Oracle certs for Java developers - any advice ?

[Edward Kin]

I'm a software engineer using Java and Oracle. At work they are keen for us to take some form of Oracle training.

From looking around this seems to be suitable :

(Oracle 11)
http://education.oracle.com/ : 1Z0-047 Oracle Database SQL Expert

or perhaps this :

(Oracle 9)
1Z0_007 Introduction to Oracle9i SQL

The Oracle 9 exam is half of what it takes to be OCA certified and the Oracle 11 exam looks a little more in depth but appears to be a stand alone certification.

The other half of the O9 exam deals with backup and recovery and so on ... stuff we would never need as a developer.

Any hints or advice on which might be better ?

Could probably just do the coursework and not take the exam but my collegue has pointed out that certs on a cv are a good thing...

Have started studying for the SCJP course so am not too keen to have this on my plate at the same time.... great timing

We've been using Oracle for about 5 years just writing custom sql with sql developer etc and are fairly proficient with writing sql.
Thanks
Ed

[Edward Kin]

Any views on this ?

Any Java developers/ software engineers studied/studying for Oracle exams/certs ?

Which ones have been helpful ?

Any hints on preparation effort and pass/fail ratios?

As mentioned I have just started on the SCJP path (via HeadFirst Java to brush up on things...) and am keen to find out whether I'd be better off maintaining focus on the SCJP or trying to do both at once...
Thanks.

[Daniel Rutledge]

I've been looking into this as well, although you've got a lot more experience than me. What other certification programs compliment a set of completed Java certs (SCJP, SCWCD)? Oracle DBA OCA seems to be the logical choice, but I don't like how they require you to do an expensive training class to reach the OCP level, as opposed to Sun's program. In looking at other programs, the topics seem chosen with different positions (System Admin, Network Engineer, etc) in mind, or the exam material is so specific it really isn't of interest to me, for example I work with XML, but I don't really need to know parsing and validation inside out like the IBM XML exam requires. I guess this is why the Sun exams were such a good fit for a starting developer like me.

Do any Java developers here have any experience with non-Sun certification programs?

Edward are you looking specifically for training or for the certification? Unfortunately all I can contribute to your post is that I think the training for Introduction to Oracle9i would be rather easy for you.

[ludoviko azuaje]

hy Daniel,

I'm a java programmer too and I have no difficulties using SQL, but I must admit that I can improve -my skill set- through the certification programs for SQL/PL developers.

I persue the Oracle PL/SQL Developer Certified Associate. In order to get this certification I need to approve two certifications:

1. First, any one of these:

EXAM
1Z0-007: Introduction to Oracle9i SQL®
or
1Z0-047: Oracle Database SQL Expert
or
1Z0-051: Oracle Database 11g: SQL Fundamentals I

2. Finally any one of these:

EXAM
Program with PL/SQL 1Z0-147
OR
Oracle Database 11g: Program with PL/SQL 1Z0-144

I personally will take:
The 1Z0-047 Oracle Database SQL Expert and the Oracle Database 11g: Program with PL/SQL 1Z0-144

...That is, I favor the newest certification over the older.

I must say that in the process of preparation I have learned more techniques I was not aware of and that I consider to be very useful.

My advice: this certification is worth taking -PL/SQL Developer Certified Associate- and you don't need to be a SJCP to take it.

For more information look at:

PL/SQL Developer Certified Associate

bye.

[Billy Tsai]

Oracle Certified Master

[Edward Kin]

Yes I looked at the Oracle site and think that for me and my colleague the 1Z0-047: Oracle Database SQL Expert course would be best. I think that it will consolidate the fundamentals and also give some insight into things that we take for granted.

Perhaps I'll just study the coursework and worry about the exams/cert after I've finished the SCJP stuff.

The first course (047) is also a standalone cert so if you are interested in papers this would be enticing. Then you get another paper when you complete part 2 of the OCA.

ie if you do 1/2 the OCA you still get some official certification without having to do the expensive classroom bit for the part 2 bit.

Thanks for the input.
Ed