Re: Help! - OCP DBA - Books/Training Classes, etc...

Jay,

I recently got my Oracle certification, and the Oracle certification given by the Chauncey group. The book you mention was not out yet, so here is how I went about it.

I took the four classes (Intro to SQL, DBA, Backup and Recovery, Performance Tuning) given by Oracle (I am lucky, my boss believes in spending money for training). Then, I got the practice tests from self-test software. I went through each test until I could answer all questions correctly every time. At this point, then I would go to Sylvan and take the tests. I passed every test the first time, never missing more than 5 out of 60 questions. The self-test software tests were very close to the actual tests, a few questions were even word for word.

After I had taken all the Oracle tests, I decided I might as well take the Chauncey test. I got the practice test for this from DOC Software, and again took the practices until I could answer all questions. I passed this on my first try, but Chauncey does not give you any score or indication of how well you did, other than PASS. I have to say, this test is MUCH harder than the Oracle tests, and I think it is probably a closer to real-life of what a DBA should know. For every Oracle test, I felt confident when I got to the end that I passed. With the Chauncey test, I was really sweating. Could hardly hold the mouse still enough to click the end button! Glad I passed the first time, I would hate to have to take that one again.

HTH,

--
Brett A. Berger -
Oracle Certified Database Administrator
Chauncey Certified Database Administrator
Sr. Support Representative
Diebold Inc.
Customer & Technology Support Center
bergerb_at_diebolddotcom

Jay Quinn wrote in message <35e4ced8.379989896_at_news>...


>Hi all:

>

>I have on and off again tampered with the idea of taking the the OCP

>exams and have researched over a short period of time various

>expensive ways to get the training to take the exams.   At least

>expensive seemed to be the only thing I found to get the education.

>

>I just came across the book by J. Couchman "Oracle Ceritified

>Professional DBA Exam Guide" book.  ISBN 0-07-882549-0  for $100 at

>Barnes and Nobels.  Pretty darn cheap compared to the other avenues.

>It makes a lot of claims that folks have used his to to learn and

>demonstrate knowledge of Oracle 7 and upgrade exam to Oracle 8.

>

>I'm wondering if anyone out here has aquired thier OCP or knows of

>someone who has and can put me in touch with them to share their

>experience using this book and method.

>

>I do have one great reservation and regardless of how you were

>educated, the exams you took.  After reading in the book, the exam

>format and practice seemed to be VERY similair to the Microsoft MCSE

>exams for network professionals.

>

>I have taken several of those exams and I learned the hard way that

>Microsoft is a sneaky, dirty, tricky, bastard when it come down to

>taking their exams.  In fact, a lot of what it takes to pass (long

>story cut short here...) is to shell out big $ to take "Special"

>classes and pay big $ for "Special" Practice exam CD's in order to

>pass the exams they give.  Other wise, your not educated in the right

>stuff in which you'll be examed.  IOW, don't buy the regular MS Press

>stuff because the emphasis focus isn't on what you need at the time to

>pass the test.

>

>Anyway, I'm looking for some real life feedback, advise and general

>things like: If it's too good to be true..."

>

>Thanks and looking forward to lots of overwhelming responses!

>

>Jay Quinn

>jpquinn_at_home.com

>