• Oracle Database Operator (DBO)
  Database Operators assist DBAs with day to day operational issues like database startup and shutdown, installations, backup and recoveries, etc.
• Oracle Certified Associate (OCA)
  Enables one to act as a junior team member working with database administrators or application developers.

• Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)
  OCP candidates have proven skills for managing a large scale database or developing robust applications that are deployed enterprise-wide.
• Oracle Certified Master (OCM)
  The highest level credential you can earn in the Oracle Certification Program. These people are senior level members of IT departments and are responsible for handling mission critical database systems and applications.
• Internet Application Developer (Release 6 or 6i)
  Oracle developers using Oracle iDS (Internet Developer Suite) Forms and Reports.
• Oracle Java Developer (JDEV)
  Developers using the Java platform. Oracle participates in the multi-vendor jCert Initiative.

Currently, Oracle provides a series of products including a database and an application server to develop and deploy J2EE applications. Since most organizations use Oracle databases, there is a huge demand for Oracle Database Administrators as well as Application Developers.

Types of Oracle Certifications

Based on the job profiles of people working on Oracle technologies, Oracle has identified the following certification tracks:   Database Administrator (DBA) Application Developer

Which Oracle Certification track should you seek?

Database Administrator: Database Administrators are responsible for administrative activities like installing database, taking backups, managing and fine-tuning performance over the network, and data recovery. They have the knowledge of basic architecture of the Oracle database. Visit Oracle DBA Certification Track page to gain detailed information about the exam, its details, types of questions, and how to prepare for the exam, if you are interested in taking the OCP-DBA certification.Application Developer: Application Developers are responsible for developing applications on Oracle. They should have a good knowledge of SQL, PL/SQL, and developing Internet applications using Form Builder and Report Builder. Visit Oracle Application Developer Certification Track page to gain detailed information about the exam, its details, types of questions, and how to prepare for the exam, if you are interested in taking the OCP Developer certification.

When should you think of Oracle Certification?

Oracle University is constantly upgrading the OCP certification tracks to groom professionals to work with new Oracle products. Once you have completed one of the tracks of your choice, you just need to take just few exams (usually 1) to upgrade yourself in a new version. Therefore, we think taking certification exams is a continuous process. It is a structured way to update your knowledge with changes in technology. So, you should think of Oracle Certification from the day you decide to work in Oracle to the day you actually start working with Oracle.Once you have decided which Oracle Certification Track to go for, download the Candidate Guide for the OCP track you are pursuing. The guide contains test topics, preparation, and registration material. It is highly recommended by the Oracle Certification Program that candidates review the Test Content Checklist before completing an exam. You may also review the Checklist online. According to Certmag’s 2003 Salary Survey:   71% of respondents felt self-study books were valuable in preparing for the exam. 67.6% of respondents felt that practice exams, such as exam simulators were valuable in preparing for the exam.

Why Oracle Certifications? Oracle Certification brings a higher standard of benchmarked skills and abilities, which leads to greater opportunities and higher pay packages. According to Information Week Magazine, “Oracle is the #1 skill sought by IT managers, and is the hardest to find.”A research conducted by International Data Corporation revealed the following: OCP Certified professionals handled 40% more support calls, and their employers have reported 49% less system downtime. For the majority of companies surveyed, the savings from increased effectiveness paid the costs of certification in fewer than 9 months. Certmag’s 2003 Salary Survey states the following: Respondents with specialization in Database Administration had an average annual salary of $70,590. 76% of respondents reported that certification gives them higher level of confidence in the work they do. 70% said that being certified earns them more respect from mangers and peers. 61% have seen a greater demand for their skills since becoming certified. 64% said certification has improved their problem solving skills. And 60% believe certification has contributed to increased productivity.