Some time around the beginning of June, Oracle finally opened a window into its
emerging certifications for Oracle Database 10g, its latest and greatest version.
Described as a set of new certification paths, the various requirements for
10g include three named paths plus promises of various specializations for those
who obtain Oracle Certified Professional (OCP aka OCP/DBA) certification:
Oracle Database 10g Administrator Certified Professional (OCP): Candidates must
first earn OCA status, but need only take one more exam -- (Oracle Database 10g:
Administration II (#1Z1-043) -- and meet online training requirements to qualify for this credential.
Oracle Database 10g Administrator Certified Master (OCM): Candidates must first earn OCP
status, complete two online training courses, and pass an intensive two-day hands-on exam
to qualify for this premier Oracle credential. Details on the OCM for 10g are not yet
fully fleshed out, and won't be until late in 2004 according to the Oracle Web site.
Because it's a single exam credential for 10g, and was only introduced for 9i, upgrading the OCA
isn't an issue. (Those who wish to certify as OCAs for 10g must take the exam cited above.) OCPs
can upgrade from a variety of older Oracle releases by taking the appropriate single exam. No
upgrade information for OCMs is currently available.
What's interesting about the new slate of certifications for 10g is that the number of exams required
is substantially reduced. OCAs for 9i had to take two exams; for 10g, they need only one. OCP
requirements are likewise reduced (and because OCP is required for OCM, it too requires fewer
exams overall). It's rare that programs cut back on requirements, but Oracle's apparent belief is
that the new version requires less training and testing to certify competency than did previous versions.
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