How Long Does It Take to Learn SQL?

Whether you’re a teacher and department head_{A Teacher Switches to Tech to do Even More for Students: Tiffany Hall’s TripleTen Story} at your school tasked with finding the right tools to enhance your students’ learning experience, or a data scientist_{Data Science as the Smart Investment: Jacques Diambra Odi’s TripleTen Story} using data analytics to prepare for disaster relief, you’ve likely encountered an opportunity to learn SQL in the real world. 

In fact, you'll find datasets in nearly every field you look at. That's why SQL skills are essential in tech.

So, that begs the question. Just how long does it take to learn SQL? A day? A week? A year? Keep reading to find out how to get from basic SQL skills to being a master in the language.

What is SQL?
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It's a programming language used to manage and manipulate relational databases. It’s a powerful tool that can be used to perform a variety of tasks, such as querying, updating, and deleting data. SQL is a valuable skill for anyone who works with data, and it’s becoming increasingly in-demand in the job market. If you’re looking to secure a job in tech, a good foundation is to learn SQL.

So, how long does it take to learn SQL?

Well, as you can imagine, the answer depends. The amount of time it takes to learn SQL depends on a number of factors, including your prior experience with programming languages, your learning style, and the amount of time you’re able to dedicate to learning. However, in general, you can learn the basics of SQL in a few weeks. With more practice and experience, you can become proficient in SQL in a few months.

Earn SQL certifications in a few months

Gone are the days of having to go into a stuffy computer lab for classes to learn new skills. Online courses are a convenient way to speed the time it takes to learn SQL. And if getting SQL certifications is important to you, here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of your certification programs.

• Look for instructors who have experience in tech. If you want to be one of the SQL developers building database management systems, you’ll want to learn from the ones doing the building. Similarly, if you want to learn more about a specific system, find a course that specializes in that system. For example, maybe your jam is working within Oracle databases. Zero in on certifications that cover that area.
• Use review and industry sites. Review sites and industry-expert sites like Career Karma can give you helpful information about the different certification programs. You’ll get a breakdown of cost, pros and cons, and even customer reviews.
• Showcase your certification. If you’re going to take the time and spend the money to get a certification, make sure to show the world what you’ve learned! List your certification on your portfolio_{Software Engineering Portfolios: How to Make Them Shine (With Examples!)} or LinkedIn. While many hiring managers won’t require SQL certifications, you should be proud of what you earned and use that knowledge to secure your next job.

Take time to learn SQL on your own in days…or months? 

There are lots of resources available to help you learn SQL on your own. Books, websites, and tutorials can all be powerful. But, with a less-structured approach, figuring out how long it will take to learn SQL is a little more difficult. For some, it might take hours. For others, it might take months. 

We know, we know. That’s not what you want to hear. But learning on your own can be advantageous for people who thrive in a more flexible environment.

If you’re hoping to learn SQL quickly, and self-education is your preferred method, here are a few tips to make that learning process just a little easier.

• Create a schedule for yourself. Set aside some time each day to practice your SQL skills. Even if you can only spare 30 minutes a day, it will make a big difference in the long run.
• Partner up. Find a mentor or study buddy who can help you stay motivated and on track.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you get stuck. There are many online resources and communities where you can get help from other SQL users.

Master SQL (and more!) in a data science bootcamp in 8 months

If learning SQL is your first step towards getting into tech, why not fold it into your tech career plan? Level up your SQL training — and start learning the ins and outs of a tech career — with a bootcamp designed by real data scientists. You’ll not only get hands-on experience with SQL, but you’ll also get expert education for a path in data science. Practicing professionals will dive into your code and make sure you’re learning what you need to grow and develop. Here are a few tips to make your bootcamp experience successful.

• Get real-world experience. Look for bootcamps that provide externships with companies. This gives you that real-world experience hiring managers are looking for, even if you’re new in your career!
• Feel confident with help from a tutor. TripleTen supports you every step of the way. You’ll have regular one-on-ones with a dedicated tutor as well as the opportunity to attend daily office hours, all online.
• Practice, practice, practice. In a bootcamp, you’ll not only practice your SQL skills, but you’ll have an opportunity to practice your coding and interviewing skills as well. 

Learn SQL in just 15 hours

If you’re not ready to commit to a course that will take a few months, but you need a little more structure than learning on your own, TripleTen’s SQL 101 is the perfect fit. Learn basic and advanced SQL skills for database administration, data analytics, and data science — all without paying a dime. Just register and start! 

In this free coding course, you’ll learn about databases and database management systems. You’ll become familiar with basic SQL operations, like how to select specific data from an SQL database. This is a great way to jumpstart a career as a data analyst, data scientist, or software engineer. Register for the free SQL course today and see how quickly 15 hours of SQL training goes by!

“While not directly part of TripleTen's software engineering program, one of the extra benefits I cherished was their free Structured Query Language (SQL) course. SQL is a fundamental skill for any software engineer, as it underpins the interaction with relational databases, which are ubiquitous in the industry," Ian Dizney_{3 Things That Made TripleTen's Software Engineering Program Exceptional}, TripleTen Software Engineering program graduate.

This complimentary SQL course offered by TripleTen is a goldmine for anyone seeking to expand their technical prowess or simply satisfy their curiosity about database management. It provides a comprehensive understanding of SQL databases, query optimization, and data manipulation. Ian Dizney, TripleTen Software Engineering program graduate