RE: Real world OCP

From: Gait, Christopher <cgait_at_condor.nrl.navy.mil>
Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2000 23:00:14 -0400
Message-Id: <10541.110615@fatcity.com>

I'm only part of the way along the DBA OCP path (I'm technically OCP because I passed the incredibly lame DBO exam, but have three more tests to go on DBA). I have found so far that the parts of the exam I know best are the ones I've done at work or on my own Linux box at home. Those are the questions where you don't even think about the answer, like: 'how do you change the block size of a database?'

I think the idea of OCP is excellent. I think the implementation sucks. Oracle seems to be imitating Microsoft in its model for testing (lots of tests, expensive, rote memorization, lots of stress on things the software company is trying to sell, such as the ludicrous stress on lock manager in the DBO exam).

What we need is to work from within IOUG-A to establish a system like the one used to prepare doctors. There should be training programs, case studies, internships and most importantly: board certification. A person should not be permitted to be an enterprise DBA without either showing that they already have the experience to prove their ability or have gone through a grueling internship culminating in a battery of written and hands-on tests and a committee examination. That way when an employer demands (as they all do) that a DBA have 3+ years experience, a board certified DBA can show them the names of 3-5 enterprise DBA's who will vouch for him/her.

Is this a realistic idea? No, not particularly, but then the conversion from the part-time barbers/part-time doctors of the nineteenth century who accepted chickens as payment to our golf-playing, mansion dwelling modern medicos did happen, and a lot of it came from organizations of doctors themselves.

End of daydream.

-----Original Message-----

From: O'Neill, Sean [mailto:Sean.ONeill_at_organon.ie] Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2000 5:32 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L Subject: Real world OCP

I've seen a number of threads at various stages about whether OCP is of any real practical value. For example some have expressed the point of view that it's a memory test and whilst it's fine to know the theoery practical experience is significant too. I don't know how many OCP's actively take part on this list but it occured to me that with the range of problems being posted here that a possible good validation of OCP, possibly especially for those who "crash coursed" it is to see how many of the problems posted you can answer..... It's kinda easier when they're not your problems ;) Of course the Oracle product is expanding and there are now OCPs for various areas but I think the principle still applies. For the past few weeks, when I've had time, I've been looking a questions posted and trying to see if I can answer them, comparing my attempts with those posted. It's a bit of fun and also a real eyer opener about my lack of knowledge, or misunderstood POV in many cases. Thanks to all who share knowledge on the list!!!

Any OCP's on the list care to share how well they do at answering questions posted and for background whether they "crashed coursed" or got certification there after X years of on the job experience?.

Regards,
Sean :)

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The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything. Received on Tue Jun 27 2000 - 22:00:14 CDT