September 2009 Register | Contact Us
 
 

Hi Everyone,

We are making big changes behind the scenes this month that I believe will have a positive impact on your testing experience. During September, we make a transition to a new exam delivery provider – Pearson VUE.

Going forward, Oracle Certification exams will no longer be available at Prometric. As most of you can imagine, a transition like this is very complex and, although things have gone very smoothly, I expect that there will be some slight delays in some of our processes, including data processing and certificate fulfillment.

Find more details including important links to an FAQ in this month's newsletter, and be sure to visit the Oracle Certification website often. Regards,

Paul Sorensen | Director, Oracle Certification

 
ORACLE CERTIFICATION NEWS
ORACLE DATABASE CERTIFICATION
ORACLE MIDDLEWARE CERTIFICATION
ORACLE E-BUSINESS SUITE CERTIFICATION

ORACLE CERTIFICATION NEWS

ORACLE SELECTS NEW CERTIFICATION EXAM DELIVERY VENDOR

ORACLE SELECTS NEW CERTIFICATION EXAM DELIVERY VENDOR Beginning September 25th, 2009, Oracle certification exams will be offered through a new test delivery vendor – Pearson VUE and will no longer be available through Prometric. Pearson VUE offers certification testing in more than 4,500 test centers worldwide, and will continue to provide excellent service and global testing coverage for Oracle certification exams.

After September 13th candidates will no longer be able to register with Prometric although candidates may still take their exam at Prometric through September 25th. Registrations for Oracle exams through Pearson VUE will begin on September 14th, 2009. Candidates should visit www.pearsonvue.com/oracle to find more information, register for an exam or locate a testing center in their area. Existing Oracle exam vouchers will continue to be valid as long as they have not expired.

NO CHANGES TO ORACLE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
In conjunction with this delivery vendor change, no other changes to the Oracle Certification Program are being announced. All existing Oracle certification exams and credentials continue to be available.

AFFECTED SYSTEMS
With the vendor change we expect no disruption in availability of testing. However candidates should be aware of two critical system outages that may affect the timing of your certification and the shipment of your certificate.

First, maintenance to Oracle's certification database during the transition period may delay the shipment of your printed certificate up to two or three weeks over normal.

Secondly, our Hands On Course Requirement forms system will be down for maintenance from September 14 – September 28, 2009 while a new streamlined system is brought online. During the downtime Oracle will work diligently to clear and validate all submitted forms, however no new submissions will be accepted. If you currently have an outstanding form that needs your attention, please respond to ocpreq_ww@oracle.com with the requested information as soon as possible to avoid a delay in receiving your success kit. After September 28, 2009 a new Course Submission Form will be live on the Pearson VUE website.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have provided a series of FAQs on the Oracle Certification website for common questions relating to vouchers, testing IDs, how to register for exams and many other helpful topics. For additional questions or further assistance, please contact Oracle Certification at ocpexam_ww@oracle.com.

We are excited about this transition and are confident that this change will improve service and allow Oracle to focus more effort on expanding the program and enhancing its program capabilities.

KEY DATES

September 13: Candidates may no longer register for exams at Prometric (*except India).
September 14: Candidates may begin registering for exams at Pearson VUE.
Hands On Course Requirement Forms are offline for maintenance.
September 25: Last day to test at a Prometric Testing Center.
September 28: Course Submission Forms available on the Pearson VUE website.

QUICK LINKS

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ORACLE CERTIFICATION AT ORACLE OPENWORLD 2009

NEW CERTIFICATION SOON TO BE LIVE: ORACLE DATABASE 11G ADMINISTRATOR CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (OCP) As October 11 approaches, we are looking forward to Oracle OpenWorld 2009—over 1800 sessions, 400 partner exhibits, keynotes from the world's technology leaders, hands-on labs, several special networking events, and more. A highlight for us at OpenWorld every year is talking to people and hearing their questions and comments, where we always come away with new ideas and a greater appreciation for the hard work that people put into getting certified and building their careers.

OCP LOUNGE

This is the first year all Oracle Certification holders are invited to the Oracle Certification Program (OCP) lounge. So whether you hold a Master, Professional, Expert, or Associate Oracle certification, you are welcome to mingle and network with other Oracle certified OpenWorld attendees. The lounge provides an exclusive space for our most valued product experts and offers a relaxing environment, informal meeting place, and light snacks. Additionally, the lounge has an online lab with access to FREE Self Test Software Practice Exams.

And, if you are considering becoming Oracle Certified, or want to upgrade your certification, Oracle Certification Program staff are available outside the lounge area to answer all your questions.

  • Where:
  • Moscone South Mezzanine, Room 250
  • When:
  • Monday, October 12 – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, October 13 - 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, October 14 - 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 15 - 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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  • Five Easy Steps to Earning an Oracle Certification
    Paul Sorensen – Wed Oct 14th (1:00p)
    Oracle Certification is the #1 keyword search on oracle.com. We know that you are interested in what it takes to be certified. So attend this power session and learn everything you've always wanted to know about the Oracle Certification Program. In this 30-minute session, you'll hear about each step of the path to certification—from preparation and training to exams and the application process. Get details about the training curricula recommended for more than 60 Oracle technology certifications as well as about the benefits and perks of becoming certified. Oracle certification holders around the world enjoy job satisfaction, professional advancement, and higher salaries. Find out how you can join this exclusive community.
    Session ID: S307662
  • Achieving Oracle Certification: Tips and Advice from an Oracle Certified Master
    Jay Norton – Wed Oct 14th (1:45p)
    Prepare for your Oracle Certification credential by joining a lively session with Oracle University instructor, training manager, and Oracle Certified Master (OCM) Jay Norton. Get practical suggestions and tips, ask questions, and hear Jay's advice about the latest Oracle technology updates. In this 30-minute session, Norton also explains the benefits and perks of becoming certified. Certified professionals around the world enjoy job satisfaction, professional advancement, increased salaries, and the prestige of joining an elite group of technology experts. Oracle University offers more than 60 independent credentials across database, middleware, applications, industries,and Linux. Find out how you can join this exclusive community.
    Session ID: S307661

MEET THE ORACLE CERTIFICATION TEAM
Several of us from the Oracle Certification team will be at OpenWorld this year. Since we spend much of the year communicating by email/blog/web, we get excited to meet the humans behind the emails. So whether you're recently certified, a certified veteran, or even just wondering about Oracle Certification, please stop and see us. You'll find us at the OCP Lounge at Moscone South / Room 250.

QUICK LINK:
• Oracle OpenWorld 2009

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TAKE CERTIFICATION MAGAZINE'S 2009 IT INDUSTRY SALARY SURVEY

CERTIFICATION MAGAZINE'S 2009 IT INDUSTRY SALARY SURVEY Oracle Certification is working with MediaTec Publishing, publishers of Certification Magazine, and several industry partners to prepare an in-depth salary survey to gauge the financial impact of certification and experience on IT professionals.

You're invited to take part in this confidential survey, which will be an annual effort to track your financial success. We'd like you to take a few minutes and complete the survey questionnaire. The questionnaire must be completed prior to Sept. 25, 2009.

Your confidential response will be compiled and the aggregate results reported in the December 2009 issue of Certification Magazine. All IT professionals who complete the survey will be entered automatically into a drawing for American Express gift certificates awarded by MediaTec Publishing.

It should not take more than a few (~10) minutes of your time to complete the survey questionnaire. Your input will be important as we work to accurately track IT salaries and the resulting data should be
invaluable to you as your career progresses.

QUICK LINK:

ORACLE DATABASE CERTIFICATION

Beta Testing Ends For “Oracle Database 11g: Performance Tuning” Exam (1Z1-054)

Beta Testing Ends For “Oracle Database 11g: Performance Tuning” Exam (1Z1-054)The beta period ended on Aug 31, 2009 for the Oracle Database 11g:
Performance Tuning certification exam (1Z1-054).

Exam 1Z0-054 is a single exam requirement for Oracle 11g DBA OCPs to Oracle Database 11g Performance Tuning Certified Expert (OCE) certification, which endorses those database administrators, support engineers, and technical consultants who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills using Oracle Database 11g automatic tuning features, including SQL Tuning Advisor, SQL Access Advisor, Automatic Workload Repository and Automatic Database Diagnostic Monitor.

The production exam will soon be released as exam 1Z0-054. Those participants who took the beta exam
will receive their score reports shortly after the release of the production exam.

QUICK LINKS:

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ORACLE RETIRES “MANAGING ORACLE9i ON LINUX” SPECIAL ACCREDITATION

ORACLE SELECTS NEW CERTIFICATION EXAM DELIVERY VENDORThe “Managing Oracle9i on Linux” special accreditation and its related exam was retired August 31, 2009. Those working with Linux are urged to pursue the newer Oracle Database 10g: Managing Oracle on Linux Certified Expert (OCE) certification.

CREDENTIAL VALIDITY
Please note that for those already holding the Managing Oracle9i on Linux special accreditation – the credential remains valid indefinitely. This retirement therefore has no effect on those currently holding the accreditation.

QUICK LINKS
• Learn More: Oracle Certification Retirements
• Recommended Oracle Database 10g: Managing Oracle on Linux Certified Expert (OCE)

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REMINDER: NEW CERTIFICATION SOON TO BE LIVE: ORACLE DATABASE 11G ADMINISTRATOR CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (OCP)

TWO EXAMS TO RETIRE FOR ORACLE 8 AND 8I DBA CERTIFICATION TRACKSThe new Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) certification will soon be live.

The beta period recently closed for certification exam 1Z1-053 – Oracle Database 11g: Administration II, which is a single exam requirement for those
holding the Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Associate (OCA) to earn to Oracle Certified Professional (OCP).

Beta analysis and processing is currently underway, and the production exam is expected to be released in mid-September as exam 1Z0-053. Candidates can register now for the live exam, which will be available at Prometric testing centers worldwide with immediate scoring and pass/fail status. Candidates who participated in the beta can expect their beta score results soon after the live production exam is released.

For specific dates and details, visit the Oracle Certification Blog as well as our website.

QUICK LINKS

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REMINDER: TWO EXAMS TO RETIRE FOR ORACLE 8 AND 8I DBA CERTIFICATION TRACKS

TWO EXAMS TO RETIRE FOR ORACLE 8 AND 8I DBA CERTIFICATION TRACKSEffective September 25, 2009, the "Oracle8: New Features for Administrators" exam (1Z0-010) and the "Oracle8i: New Features for Administrators" exam (1Z0-020) will be retired.

Exam 1Z0-010 is part of the upgrade path for Oracle 7.3 DBAs to upgrade to version 8. Exam 1Z0-020 is part of the upgrade path for Oracle 8 DBAs to upgrade to version 8i. These two exams may be taken through September 25, 2009 by registering at Prometric.

Oracle7.3 and Oracle8 DBA OCPs will continue to have the option to upgrade to version Oracle9i OCP by taking the "Oracle9i DBA New Features for Oracle7.3 and Oracle8 OCPs" (exam 1Z0-035).

CREDENTIAL VALIDITY
Please note that that the credentials remains valid indefinitely for those holding the Oracle8 and 8i DBA OCP certifications. This retirement therefore has no effect on those who complete the certification
requirements before September 25, 2009.

QUICK LINKS

 
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ORACLE MIDDLEWARE CERTIFICATION

BETA TESTING ENDS FOR “PROGRAM WITH PL/SQL” CERTIFICATION EXAM (1Z1-144)

BETA TESTING OPPORTUNITY CONTINUES FOR “PROGRAM WITH PL/SQL” CERTIFICATION EXAM (1Z1-144)The beta period ended on Sep 10, 2009 for “Oracle Database 11g: Program with PL/SQL” certification exam (1Z1-144) certification beta exam.

This test is offered as an alternative option to taking existing exam 1Z0-147 (Program with PL/SQL) for both the Oracle PL/SQL Developer Certified Associate (OCA) and Oracle Advanced PL/SQL Developer Certified Professional (OCP) certification tracks.

The production exam will soon be released as exam 1Z0-144. Those participants who took the beta exam will receive their score reports shortly after the release of the production exam.

QUICK LINKS:

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ORACLE E-BUSINESS SUITE CERTIFICATION

REMINDER: NEW CERTIFICATION SOON TO BE LIVE: ORACLE E-BUSINESS SUITE R12 SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR CERTIFIED EXPERT (OCE)

BETA TESTING OPPORTUNITY CONTINUES FOR “PROGRAM WITH PL/SQL” CERTIFICATION EXAM (1Z1-144)The new Oracle E-Business Suite R12 System Administrator Certified Expert (OCE) certification will soon be live.

The beta period recently closed for certification exam 1Z1-206 – Oracle E-Business Suite R12: System Administration, which is the only exam required to earn the Oracle E-Business Suite R12 System Administrator Certified Expert (OCE) certification.

This new EBS R12 certification focuses on the candidate's abilities to effectively manage the Oracle R12 Applications environment and architecture, and measures competency for the foundational skills required to highlight the key parameters necessary to analyze system activity and performance.

Beta analysis and processing is currently underway, and the production exam is expected to be released in mid-September as exam 1Z0-206. Candidates can register now for the live exam, which will be available at Prometric testing centers worldwide with immediate scoring and pass/fail status. Candidates who participated in the beta can expect their beta score results soon after the live production exam is released.

For specific dates and details, visit the Oracle Certification Blog as well as our website.

QUICK LINKS:

 
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