Oracle Certifications

Oracle Certifications are professional IT certifications for database engineers and systems administrators. There are three types: Oracle Certified Associate (OCA), Oracle Certified Master (OCM) and Oracle Certified Professional (OCP). For recertification, you need to follow upgrade paths set by Oracle.

If you are an Oracle Certified Professional Data Base Administrator, you need to take a single examination to upgrade your certification. There are upgrades available to Oracle8i, Oracle7.3 and Oracle8 as well as Oracle Certified Professional developers that are implemented on the basis of release. To upgrade, it is quite important that you pass the examination.

Kinds of Oracle Certifications

Oracle Certified Associate: Oracle Certified Associate is for junior IT professionals who have fundamental knowledge of database administration, development and web administration.
Oracle Certified Master: Oracle Certified Master is for advanced database professionals looking for certification with hands-on testing.
Oracle Certified Professional: Oracle Certified Professional is for intermediate-level experienced professionals who are currently managing big Oracle databases and are interested in advancing their career.
For each level, there are lots of certification paths available. They include designations like Oracle Database 10g Administrator, Oracle PL/SQL Developer, Oracle9i Database Administrator, Oracle Forms Developer, managing Oracle 9i on Linux, internet application development, Oracle Application Server 10g and Oracle Application Server 9i Web Administrator. The majority of these certifications consist of hands-on course work and training.

Certification Paths and Requirements

Oracle 11g DBA Certified Associate, Professional and Master: For the Associate level, you need to pass two exams. For Professional level, Associate certification is an absolute must. For Master level you need to pass an exam and study additional coursework.
Oracle9i DBA Certified Associate and Professional: The Associate level consists of two examinations. For the Professional level, you need to have Associate certification and pass two exams.
Oracle9i Application Server Certified Associate: Oracle9i Application Server Certified Associate is a beginner level certification with one exam.
Oracle Forms 6i Developer Certified Professional: Oracle Forms 6i Developer Certified Professional is an intermediate certification for which you need to pass four exams.

Career Opportunities with Oracle Certifications

By successfully earning Oracle Certifications, you can make a career in the field of information technology. With Oracle Certifications, you can become a computer system administrator.

Average Salary for an Oracle Certifications Professional

The average salary of individuals with Oracle Certifications is in the range of $50,000 to $80,000. This figure depends quite a bit on the company you are working for as well as your experience level.

Pros of Earning Online Oracle Certifications

• You can study at your own pace.
• Study material is provided by the university.
• Tuition costs are not too high.

Cons of Earning Online Oracle Certifications

• If you are accustomed to the traditional classroom environment, you may struggle in studying online.
• Not much interaction with the faculty members and instructors. This can have a negative impact on your studies.

Leading Schools for Online Oracle Certifications

Western Governors University: When you take admission at Western Governors University, you will get theoretical knowledge and practical training. To check the progress of students, regular assessment is done by faculty members. Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, so you do not need to worry about the quality of the syllabus.