OCP Certification: To train or not to train, that is the question…

January 23, 2009 at 3:32 pm | In Certification Paths, Oracle | 2 Comments
Tags: , ,

I hear lots of differing opinions about the hands-on training required to obtain an OCP certification. On one side, there’s the seasoned DBA who has been using Oracle for years and has a broad understanding claiming, “I’ve been certified for years, I know my stuff, so why do I have to attend a training class if I’ve demonstrated such competence?” On the other side, there’s the DBA who has used Oracle in a specialized role and has a working knowledge of the features he/she uses every day, but has little or no experience with many of Oracle’s features and components.

My humble opinion on this issue is that the additional training requirement ensures that OCPs have a broad knowledge of Oracle features, which only increases the value of an OCP certification. I agree, it also increases the cost to obtain an OCP, and that’s a double-edged sword. But, nonetheless, it is what it is…and Oracle is not likely to drop the training requirement any time soon.

That being said, let’s table the debate and talk about the training requirement. Oracle began the additional OCP certification training requirement with Oracle 9i, and has required it ever since. So how does it work?

What Training Qualifies?

First, to obtain an OCP certification, you must attend an Oracle-approved training course. Just what qualifies as “approved”? Well, it depends on the database version on which you’re getting certified. Oracle-approved courses are specific instructor-led courses (either classroom or virtual live classes) offered by the following training providers:

  • Oracle University Training Center, Oracle Authorized Education Center or Oracle Authorized Partner
  • Oracle Academy
  • Oracle Workforce Development Program

Although there are many competent training providers out there that offer Oracle training, these approved providers use Oracle courseware and Oracle-certified instructors. Training from other providers and training that is not on the approved list (including self-study training) does not qualify. So, my advice is to double-check the approved training list before you spend your training dollars. Some of the approved training courses are classroom courses, so you’ll have to factor in the additional costs on that. Other approved courses are instructor-led live virtual classes offered online, which might be an excellent choice if geographic location of the training centers is an issue.

Which Approved Course to Take?

Continue reading OCP Certification: To train or not to train, that is the question……

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Oracle 11g Certification

August 26, 2008 at 11:52 am | In Oracle | 10 Comments
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Oracle is steadily rolling out the certification exams for Oracle Database 11g, and the Transcender development team is steadily developing practice tests for these exams. Before you register for an exam, now’s a good time to review the Oracle 11g certification tracks and some of the track changes that might affect your strategy to obtain 11g certifications. Then, you can lay out a plan for how to accomplish your certification objectives.

First, let’s recap the most recent Oracle certification paths. For most paths there are three sequential certifications, plus one or more stand-alone specialty certifications.

Database Administrator
With Oracle 11g, Oracle has released the Oracle Certified Associate (OCA), the Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), and the Oracle Certified Master (OCM) for DBAs.

The OCA certification is the entry-level option for DBAs. To obtain the Oracle 11g DBA OCA certification, you must pass two exams. The first exam is 1Z0-052 Oracle Database 11g: Administration I, which covers the fundamental concepts of Oracle Database 11g and the primary tasks performed by almost all DBAs. The second exam must be SQL-related, but the choice is yours – it can be 1Z0-007 Introduction to Oracle9i SQL, 1Z0-051 Oracle Database 11g: SQL Fundamentals I, or 1Z0-047 Oracle Database SQL Expert.

The question I get a lot is… “What’s the best choice for the SQL exam?” Frankly, that’s sort of like asking “What kind of vehicle should I purchase?” If you’re single and love to drive fast, a two-seat convertible sports car is perfect. But if you’re a parent with three kids, I might suggest a minivan instead. It’s the same with the choice of which SQL exam to take. There’s no right or wrong choice; it’ll be completely based on your particular situation. So let’s consider some of the factors:

  • 1Z0-007 is an online exam. This might be a good choice if you have geographic limitations for available testing centers.
  • 1Z0-051 is the latest and the greatest. It covers the most recent database version.
  • 1Z0-047 is the SQL Expert exam. Although I don’t usually recommend that choice for newbies, if you are a SQL guru from way back and just diving off into DBA certification, this might be a good choice because it lets you kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. Passing this single exam earns you an Oracle Certified Expert (OCE) certification. One more exam, and you’re an OCA. This might be a cost-effective approach for you, but again, it is ONLY for those really proficient in SQL. (Keep in mind that you may see some new 11g SQL features, so don’t overlook that as you prepare.)
  • Examine your long-term certification goals to make sure that the choice you make fits into your certification plans for the future.

The next logical step for DBAs is the OCP certification. Continue reading The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Oracle 11g Certification…

Blog at WordPress.com. | Theme: Pool by Borja Fernandez.
Entries and comments feeds.