Database Certification Spotlight: OCP

The Oracle Certified Professional credential provides database professionals a chance to prove their mettle when it comes to Oracle database administration or development. Until recently, the Oracle certification program was somewhat confusing and there were a large number of tracks to reaching OCP status. Recent exam/track retirement announcements consolidated these options into two specific programs, the Database Administrator track and the Application Developer track.

In this article, we'll take a brief look at the Database Administrator track and the three possible certifications you can earn on your way to Master status. Our next article will examine the Application Developer track. As with most vendor-specific certifications, the OCP program provides version-specific examinations. Currently, there are two active certification programs: one for Oracle 9i and one for Oracle 10g. I'd strongly encourage you to certify on the most recent version of Oracle in order to maintain your credential as long as possible.

The first step on the 10g Administrator path is the Oracle 10g Database Administrator Certified Associate credential which requires passing a single examination:

• Oracle Database 10g: Administration I. This exam (1Z0-042) is only available through Oracle University or a Prometric testing center.

Once you've achieved your Associate credential, you may move on to achieve the Oracle 10g Database Administrator Certified Professional credential which has the following requirements:

• You must first hold the Oracle 10g Database Administrator Certified Associate credential.
• You must take at least one instructor-led Oracle-approved training course.
• Oracle 10g Database: Administration II Exam. This exam, (1Z0-043) requires you to answer at least 46 of 70 questions correctly.

The Professional certification is the normal stopping point for most Oracle certification candidates. However, if you really want to prove your skills, you may attempt the prestigious Oracle 10g Database Administrator Certified Master credential. This program requires you to successfully complete a two-day hands-on examination at Oracle's testing center in Chicago.

Best of luck in your certification quest!