Learn SQL
The best way to learn SQL, ranked by what employers ask for
890 of 7,767 live roles ask for SQL. 29 courses and certificates compared: paid, free with a certificate, free, and trusted videos. The best free start is CS50 SQL: Introduction to Databases with SQL (Harvard (CS50)).
Live roles ask
890
11% of the board
Options compared
29
courses & certificates
Four ways to learn it
SQL, from certified programme to free video
The best option of each kind, ranked on how well-regarded it is, what it costs to finish with a certificate, and how squarely it teaches this. The ringed one is where most people should start. Sponsorship plays no part.
SQL
890 live roles ask for it
Udemy
A cheaper option teaches the same thing
Harvard (CS50)
One of the strongest ways to learn SQL
Microsoft Learn
Useful, with trade-offs
Programming with Mosh
One of the strongest ways to learn SQL
Who asks for it
Where SQL is asked for
- Software engineering307 roles
- Data256 roles
- Operations52 roles
- Finance50 roles
Roles
Jobs that list it
Everything else
More ways to learn SQL
Best first, with the verdict and what each costs.
- Start
- Start
- StartTake itCertified programmeMeta Back-End Developer Professional Certificate
Coursera
Free to auditCertificate - StartTake itCertified programmeGoogle Business Intelligence Professional Certificate
Coursera
Free to auditCertificate - StartTake itCertified programmeGoogle Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Coursera
Free to auditCertificate~36 weeks - Start
- StartTake itFree certificateCS50x: Introduction to Computer Science
Harvard (CS50)
Free · free certificateFree certificate - WatchTake itTrusted videoSQL - Complete Course in 3 Hours | SQL One Shot using MySQL
Apna College
FreeHindi3 h21M views
Often asked for together
Skills that come with SQL
Questions
Learning SQL
Is SQL worth learning?
890 of the 7,767 live roles on insiderOne ask for it (11%), most often in software engineering roles (307).
Can I learn SQL for free?
Yes. CS50 SQL: Introduction to Databases with SQL from Harvard (CS50) is free, and so is its certificate. Of the options compared here, it is the best one that costs nothing.
What is the best way to learn SQL?
For most people, CS50 SQL: Introduction to Databases with SQL (Harvard (CS50), free · free certificate). It is ranked on how well-regarded it is, what it costs to finish with a certificate, and how squarely it teaches SQL. Sponsorship plays no part.
Your own plan
SQL is one skill. Which ones is your next role missing?
Tell insiderOne where you're headed and it reads the live board for the gaps between you and it, then ranks a way to learn each one for your budget. Free to start.
Counts from 7,767 live roles, updated 13 September 2026.