Oracle certifications

Benefits of Oracle certifications

The demand for professionals in the information technology (IT) industry is high, and the competition for jobs is intense. Individuals, experienced or new to the profession, need to know what skills make them attractive to employers. Employers look for ways to select prospective employees who have the solid foundation of skills needed for effective performance.

The Oracle Certification Program helps the IT industry establish a standard of competence in key entry-level and professional job roles.

An Oracle Certification is a valuable, industry-recognized credential that signifies a proven level of knowledge and ability. Each higher level of Oracle certification brings a higher standard of benchmarked skill and ability, which leads to greater opportunities and higher pay.

"Technical certifications have evolved from a hiring tool to a screening tool: If you don’t have them, you aren’t viewed as a serious candidate." ¹

Benefits to the Technical Professional

An Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) demonstrates a solid understanding of the foundation skills of a given job role, which can be applied at an apprentice or entry level.

By earning an OCA certification, you can have increased entry-level job opportunities. The OCA is the stepping-stone to starting a successful career as an Oracle professional.

Beyond OCA, by becoming an Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) you demonstrate your understanding of the full range of skills required by Oracle professionals in your chosen job role. An OCP is in high demand in today's marketplace, and the level of demand is expected to grow with each new installation of Oracle technologies around the world. An Oracle Certification helps raise your visibility and increases your access to the industry's most challenging opportunities.

"Oracle’s certification strength in a declining economy is due in part to the fact tha more complex, high-level certifications appear to be less vulnerable" ²t

An Oracle Certified Master (OCM) certification is the highest credential that an Oracle professional can earn in the Oracle Certification Program. An Oracle DBA Certified Master is a top-level Oracle expert who has in-depth technical knowledge of the Oracle data server and industry experience in managing mission-critical Oracle database systems and applications. OCMs are looked upon as experts within their organizations, among their peers, and across the industry.

The true value of earning an Oracle Certification credential is increased opportunity. With more opportunity come career growth and higher pay.

"Given the key importance of data as an organizational asset, it should come to no surprise that DBAs remain in high demand and that related training certification programs are popular even in this time of economic trouble... By the numbers, Oracle leads the DBMS/DBA certification area.” ³

Benefits to the IT Employer

The Oracle Certification Program is also valuable to hiring managers who want to distinguish among candidates for critical IT positions. For companies that send employees for annual IT training, certification helps ensure a return on the training investment by validating the knowledge and understanding gained during training sessions. Companies can also combine certification with an employee development program to enhance employee loyalty and performance on the job. Hiring certified professionals can have a direct impact on a company's success.

1 Source: Employers Raise the Bar on Certification, Information Week, 2002

2 Source: IDC Certification Report and Forecast 2002–2006

3 Source: Certified Expert: Working as a Database Administrator, CertMag, January 2003

Oracle9i DBA Certification Overview

The expertise of Oracle database administrators (DBAs) is integral to the success of today's increasingly complex system environments. Their critical work requires a broad understanding of the architecture and processes of the Oracle database, as well as plenty of hands-on experience in solving problems. The best DBAs know that they stand between optimal performance and an event that could bring their company to a standstill.

“Currently, Oracle skills remain the most sought-after database skills in the IT marketplace.” ¹

Oracle9i Database Administrator Certified Associate (OCA)

An Oracle9i Database Administrator Certified Associate (OCA) certification is an entry-level credential for candidates who have a proven foundation of basic knowledge, which they can build upon as they work toward a career as an Oracle database administrator. An OCA can next earn Oracle9i DBA Certified Professional (OCP) and Oracle9i DBA Certified Master (OCM) credentials.

Oracle9i Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP)

By moving upward and earning OCP status, Oracle professionals demonstrate the complete set of skills that are required for working independently as an expert DBA. The OCP credential provides candidates increased opportunities and higher pay. The OCP DBA path requires four tests two for OCA certification plus two more. Additionally, Oracle now requires (as of September 1, 2002) all newly starting OCP candidates to complete one Oracle University hands-on course in preparation for their exams and for future roles as an Oracle technologist. An OCP certification helps you translate your knowledge and skills into increased visibility through the market's most highly valued database benchmark program.

View the chart on page 5 for a list of required tests and course requirements to earn the Oracle9i Database OCP credential.

Oracle9i DBA Certified Master (OCM)

Beyond OCP, highly experienced DBAs who are ready for a new challenge can earn the highly respected Oracle9i DBA Certified Master (OCM) credential, which can help their careers develop further and open doors to senior DBA and consulting opportunities. The Oracle9i DBA Certified Master Program requires Oracle University coursework on advanced DBA topics and hands-on demonstration of DBA skills in a live application environment. For more information about this offering, consult the Oracle Certification Program Web site.

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Upgrading Your Current OCP Credential to Oracle9i

Single Release Upgrade Exams

Generally, one exam is required for OCPs to upgrade to each new release of an Oracle DBA track. For example, one exam upgrades the Oracle7.3 credential to Oracle8, one exam from Oracle8 to Oracle8i, one exam from Oracle8i to Oracle9i and one exam from Oracle9i to Oracle 10g.

Oracle7.3 to Oracle8 DBA OCP

Exam #1Z0-010 Oracle8: New Features for Administrators.

Oracle8 to Oracle8i DBA OCP

Exam #1Z0-020 Oracle8i: New Features for Administrators.

Oracle8i to Oracle9i DBA OCP

Exam #1Z0-030 Oracle9i Database: New Features for Administrators.

Bridged Release Upgrade Exams

OCPs with older credentials may skip intervening releases and upgrade to a current technology with a single exam. For example, one exam upgrades Oracle7.3 and Oracle8 DBAs directly to Oracle9i, and one exam upgrades Oracle8i DBAs directly to Oracle Database 10g.

Oracle7.3 and Oracle8 DBA OCPs to Oracle9i

Exam #1Z0-035 Oracle9i DBA: New Features for Oracle7.3 and Oracle8 OCPs.

Candidate Qualifications

Most candidates for DBA certification combine up-to-date training with some level of on-the-job experience. There is no "typical" candidate. Many of the questions on the OCP tests are based on real job scenarios. In addition to the appropriate training, you need hands-on experience with the software. Trial software versions and hands-on labs are included in most Oracle University training products.

1 Source: IDC Certification Report 2002

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Required Exams and Selected Hands-On Courses for Oracle9i Database Certification Paths

Oracle customers and business partners demand hands-on experience—with all aspects of Oracle database—from their Oracle Certified Professionals. In order to meet our commitments to our customers and constituents, Oracle University has recently made a significant investment toward building more validity and quality into its Certification Program including scenario-based exam questions.

Exams Required

Oracle9i Database Administrator Certified Associate Oracle9i Database Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle9i Database: Fundamentals I

Exam # 1Z0-031

Oracle9iDatabase Administrator Certified Associate

Oracle9iDatabase: Fundamentals II

Exam # 1Z0-032

Introduction to Oracle: SQL^®

Exam # 1Z0-007

Introduction to Oracle: SQL^® and PL/SQL^™ Exam # 1Z0-001

OR

Exam # 1Z0-007

Introduction to Oracle9i: SQL can be taken over the Internet; (see Section 5 of this guide).

Oracle9i Database: Performance Tuning

Exam # 1Z0-033

Oracle9iDatabase Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle University Hands-On Course Requirement

To earn your Oracle9i Certified Professional credential, you must pass the exams listed above and complete one of the selected Oracle University courses listed below.

Note the additional courses that have been added to the list of those that fulfil the Oracle9i DBA OCP Hands-On Course Requirement. Beginning June 21, 2004 candidates may now attend any one of the courses below to meet the requirement.

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Current OCP Candidates Tested BEFORE September 1, 2002

OCP candidates who have already completed at least one exam toward earning their OCP credential before September 1, 2002, will be permitted to earn their OCP credential without having to complete one of the hands-on courses listed above.

New OCP Candidates Tested AFTER September 1, 2002

All new OCP candidates will continue to be permitted to enroll in the required exams before fulfilling the hands-on course requirement, but will not be certified until completing both the exams and course requirement.

Note that candidates must first complete the OCA certification before obtaining an OCP credential.

OAI, OIA, and Workforce Development Students

Note that students completing their Oracle study with an Oracle Academic Initiative (OAI) program, Oracle Internet Academy (OIA), or an Oracle Workforce Development school do NOT need to complete one of the specific courses listed on the previous page, since these students are already completing this curriculum with their program of study.

Certified OCP DBAs

Currently certified OCP DBAs are not required to complete any additional hands-on courses; they are required only to pass the upgrade exam.

The courses listed on the previous page are offered at Oracle University centers around the world as well as at many Oracle Authorized Education Centers, and Oracle Authorized Education Partners. Instructor-led courses are also now available online, enabling candidates to complete this requirement from their home or office if travel or time is a constraint.

To find more information about these courses, or to enroll, visit the Oracle University Web site at http://www.oracle.com/education/ and select the Oracle9i DBA Learning Path.

* This title is not available online.

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Oracle9i Database Upgrade Certification Paths

Follow the paths in the diagram below to upgrade your current Oracle DBA OCP credential.

Oracle9i Database Certified Master Certification Path

Follow the path in the diagram below to earn your Oracle9i DBA Certified Master credential.

Oracle7.3 Database Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle9i New Features for Administrators

Exam # 1Z0-030

Oracle9iDBA New Features for Oracle7.3 and Oracle8 OCPs

Exam # 1Z0-035

Oracle8i Database Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle8 New Features for Administrators

Exam # 1Z0-010

Oracle8 Database Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle8i New Features for Administrators

Exam # 1Z0-020

Oracle9iDatabase Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle9iDatabase Master Practicum (details are on page 11 of this guide)

Oracle9i Database Administrator Certified Professional

Attend two of the selected advanced OU courses listed on page 10 of this guide.

Oracle9iDatabase Administrator Certified Master

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Oracle9i Database Administrator Certified Master Requirements

To earn your Oracle9i Database Administrator Certified Master credential, you must meet the following requirements.

Oracle9i DBA Certified Master (OCM)

An OCM certification is the highest credential that an Oracle professional can earn in the Oracle Certification Program. An Oracle9i Database Administrator Certified Master is a top-level Oracle expert who has in-depth technical knowledge of the Oracle data server and industry experience in managing mission-critical Oracle database systems and applications. OCMs are looked upon as experts within their organizations, among their peers, and across the industry.

Oracle9i Database OCM Practicum

To earn the Oracle9i Database Administrator Certified Master credential, candidates must pass the practicum exam.

The Oracle9i DBA Certified Master practicum is a two-day live application event where participants are required to complete a series of scenarios and resolve technical problems that will test their expertise in an Oracle9i Database environment. Participants are scored on their ability to successfully complete the assigned tasks.

The practicum is conducted at an Oracle University facility in each global region. Contact your local Oracle University representative to find the Practicum location nearest you. Visit http://www.oracle.com/education/contact_info.html to view your local Oracle University contact information.

Practicum Registration Prerequisites

Prior to registering for the Oracle Certified Master practicum, candidates must complete two requirements.

1. They must have completed their Oracle9i Database Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) credential.

2. They must have taken two advanced DBA courses from Oracle University. Advanced courses are taught by top Oracle University instructors and offer hands-on experience in topics that may be addressed during the practicum. Advanced courses that are offered in an instructor-led online format satisfy the requirement for candidacy to the OCM.

The following is a list of Oracle University courses that meet the advanced course requirement.

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Oracle9i Database OCM Practicum Course Prerequisite

The OCM Practicum candidates must attend two of the following courses listed below.

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Oracle9i DBA Certified Master Practicum

An OCM candidate must successfully pass the Oracle9i DBA Certified Master practicum after completing the required OU advanced learning requirements listed on the previous page.

Minimum Practicum Participant Skills

1. Proficiency in Oracle9i SQL

2. Working knowledge of Linux command language (United Linux 1.0) including:

a. Formatting and executing basic OS commands

b. Creating directories and navigating through directory structures

c. File management using copy, move, and delete

d. Linux environment text editors

e. Setting environment variables

3. Ability to locate and launch Oracle executables that include:

a. RMAN utility

b. Oracle Net Manager

c. Oracle Net Configuration Assistant

d. OEM

e. Listener utility

f. OMS

g. Oracle Password utility

h. Database Creation Assistant

4. Proficiency in using Oracle Enterprise Manager

5. Proficiency in using Oracle Net Manager and Oracle Net Configuration Assistant to configure networking

6. Advanced knowledge and use of Oracle9i (v9.0.1.3) Enterprise Server technology and features

7. Familiarity with navigating through online Oracle documentation

8. Proficiency in using Konqueror 2.2 browser software

Practicum Environment

The practicum is conducted in a dedicated Oracle University classroom environment. An Oracle instructor is responsible for proctoring the event, distributing scenarios, and collecting results. Participants are randomly assigned a seat on the day of the event.

Participants are not allowed to use personal documentation or notes during the practicum nor are they permitted to collaborate with other participants. Cellular phones, pagers, and Personal Digital Assistants are not allowed in the practicum classroom.

Each participant is provided with a dedicated Linux server with Advanced Server 2.1 installed and the base Oracle server software. A complete online Oracle documentation set is available to each participant.

Scoring

Participants are scored on their ability to complete the assigned tasks and to recover from various database failure scenarios. Information from each participant's environment is collected at various points during the practicum, and this information is used to determine the final score. Participants will be provided with their score within two weeks of completing the practicum. Upon attaining a successful score, participants are awarded the Oracle9i Database Administrator Certified Master credential. Participants who do not achieve a passing score are required to retake the entire practicum at a later date.

Practicum Objectives and Areas of Focus

Review the Oracle9i Database Administrator Certified Master practicum objectives to gain insight into what to expect before completing the practicum. The objectives are located in the Test Content Checklist at the end of this guide.