Oracle OCP Certification

The Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) certification is the second level credential for Oracle Database Administrators, sandwiched between the OCA and the OCM. This credential proves that the candidate has mastered intermediate and advanced Oracle concepts and skills including using the RMAN recovery catalog for backup and recovery, and extensive knowledge of managing database resources.




Target audience

The target audience for the Oracle Database Professional certification is Oracle Certified Associates who are looking to increase their market value and demonstrate their commitment to advancing their knowledge of the Oracle Database.


Exam details and overview

Candidates for the Oracle Certified Professional Certificate must first hold the Oracle Certified Associate credential. Then they must complete one of the Oracle Approved instructor-led online or in class courses as outlined on the Oracle Training website. Once they have completed the class, they can then sit for the Oracle Database Administration II exam for a particular Oracle database version (either 11g or 10g). Finally, they will hand in the Hands On Course Requirement Form, which is a form stating that they have completed the appropriate class for this certification.

Candidates have 105 minutes to take the Oracle Database II exam which consists of 80 questions. It covers such topics as database architecture and ASM (Automatic Storage Management), using the RMAN recovery catalog, performing user-managed backup and recovery, performing tablespace point-in-time recovery, managing resources and many more. The complete list of topics can be found on the exam details website. At this time, the passing score for the exam is 66% however Oracle clearly states that it has the right to change the passing score at any time.


Retake policy

Candidates must wait 14 days before retaking a failed exam. Candidates cannot retake a passed exam or a beta exam at any time.


Cost

The cost for the required classes vary by the class and the method of delivery (online or in class). The cost for the Oracle Database II exam is $125 USD (although there may be local currency variations depending on the candidate's location). The exams can be taken at any Oracle Testing Center worldwide. Candidates can find their local testing center by registering through the Oracle website and should make sure to check with their local testing center for up-to-date price information. Keep a look out for promotional exam discounts from Oracle or for third-party exam voucher specialists to help you save on the cost of the exam.