I think this "new" requirement is going to kill the OCP Program!! Oracle has enjoyed enormous success in the Program, but I don't believe that any other "major" software firm's certification program requires taking their own courses...at least not at this level.

I can somewhat understand Oracle's position on the course requirements for the OCM level, but not the OCP (or OCA).

Can you imagine being an experienced Oracle DBA (5+ solid years) and now deciding you want to become certified...now you need to waste 5 days on training which you likely don't need...plus $1,500 to $2,500 for a course...in addition to the regular exam prep materials that you would normally purchase.

This is obviously a move to corner the training market, and to bolster their saging Education business. Oracle complains about Microsoft's Anti-Trust practices...how about Oracle requiring you to take a course from them, and only them! O.K., you can also take it from an Oracle Authorized Education Partner...but Oracle gets a LARGE percentage of those registrations fees too!

SQL Server is starting to sound a bit better!!

Sorry for venting my frustration here...but I'm sure everyone here can understand my complete disappointment at the moment!