Lessons Learned: Oracle certification

By SearchOracle.com experts 15 Jun 2007 | SearchOracle.com

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Welcome to SearchOracle.com's Lessons Learned series. Each week you will get a mini-lesson pertaining to a highly specific Oracle database or E-Business Suite topic. The lessons are culled from expert responses and tips written by our panel of Oracle gurus. At the end of each month, you will be tested on what you've learned. Email us your lesson requests today.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
   Would a certification help me get an entry-level job?
   What books should I read to prepare for my OCP?
   I am pursuing an OCP in Oracle. How should I prepare?
   What other certifications will increase my market value?
   What's the difference between the 9i and 10g OCP exams?

This week's featured experts:

Brian Peasland

Maria Anderson

Mike Ault

Would getting a certification help me get an entry-level job?
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There is a big debate over whether or not certification helps. It all depends on the company that is doing the hiring. Some companies do not value certification. Others do. No matter which company you might interview with, they will not turn you away because you are certified. While it may not help your employment chances, being certified will not hurt you. My opinion is that it will only help you. If nothing else, it forces you to learn a core set of concepts. I upgrade my Oracle certification with every new version. I have been through Oracle 7.3, 8, 8i, 9i and even 10g certification exams. I do this primarily to learn the ins and outs of each product. So I do believe certification is a good thing to achieve.

Excerpted from Brian Peasland's "Changing career path to become Oracle developer."

What books should I read to prepare for my OCP?
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The best books I have found are the Exam Guides from Oracle Press. Every time I upgrade my OCP exams, these are the first books I look to. I would also recommend reading the Oracle documentation for your version.

Excerpted from Brian Peasland's "Books to prepare for OCP certification."

I am pursuing an OCP in Oracle. How should I prepare?
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If you are interested in practice questions for the exam, I have always had good luck with the material from Self Test Software for passing my OCP exams. You can either purchase just the practice exams for download, or you can purchase packages that include the practice exams as well as flash cards and other learning materials. The practice exams from Self Test Software are very closely modeled after the OCP exams. I'm sure there are other good sources of OCP practice exams out there. Ask Oracle DBAs in your community who have their OCP -- they will be a very good source of information, as well.

Excerpted from Maria Anderson's "Preparing for OCP in 9i."

I am Oracle certified. What other certifications will increase my market value?
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Many shops are multi-RDBMS shops, with Oracle, SQL Server and mySQL being in fashion these days. There are other flavors like DB2, Sybase, PostgreSQL, etc. Obtaining certifications in those other platforms can be a boost to those potential employers that have multiple RDBMS platforms to work with.

Another good certification is something Java-related. Lots of shops are using Java and Java certifications are in demand right now.

Other than that, take a look at what the market is currently looking for. Go to dice.com or monster.com and see what skill sets employers are looking for. Gear your certifications towards the market.

Click for Brian Peasland's "What other certifications will increase my market value?"

What's the difference between the 9i and 10g OCP exams?
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They have combined exams for 10g so there are fewer of them. If I were just starting I would go with the 10g exams.

Excerpted from Mike Ault's "Difference between 9i and 10g OCP exams."

For more information on getting your Oracle certification, read our Fast Guide: Becoming an Oracle Certified Professional.

Go to the Lessons Learned library for additional lessons and quizzes.

Tags: Oracle training and certification,  Oracle database administration jobs,  VIEW ALL TAGS

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