Can a DB2 DBA learn Oracle? Discover the hurdles one DB2 DBA must overcome as she prepares to take the Oracle Certified Associate Examination.
As a consultant, I'm always learning something new; usually it's how to prevent a new security exploit or about a new release of DB2. I've always known a "little" about Oracle, and recently decided to learn more.
Many DBAs see limited value in certifications; I understand their argument. I agree that product experience is the better teacher, but preparing for a certification helps me learn enough about the product to avoid 'testing jitters'. In my own experience, studying for an exam means that I over-prepare and learn more than I would have if a test had not been looming. When I was first learning DB2 (more than a few years ago), I found that preparing for a certification exam forced me to find quality study time because I don't like to flunk tests.
I thought that the Oracle Certified Associate designation, which requires passing two tests, would be a realistic goal since it is the first level of certification offered for Oracle Database Administrators. A few years ago I had a lucky break. I did some Oracle to DB2 conversions and learned enough about Oracle to take and pass exam 1Z0-007, "Introduction to Oracle9i SQL". After checking the Oracle certification requirements, I found that having passed this exam would count as credit for the first of the two required tests necessary to attain the OCA certification.
With only one test to go (1Z0-052, Oracle Database 11g: Administration I), I thought I could probably just take a class and sit for the second exam. I quickly learned that was a delusion. The Oracle Database 11g: Administration Workshop 1 (http://education.oracle.com ) convinced me that I would need a lot more preparation than I originally thought.
I eventually discovered that I would have a more difficult time passing the exam than most new Oracle DBAs because my DB2 knowledge would actually hinder me. I hadn't realized I'd almost have to "unlearn" what I know about DB2 in order to clear my mind before tackling the necessary concepts to pass the OCA exam.
Read the full article at Database Journal.com:
How a DB2 LUW DBA Prepared for the OCA Exam
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