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 three active certification programs: Oracle 9i, Oracle 10g and Oracle 11g. 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 11g Administrator path is the Oracle 11g Database Administrator Certified Associate credential which requires passing two examinations:

• Any one of the following SQL exams: Introduction to Oracle9i SQL (1Z0-007), Oracle Database 11g: SQL Fundamentals I (1Z0-051), or Oracle Database SQL Expert (1Z0-047).
• Oracle Database 11g: Administration I. This exam (1Z0-052) 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 11g Database Administrator Certified Professional credential which has the following requirements:

• You must first hold the Oracle 11g Database Administrator Certified Associate credential.
• You must take at least one instructor-led Oracle-approved training course (online or in-class).
• Oracle 11g Database: Administration II Exam. This exam, (1Z0-053) requires you to answer between 180-220 questions in a 3-3.5 hour exam. The exam format will likely change at the conclusion of the beta period in December 2008.

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 11g 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!