6. Get the list of Exam Topics

Oracle provides a list of Exam Topics for each exam. This is crucial resource. It does change from time to time. So don’t rely on what any exam preparation book says, because the list may have changed since the book was first published. Having said that, the only time the list changes is when there is a new release. For example when 10g moved from R1 to R2. There was a new feature called Transparent Encryption. The Exam Topic list will get updated to reflect some of these new features. An Oracle University instructor shared with me that it takes approximately 6 months after a new release before the lists get updated. But just to be on the safe side, I always go to OTN every few weeks to see if it has changed. At the time of this writing the 10g R2 is starting to appear for downloading.

7. Carefully Work through the Exam Topics

This is where it all happens. First identify what the topic is and research the topic in the online documentation. Start with the Concept Manual, as this will give you a good foundation. Next, look up the topic in the Administrator’s manual. This will give you the low-level details and the steps needed to use the feature listed in topic. Finally, practice the topic on a local copy of the Oracle database.

[Update: I just purchased the book by Sybex "OCA Oracle 10g Administration I Study Guide" ISBN 0-7821-4367-9. I was suprised at the level of detail. I have the ILT books from my courses and the Sybex book seems more in depth. I'm thinking a combination of this book with the above might be the best mix.]

8. Drill with Practice Exams

If you skip all the previous steps and start here, you will be useless. I know that each exam topic can have several questions, but only one or two are on each exam. Oracle shuffles these questions for each test. If you only learn by a practice exam, guess what? Your are gambling that the practice exam questions will be on the test. Following the steps above gives your knowledge more depth, so you can have much better chance of answering correctly.

If possible, set aside two days to practice the exam. Take note of your weak areas and balance your practice with some research and strengthening the areas you are weak in. If you persevere for the two days and feel ready then you are should book your exam.

9. Book your Oracle exam

You can book your exam online or by phone. OTN has the links to Thomson Prometric testing. Be careful to read the instruction on what to bring and not to bring to your exam. Choose an exam time that is best suited for you. I’m stronger intellectually in the morning, to I try to book mine for 9am. Get a good night's sleep. Also keep in mind that you can cancel or re-schedule your exam within 24 hours of the exam appointment.

10. Write your exam and pass

Show up about 15 to 20 minutes before your actual appointment time. Take your time going through the exam. Do not answer any questions you are unsure of during you first pass through the exam. You will have the option of marking them for later review. When you have made your first swing through the exam, go back and work on those questions that you marked earlier. Again, take your time. Based on your experience with step 7 you should be able to eliminate some of the possible answers. If after that, you still don’t know the answer, then you can just guess as your last resort. In most cases you will get your exam results a few minutes after you finish the exam.

Brian Peasey is an Oracle DBA working in Canada's insurance sector and also manages online study groups at http://oracle-exam-study-groups.com