SQL (Structured Query Language) is the standard language for managing and interacting with relational databases, enabling users to query, manipulate, and structure data to meet a wide range of business and technical needs. SQL's versatility in data retrieval, management, and security makes it one of the most foundational and in-demand skills across virtually every industry that relies on data-driven decision-making.

The Tosa SQL industry-recognized certification determines and validates a candidate's proficiency and skill level in SQL's key features, such as writing SQL queries, managing and editing data, performing joins and aggregations, database design, performance optimization, and data security. The Tosa SQL certification supports students, trainees, employees, or jobseekers in their employment, professional, or academic objectives.

There are no eligibility requirements to take a Tosa certification exam. In K-12, we recommend using Tosa SQL certifications as part of a course or curriculum starting at grade 9.

Looking for a pre-employment test on SQL? Please visit Isograd Testing Services website.

Tosa assessments and certification exams on SQL

Assessments are not required to be proctored when taken remotely, while certification exams must be taken in-person or via our remote proctoring solution.

Skills Badging with Credly

We partnered with Credly to help our earners share their new certification, and the skill set associated with it, on their resumes, CVs, or professional social media profiles. You can earn a skills certification badge from Credly when you score "Productive" level or higher on the Tosa on SQL Certification Exam.

Available Badges for SQL

• Tosa for SQL Certified User – Productive Level
• Tosa for SQL Certified User – Advanced Level
• Tosa for SQL Certified User – Expert Level

Skill Domains Assessed

SQL queries

This domain covers the skills needed to query and manipulate data within a relational database in order to meet functional and application requirements.

• Writing SQL queries
• Manage and edit data
• Performing joins and aggregations

Database design

This domain covers the skills required to design and structure a relational database that is consistent and tailored to the needs of the application.

• Structuring databases
• Managing relationships between tables
• Adapting the modelling to the application requirements

Performance optimization

This domain covers the skills required to improve the efficiency of SQL queries in an application context.

• Create and manage indexes
• Optimise queries and analyse execution plans
• Structuring data to improve performance

Data security

This domain covers the skills required to secure access to and the operation of an SQL database in a professional setting.

• Manage access security
• Ensuring data confidentiality
• Set up an audit of activities

Fundamentals and applications

The questions in this domain assess foundational knowledge of SQL as a query language used to interact with relational databases. They include understanding the purpose of SQL, its role in managing and retrieving structured data, and recognizing common use cases in business and technology environments. Questions also cover basic concepts such as what SQL stands for, the types of tasks it enables (e.g., querying data), and the contexts in which it is typically used, with a focus on demonstrating a high-level understanding of what SQL is and why it is essential.

Certification Exam Detail

The Tosa Certification for SQL relies on a database of more than 100 questions. It is composed of a mix of 25 questions, including multiple-choice, interactive questions, and live coding exercises, and lasts 90 minutes. The algorithm adapts to each answer of the candidates to adjust the difficulty level of the questions until they reach the exact definition of the candidates’ level by calculating the limit of their skills. Candidates receive a numeric score out of 1000 points associated to a proficiency level on a five-level scale. Candidates who score between 1 and 550 points don't earn the certification. They will not receive a diploma but a certificate of completion. Candidates who score 551 points or above earn the certification. They will receive a diploma by email within five (5) business days  and are eligible to receive a Credly digital badge.

The Tosa Certification for SQL is valid for three (3) years. Once expired, earners must retake the certification to maintain it over time. Earners wishing to demonstrate skills development and personal growth may re-take the exam to improve their score at any time. There is no waiting period between two attempts.

Rules & Technical Requirements

Tosa certifications must be taken under specific proctoring conditions. For more information about Tosa certification exam rules and technical requirements, please visit our dedicated exam policies page or consult the downloadable PDFs below.

Prepare For Your Certification Exam

Prepare For Your Certification Exam

• Take at least one Tosa assessment test prior to their exam
  The Tosa assessment test helps acquaint learners with the testing platform. Like the certification exam, it is an adaptive test composed of a mix of multiple choice, interactive, and live in-app questions. It takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and does not need to be taken under proctored conditions. Results are delivered on the same 1-to-5 proficiency level scale and include detailed skills reports to help learners identify their skill gaps before taking the certification exam.
• Take a Tosa-aligned course in the Isograd Learning Platform
  The Isograd Learning Platform is a sophisticated courseware solution designed to help learners prepare for Tosa certification exams. It offers a personalized, self-paced, and fully interactive learning experience that will help learners maximize their Tosa score and gain the digital skills employers are looking for.
  
  To achieve a productive level or higher for a Tosa certification, learners must have an average of 150 hours of training and hands-on experience with SQL. Actual hours depend on their pre-existing skills and knowledge, the expected outcome for the certification (score/level), and the provider/learning content and modality (instructor led, online, self-paced, etc.).

Need more details ?

• Tosa Certification for SQL Skills Framework (PDF)
• Tosa for SQL Skill Domains & Product Brochure (PDF)