Oracle DBAs are high end database administration professionals. They mostly work with database professionals as well as business intelligence developers. Database administrators usually work in a network environment while business intelligence developers work remotely over the internet.
Oracle DBAs will have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, or a related field. They may also have a master’s degree. Oracle DBAs usually also need several years of full time experience working as a DBA. Some DBAs may also have some experience working as a developer.
So how can one become an Oracle Database Administrator?
In order to become an Oracle Database Administrator one must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, or a related field.
You must have a number of years of full time experience working as a DBA.
You must also have actual Oracle Database 12c or 11g experience, preferably in “production”.
The pass score for the exam is 700 out of 1000.
Note: The pass score may not be the same for all certifications, you will have to check with Oracle the current pass score for the exam.
The exam contains several multiple-choice questions. Each question will have only one right answer. After the question there will be a number. This number is how many points each answer is worth. The right answer will usually be the one that has a high score.
The exam will not provide you with a list of possible answers.
There are two sections to the exam.
The section A or Core Exam, contains 62 multiple choice questions and each section contains 40 minutes.
The section B or Architect Exam, contains 62 multiple choice questions and each section contains 80 minutes and will have more questions than the section A.
Where is the exam held?
The exam is usually taken on a computer. However, there are sometimes exam centers which allow you to take an exam in a physical location.
How long can you take the examination?
There is no time limit. You will need to take time to answer questions and come back to any questions you have not answered. This can often take several hours.
How long will it take before I hear back about the exam?
If you are taking the exam on a computer you will not hear back about the results of your exam immediately. If you are taking the exam in a physical location you can expect to hear back within a week of the exam.
What is the cost of the exam?
The exam usually costs around 200-500 USD.
How do I get the exam?
In order to take the exam you will need:
An Oracle 12c Database Administrator certificate or 11g Database Administrator certificate.
You will have to register at Oracle’s website to get access to the exam.
How do you prepare for the exam?
If this is your first Oracle DBA certification you should go to Oracle’s website and look at the study material they have available.
It is good to read the descriptions of the topics as previously mentioned. Then, use Oracle 12c or 11g and test your knowledge.
I personally think that the certification tests your knowledge more than experience. So try to practice the backend of Oracle, to be able to use the PL/SQL and SQL syntax.
Once you have done that you can focus on a better idea of how to answer the question correctly.
It all comes down to how much effort you put into it.
What are the subjects you work on?
I have worked on Oracle infrastructure, Oracle custom development, Oracle PL/SQL, SQL and Java.
Do you have advice on that?
If you would like to be employed with an Oracle DBA role, then we encourage you to look around our site for some preparation materials that you will need before you can start your job hunt.
First aid kit (This can be ready made or just the basics)
(Hopefully you already have the previously mentioned items which can be found in the links above. If not then you will need to acquire them as quickly as possible. Most employers expect at least a basic certificate in first aid, CPR and also a basic knowledge of blood borne pathogens.
Resume
This is of course the most important item in this list as it both informs and sells you! The resume should be well planned and include all the information that the employer will be looking for. Be specific with your experience and do not just list jobs, list the skills you have acquired and how you have put them to use in your previous roles. Also, remember that employers are more interested in what you have done rather than what job title you had.
References
This should be ready made, after all, if an employer wants to see your references, they will reach out and ask. Make sure you include at least one reference from your most recent role. Also, keep them in your back pocket, most employers will ask you for them, but if they don’t, then don’t worry about it!
Interview Questions
Make sure you are well prepared for interviews. Most employers go through a lot of trouble to pick someone to interview. Make sure they are considering you and not someone else. Make use of online interview questions sites, for example, Glassdoor. It is a good place to get questions that you can think about were you are often asked what you do.
It is also a good place to see what other things are out there, what employers are looking for and what has happened in past interviews.
Job Search Tactics
As mentioned earlier, the company you are wanting to work for should be researched. You should make a list of companies that you are okay with working for. This does not have to be a one for one list. However, you should have a list of companies that you are ok with working for.
Then, you focus on the companies that you think you can do a good job at and you could add value to. You can do this a number of different ways.
First, identify company websites, find out who is in charge of recruitment, what roles have been open recently and what is the search process for jobs. Then, try to find some blogs or articles which discuss the company, their job role and what candidates did to be a good applicant.
Another important thing you can do is to connect with current employees. You can do this in a number of ways.
Linkedin, Google or LinkedIn, Facebook or even Twitter.
These platforms are great ways to get in touch with people. You can message them, share articles or ask questions. These platforms also give you the opportunity to meet other people who have also applied for jobs with this company. Use platforms such as LinkedIn to find people with similar interests and talents to build a network.
Finally, give us a call, we offer a number of services to give our clients an edge over their competitors. We can provide a number of options to help you get that dream job of yours.
Are there any other tips that you think are important?
Yes, definitely. Make sure you apply for jobs that you are qualified for.
Myths-Mysteries-Memorable 