Evolution of Computer Certification

Oracle Corporation offers various types of certifications to validate the expertise and knowledge of individuals in the use of its software and technologies. Some of the certifications offered by Oracle include:

1. Oracle Certified Associate (OCA): This certification validates fundamental knowledge and skills required for entry-level IT professionals using Oracle technologies.
2. Oracle Certified Professional (OCP): This certification validates advanced knowledge and skills required for experienced IT professionals using Oracle technologies.
3. Oracle Certified Expert (OCE): This certification validates expertise in specific areas of Oracle technologies such as database administration, performance tuning, or business intelligence.
4. Oracle Certified Master (OCM): This certification validates the highest level of expertise and skills required for IT professionals to manage and implement Oracle technologies.
5. Oracle Certified Specialist (OCS): This certification validates specialized knowledge and skills in specific areas of Oracle technologies such as database security or middleware.
6. Oracle Certified Implementation Specialist (OCIS): This certification validates expertise in implementing and deploying Oracle technologies.
7. Oracle Certified Solution Architect (OCSA): This certification validates the knowledge and skills required to design and architect Oracle technology solutions.

Oracle also offers certifications for specific Oracle products, such as Oracle Database, Oracle Java, Oracle Cloud, and Oracle Applications. These certifications are designed to validate knowledge and skills in using these products and technologies.

The computer industry has always been plagued by a lack of standard milestones by which to measure competence. Unlike the Bar exam for prospective lawyers or the accounting exam for CPAs, computer professionals until recently had no way to certify their mastery of the technology that is indispensable to performing their work.
The idea of computer certification began with the Institute for the Certification of Computer Professionals (ICCP). The ICCP offered a certificate in data processing (CDP) in the late 1970s, which became very popular as a measure of an IS professional's knowledge. The Oracle certification exam evolved from the original Oracle7 Certified DBA exam that was introduced by Oracle in 1997.

The OCP Program has created separate certification tracks covering the specific responsibilities of a range of Oracle jobs. For the DBA, the track is composed of a series of five tests developed from the content covered by courses of the same name included in the Oracle Education curriculum for DBAs. These tests provide a thorough and comprehensive overview of all areas of Oracle technology; the DBA certification exam has a reputation for being both valid and comprehensive. Oracle certification tests are scenario-based, providing an effective means to assess your hands-on competence and time-critical problem-solving skills. To become an Oracle Certified Professional for a specific job-related track, you must successfully complete all of the specified tests.
The next lesson describes the various Oracle certifications and the knowledge required for each.