The Oracle certification program is designed to challenge the minds of IT professionals. The rigorous program tests a candidate’s understanding of the major concepts, principles, theories, and practices of Oracle technology. The Oracle certification program has a broad scope and covers a variety of Oracle technologies and products. Those who wish to become an expert in one or more areas of Oracle should pursue an Oracle certification program. Aspiring IT professionals can begin with the entry-level certification programs and work their way up to the highest level of certification available with the Oracle Technology Associate (OTA) credential. To become Oracle Certified, you must complete six different programs: four exams and two technical tracks. Each test is offered once every three months throughout the year. You must take all six tests in each track within one year from your first exam attempt to pass that track’s exam. After you have completed all six tracks, you will receive an individual certification for each topic that you studied for each of those tracks. These certifications are valid for five years from the date they are issued so be sure to take good note when it’s time to retake any exam or track that did not meet your expectations at first attempt.
Oracle Database Administrator (DBA)
The Oracle Database Administrator (DBA) certification is for professionals who are responsible for the management and administration of Oracle databases. The DBA is the key person responsible for all the Oracle databases within an organization. They manage the data, applications and infrastructure that rely on the database. The Oracle DBA certification is a prerequisite for other Oracle certifications such as the Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) Business Intelligence and Analytics (BIA-AM) and the Oracle Certified Expert (OCE) in Business Intelligence and Analytics. Candidates who have earned the Oracle Database Administrator certification are eligible to sit for the Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) certification. OCP is the highest professional certification level offered by Oracle.
Oracle Certified Associate (OCA)
The Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) certification is designed for technical professionals who want to pursue a career as an Oracle Certified Associate. The OCA certification requires 70 percent or more correct answers on a 70-question multiple-choice exam. The OCA certification covers nine core areas of Oracle technology and covers one track per area. Those who have completed the OCA certification are eligible to sit for the Oracle Certified Associate in their track of choice. The nine core areas of Oracle technology that make up the OCA certification are Oracle Networking, Systems Administration, Security, BI and Analytics, Emerging Business Intelligence and Analytics, Oracle Applications, Oracle Business Rules and Automation, Operations, and Oracle Cloud.
Oracle Certified Expert (OCE)
The Oracle Certified Expert (OCE) certification is designed for technical professionals who want to pursue a career as an Oracle Certified Expert. Like the OCE, the OCA certification requires 70 percent or more correct answers on a 70-question multiple-choice exam. The OCE certification covers eight core areas of Oracle technology and is valid for three years. During that time, professionals must take and pass a 70-question, 70 percent or better exam to maintain their certification. The OCE certification tracks are designed for technical professionals who want to advance their knowledge and skills. The eight core areas of Oracle technology that make up the OCE certification are Oracle Applications, Oracle Business Rules and Automation, Oracle Cloud, Oracle Database Administration, Oracle Security, Oracle Systems Administration, and Oracle Emerging Business Intelligence and Analytics.