SQL statements are useful for storing, searching, retrieving, updating, and removing database information. SQL also helps users improve how databases perform. This querying language is widely used in a range of industries and applications.
Because it integrates well with other programming languages like Java, SQL helps Developers and Data Analysts perform a range of database tasks. SQL is considered relatively easy to learn because it incorporates English keywords in statements. This makes it an accessible tool among non-technical professionals as well. Knowledge of SQL can help individuals do more than handle company data contained in a relational database; it can provide a better understanding of regularly used applications such as social mediate and cloud storage.
#1: NYIM Training—SQL Bootcamp (Live Online)
Learners who are interested in taking their SQL skills to the next level can do so by enrolling in NYIM Training’s SQL Bootcamp. Participants in this program receive instruction on how to write SQL queries to extract information from databases. This bootcamp combines NYIM’s SQL Level 1,2, and 3 courses into one comprehensive learning experience. Coursework commences with an overview of the types of information stored in databasCYBERes and how to work with SQL Server Management Studio. Learners then explore how to create SQL queries, use JOIN statements, and filter and group data. Advanced SQL training is also offered on how to use subqueries, string functions, and IF-Else logic with CASE. By course completion, participants will be able to use Functions and Views with parameters rather than having to query tables directly.
Key Information
Those interested in enrolling in this bootcamp can do so for $975. Those who are interested in taking this bootcamp as part of NYIM’s Data Science Certificate, Data Analytics Certificate, or FinTech Bootcamp can do so at a reduced price. Study takes place over three full-day sessions that occur in an interactive online classroom environment. This bootcamp is open to learners at all levels who are at least 18. There are no prerequisites.
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The cost of study also provides students with access to supplemental SQL training and study materials to reinforce course content. In addition, all participants can retake this bootcamp for free for up to a year to brush up on their SQL knowledge. A certificate of completion is provided to all learners at the conclusion of study.
Those who have completed this course left reviews online. One student said, “I’d absolutely recommend this course to SQL beginners. The class content and structure were excellent. The instructor was extremely well-prepared and well-paced, and made three full-day sessions digestible and interesting.” Another noted that this bootcamp provided “a strong dive into SQL” and said, “You will leave this class with a good grasp of how to handle databases.” A third participant wrote, “This class was in a great format to practice SQL exercises and then review them with the instructor.”
#2: Noble Desktop—SQL Level 1 (In-Person in NYC or Live Online)
A great place to start if you’re looking to learn about relational databases and how to communicate with them using SQL is Noble Desktop’s SQL Level 1. Participants in this virtual class gain foundational training in core SQL skills such as working with tables, writing SQL queries to extract data from relational databases, and performing data analysis on this information. Through hands-on training, Noble instructors guide participants through database architecture and teach them to write SQL code. Those enrolled in this introductory-level class learn to write SELECT statements and perform filtering using IN, AND/OR. WHERE, and NOT. Instruction is also provided on using inner JOINs to combine data from different tables. By course completion, students will know how to create basic SQL queries for use with Microsoft SQL Server.
Key Information
The cost of study for SQL Level 1 is $350. This course takes one full-day session to complete, or approximately seven hours. Although there are no prerequisites, participants should have a reliable internet connection to complete course lessons. This class takes place in the virtual environment. Students are sent a GoToMeeting link before the class begins that allows them to attend. This link also enables desktop sharing and video conferencing capabilities.
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Those who enroll in this class receive free setup assistance and also have the option of a free course retake for up to one year to revisit course material. Supplementary learning materials are also provided to students after course completion. Learners who finish this class receive a certificate of completion.
Those who completed Noble’s SQL Level 1 noted, “Instructors at Noble are devoted to their students!” They also said this course was a “Great format to offer practice with SQL exercises and review them with the instructor.”
#3: Computer Training Sources, Inc—MySQL Introduction (Live Online/Chicago)
If you’re seeking beginner-friendly content on working with SQL and MySQL, Computer Training Sources MySQL Introduction is a great starting point. Participants in this virtual class learn about fundamental database concepts. Instruction is offered on how to create a preliminary design for a database and incorporate normalization techniques. Students also learn about various relational database management systems. Working with SQL commands, views, and indexes, those enrolled in this hands-on class are able to efficiently modify the data contained within a database. This class starts with an introduction to databases, including definitions, identifying entities and relationships, and creating entity-relationship diagrams. Participants also create and join tables and basic SQL statements. Topics like user management and subqueries are also discussed in this class.
Key Information
MySQL Introduction spans two full-day sessions that take place in the online classroom environment using Zoom. Each session commences at 9am Central time and concludes by 4pm. The cost of study is $999. There are no prerequisites to enrollment, but all participants are expected to have a strong internet connection and a computer device they can use to attend class.
#4: NYIM Training—SQL Level 1 (Live Online)
NYIM Training’s SQL Level 1 is geared toward those who are new to working with SQL and relational databases. Participants in this virtual class begin by learning SQL basics such as how to work with columns, rows, and tables. Instruction is offered on how to work with the graphical interface of Microsoft’s free database application, SQL Server Management Studio, to explore database information. Those enrolled learn primary SQL clauses such as FROM and SELECT, as well as how to filter results using IN, NOT, AND/OR, and WHERE. Instruction is also offered on wildcard filters and mathematical comparisons, including less than, greater than, and equals. By course completion, all participants will be able to combine the data contained in multiple tables using JOINs. An expert instructor teaches students in this hands-on course how to apply the SQL skills they acquire to a range of tasks.
Key Information
SQL Level 1 costs $350 to attend. Payment is due before the first class meeting. Instruction is offered virtually in Zoom, an interactive online classroom. This course takes one full day to complete. There are no prerequisites.
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Tuition includes supplementary SQL study materials. All participants can retake this course for up to a year with no additional charge. A certificate of completion is awarded to each student after they finish this class.
NYIM Training has received a five out of five-star rating from over 700 students who have completed their classes.
#5: Computer Training Source, Inc–SQL Queries Introduction (Live Online)
Computer training Source’s SQL Queries Introduction teaches students how to work with SQL statements. Those enrolled in this virtual class learn how to perform a range of database tasks such as retrieving and updating data. These skills translate to common relational database management systems that use SQL such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, Ingres, Access, and Sybase, among others. Although some of these database systems have extensions that work only with their system, standard SQL commands, including UPDATE, DELETE, DROP, CREATE, INSERT, and SELECT, can be used in any of these systems. This course prepares participants to create basic SQL queries and perform conditional searches. Students also learn how to organize data and use functions. Instruction is offered on how to retrieve data from different tables, as well as how to export query results.
Key Information
Tuition costs $999. This course takes place in two full-day sessions from 9am to 4pm in Central Time. It’s taught in the virtual classroom environment using Zoom. No prerequisites are required for study. Participants should be at least 18 years old and have a computer device with a strong internet connection to complete their studies.
#6: Codeacademy—Learn SQL (On-Demand)
Codecademy’s Learn SQL is designed to teach students how to work with large datasets and perform data analysis on real information using SQL. Those who sign up for this class learn how to work with SQL to communicate with databases. They also practice creating queries for tables. The first lesson pertains to data manipulation and using SQL to access, generate, and update the data contained in a database. Lesson two deals with performing complex queries using popular keywords and functionality. The third lesson covers aggregate functions and their applications for executing complicated database operations. Lesson four teaches students how to create and manipulate databases that have more than one related table.
Participants in this self-paced class also complete several real-world projects. In the first project, they learn how to create a table in SQL. The next project helps learners practice writing common queries for New York restaurants. Project 3 allows students to practice using aggregate SQL functions that combine row values and provide a single result. Four lessons are provided, as well as four quizzes.
Key Information
This class takes most learners around eight hours to complete. There are no prerequisites. All students in the paid plan who successfully finish this class receive a certificate of completion. Three pricing options are available for those interested in enrolling. The basic plan is free; the Plus plan costs $17.49/month, and the Pro plan is $29.99 a month for those who enroll in a year of Codeacademy study.
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Graduates of this program shared their reviews online. One participant wrote, “The progress I have made since starting to use CodeAcademy is immense!” Another noted that they “learned months of information in a week” and that they “love how Codeacademy uses learning by practice and provides great challenges to help learners understand a new concept and subject.” Another said that their learning experience was “Brilliant and very interactive. It was literally a game-changer.”
#7: NYC Career Centers—SQL Level 1 (In-Person in NYC and Live Online)
NYC Career Centers SQL Level 1 covers foundational SQL skills. Students in this live online class work with columns, rows, and tables within databases. They receive instruction on how to write SQL queries for extracting data that can then be analyzed. This class is taught by an expert instructor who provides practical training through hands-on exercises. After learning SQL basics, participants work with SELECT statements to select which columns to extract from tables, and use AND/OR, WHERE, NOT, and IN to filter results. Learners also become familiar with how to use inner JOINs to combine data from different tables. This course prepares students to create queries designed for Microsoft SQL Server, which can be applied to other SQL flavors like PostgreSQL, Microsoft Access, and MySQL with small syntax differences.
Key Information
SQL Level 1 costs $350, which is due before the class starts. This course can be completed in one session that spans approximately six hours. There are no prerequisites for study.
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This class offers all participants the option of a free course retake for a full year to brush up on the content covered. Setup assistance is also offered for those who require assistance. A digital, verified certificate of completion is given to all students who successfully finish this class.
Those who completed this course shared their reviews online. One graduate said, “I highly recommend this Introduction to SQL course. It was well-paced, and the instructor was well-spoken, easy to understand, and helpful.” Another learner wrote that “This SQL class was thorough, enjoyable, and made learning SQL easy! I will definitely continue SQL courses with NYC Career Centers and come back for Python.” A third student noted, “This class was uniquely helpful in pointing out real-world applications of the material we learned. The instructor was clearly experienced.”
#8: Practical Programming–SQL Bootcamp (In-Person in NYC and Live Online)
SQL Bootcamp, which is provided by Practical Programming, offers students instruction in foundational SQL concepts and skills such as working with different data types, tables, and queries. After becoming familiar with the basics of table viewing, participants will progress to more advanced querying skills such as aggregating and filtering. In addition to learning syntax, students will be able to apply their skills to specific cases and see larger patterns in the data. The last day of this program teaches students advanced SQL techniques such as how to work with timestamp functions and create subqueries. Those enrolled in this hands-on course use PostgreSQL, which is an advanced, open-source database management system. The information taught in this class can apply to SQL Server, MySQL, and other database systems with only minor syntax differences, which are discussed in class.
Key Information
The cost of study for this program is $975.Tuition is due in full before the start of classes. Coursework takes approximately 18 hours to complete over the course of three days and includes live, project-based SQL training. No prerequisites are listed.
A 10% discount is offered for Practical Programming alums who have already completed at least 12 hours of coursework. In addition, for those who are paying for their own tuition rather than being reimbursed by a company, a $100 discount is provided.
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Tuition includes the option of a free course retake for up to one year for all students. In addition, participants who graduate from this program are given a verified digital completion certificate.
Those who completed coursework left online reviews detailing their learning experience with Practical Programming. One learner wrote, “The material presented in this class was thorough, and the instructor took the time to ensure everyone was fully grasping the material.” Another student added, “Awesome class! The instructor was very patient in helping you debug all kinds of problems and answering all kinds of questions.” A third participant wrote, “This class was very hands-on and useful in real-life scenarios.”
#9: Noble Desktop—Data Analytics Certificate (In-Person in NYC or Live Online)
Noble Desktop offers a Data Analytics Certificate for learners interested in pursuing a career as a Business Analyst or Data Analyst. This comprehensive program teaches students various in-demand data skills such as how to analyze and visualize data, manage databases, and work with business intelligence. Course content is taught through real-world projects so students can learn how to apply the skills they cultivate to the professional setting. Instruction is offered on both predictive and prescriptive analytics, using regression models, forecasting techniques, and decision-making tools like Solver and Scenario Manager. Participants learn to work with Excel for data analytics, Python for data science, automation, ad machine learning, Tableau for data visualization, and SQL to communicate with relational databases.
Key Information
Data Analytics Certificate costs $4,995. Payment plans are available. There are no prerequisites to study. Coursework can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Part-time study entails 24 weeks of evening courses; full-time study spans six weeks of weekday lessons.
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Tuition includes setup assistance and the option of a free course retake for up to a year to revisit the content taught in this certificate. In addition to more than 150 hours of interactive instruction, participants in this certificate also have eight one-on-one mentoring sessions that can be applied to a range of professional uses such as editing a resume, preparing for a job interview, and job support. All learners receive a verified digital certificate of completion when they finish this program.
Alumni of the Data Analytics Certificate program shared their experiences through online reviews. One student noted that they worked with “professional, supportive, engaging, and down-to-earth instructors. Noble Desktop is always there for you.” Another learner wrote, “It was great to see my progress during this bootcamp. I started with no prior knowledge of Python, but by the end of this course, I was able to complete machine learning projects using this language.”
#10: Simplilearn—Introduction to SQL (On-Demand)
If you’re interested in learning SQL basics, Simplilearn’s Introduction to SQL can help you with basic database skills. This introductory-level class helps students develop a working knowledge of SQL and how to create queries that can manage the data contained in a relational database management system. Coursework includes instruction on fundamental SQL skills such as working with MySQL Database, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server. Participants also work with built-in SQL functions, subqueries, joins, and triggers. This course is intended for those interested in pursuing a career as a software professional, a Programmer, an SQL Developer or Application Developer.
Key Information
This course is available from Simplilearn for free. It comprises seven hours of self-paced video content that helps students learn SQL basics. No prerequisites are required for study. Learners can complete all lessons remotely at their own pace.
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After finishing this class, participants receive a certificate that can be accessed once they log into their SkillUp account and unlock it.
Those who have already graduated from this class posted their reviews online. One learner noted that “The course was really insightful.” Another said, “Thank you, Simplilearn, for providing such an insightful course. It was really interesting.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Different Types of Online SQL Classes?
If you’re interested in studying SQL online, a range of coursework is available from educators in the virtual format. Those who want to study this programming language in an engaging, interactive environment can enroll in live online classes. Similar to in-person study, live online SQL coursework provides learners with real-time access to an instructor. Students can ask questions at the moment and receive on-the-spot answers and guidance. In addition, the live virtual classroom environment such as that which is available on Zoom, provides a way for participants to connect with other learners who are studying SQL. Even though all coursework can be completed remotely, this training format provides those studying SQL with the support of a cohort of learners as they complete hands-on exercises.
One of the benefits of live online study is that learners don’t have to battle rush-hour traffic to attend class; all lessons can be completed remotely from the comfort of their home or office space. This not only cuts down on the time involved in study, but it also eliminates the need to pay for parking or gas to receive SQL training. Live online study can take many forms; introductory-level SQL courses and intermediate and advanced-level classes are offered.
Because live online SQL coursework occurs in real time, it does require that participants arrange their schedules to attend class meetings. This may mean having to take time off of work.
Those who have busy schedules may not be able to attend courses that occur at regularly scheduled times. For these individuals, on-demand SQL content may be a better option. Asynchronous SQL material is the most flexible learning format for studying this language. Whereas in-person and live online coursework requires that participants attend class at regularly scheduled intervals, on-demand content is pre-recorded and can be accessed at any time of the day, any day of the week, and from any location. This makes on-demand content a great study option for those who must balance full-time work, travel, or family commitments with their study. Self-paced materials can be paused, rewound, and rewatched as often as necessary, which can help learners retain the information. Students can spend an hour a week studying or devote several full days to their efforts, as necessary.
Another benefit of on-demand SQL content is that it’s often a much more cost-effective learning option than live study. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on an in-person certificate program, self-paced material is often much more affordable. Some are even available from top educators for free. Because of SQL’s popularity, a range of online content is available, from blogs to tutorials to YouTube channels. Some video content is just a minute or two long and covers a specific SQL skill, whereas other resources offer hours of instruction. Those interested in studying SQL in the self-paced format should ensure that the content they select is up-to-date and is provided by a reputable educator. It’s also important to select material that is challenging but not too difficult since no instructor is available to answer questions. For this reason, some learners find it helpful to start their SQL study with self-paced, free material and then move on to more structured coursework to master advanced querying skills.
What Will I Need for an Online SQL Class?
Studying SQL in the online format requires that students have a computer that has a reliable internet connection. In addition, those interested in working with SQL Server 2022 Express can download it for free. Oracle SQL Developer is also available as a free download.
Can I Learn SQL Online for Free?
A range of free resources are available online that can help you get started on your journey to learn SQL. Free training SQL material is available from many top educators such as Udemy and Coursera. Learners can search for video content, YouTube channels, blogs, online tutorials, and other materials. These self-paced materials are all pre-recorded and can be accessed at any time and from any location. Those looking to learn SQL basics can search for YouTube videos that provide an overview of what SQL is, as well as how it can be used to communicate with relational databases. In addition, free online materials are also available on specific SQL skills such as working with JOINs. Some video content requires only a few minutes to view; other videos span hours and offer comprehensive information.
If you’re interested in teaching yourself SQL, free online training material is a good place to start. However, since you won’t have access to an instructor, you cannot ask questions or receive support when navigating more advanced SQL concepts and skills. This is why free content can provide a good starting point when learning SQL, but those who wish to acquire this language for professional reasons likely will need to progress into more structured content such as live online or in-person materials.
Is It Better to Learn SQL in a Live or Self-paced Class?
Those who are committed to learning SQL in the online environment may not be sure whether to enroll in a live online course or select self-paced material. Both training formats afford students the flexibility to complete coursework remotely. However, there are some important distinctions to consider when deciding which study format is best for you.
Live online training is a more interactive way to learn SQL since it not only connects students with a live instructor, but also allows them to engage with other learners in attendance. Live online coursework tends to have a more traditional classroom feeling than asynchronous study material can provide. Some learners appreciate the opportunity to learn alongside others, which can also be a great way to network with people from around the world who are studying SQL. Since live online classes meet regularly, they also provide a structured learning environment that some learners appreciate, with a concrete starting date, scheduled meetings, and a pre-specified program duration. Not only can participants ask questions and receive immediate answers, but they can also share their screen with the instructor (with permission) for more help. Live online classwork is available for learners at all levels, from those who have never worked with SQL before to seasoned programmers interested in mastering advanced SQL skills for professional development.
On-demand SQL classwork is more flexible than live online study because it can be completed at your own pace. Those interested in studying SQL asynchronously can devote as much or as little time to their studies as they wish, depending on their schedule. This type of learning is especially useful for those who need to acquire SQL training but cannot attend regularly scheduled classes due to work or personal commitments. On-demand content can be completed anywhere and at any time.
Self-paced SQL study is a good match for self-motivated learners. Since no instructor is available, this means that participants will have to find answers to questions on their own. It also means that there is no cohort of learners completing studies at the same time. Some learners may therefore find on-demand content a bit isolating. However, for those looking to fit in SQL study around a busy schedule that involves travel, full-time work, and family activities, self-paced content can be a great way to begin learning about SQL.