration
- Backup/Recovery
- Security
- Performance Tuning
Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Focus Areas
- SQL Server
- Azure SQL
- Administration
- Security
- HA/DR
Our Recommendation
Oracle for complex enterprise needs; SQL Server for Microsoft ecosystem.
Choose Oracle Certified Professional: Database Administrator
Choose Oracle for complex enterprise database environments.
Choose Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator
Choose SQL Server for Microsoft-centric organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Oracle Certified Professional: Database Administrator or Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator?
Oracle for complex enterprise needs; SQL Server for Microsoft ecosystem.
What are the salary differences between Oracle Certified Professional: Database Administrator?
Oracle Certified Professional: Database Administrator typically offers salaries around $95,000 - $145,000, while Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator offers $90,000 - $135,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose Oracle for complex enterprise database environments. Choose SQL Server for Microsoft-centric organizations.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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