If your business or company runs or wants to run Oracle software, you and your employees can benefit from periodic Oracle certification. In the late 1980s, Oracle primarily devoted itself to financial software. Today, the software you choose may run from call center services to HR management.

Changing, updating and implementing software always takes an investment of time and personnel. Achievement of Oracle certification can give you an acknowledgment that measurable benchmarks were reached.

As you decide which classes and coursework fits with your business plan, you have many options. Before paying for a course, consider the following:

1. Does the Oracle certification course contain clear, achievable objectives?

2. Does this Oracle certification course come with training materials and a way to answer questions, which may arise after the course?

3. Does this course in Oracle certification provide you with accessibility and if needed, flexibility?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

For the latest Oracle certification information, prep online

Online preparation courses can quickly pinpoint gaps in knowledge, as well as prepare you with realistic simulation of questions.

I recommend: ExamsOnline.com Inc. allows you to prep for Oracle certification by giving you online exams. If you're unsure if you want to join, they offer a trail membership. Self Test Software provides its clients preparing for certification in Oracle practice exam questions, answer explanations and flash cards.

Take a course on-site for Oracle developer certification or other Oracle certificates

Whether you need Oracle developer certification training or Oracle DBA (database administration) certification, on-site classes can give you hands-on training in a traditional classroom setting with knowledgeable instructors.

I recommend: CED Solutions offers Oracle boot camps, which vary in price and number of days, at the various campuses. Burleson Enterprise, Inc. offers on-site, hands-on training for a variety of Oracle classes, including those for Oracle developer certification and Oracle DBA certification.

For greater flexibility, take advantage of online Oracle certification course programs

Online courses leading to Oracle professional certificates may give you the flexibility you need, especially if you're limited by time and financial constraints. And, whether you choose to take a class in real-time or a self-paced course leading to Oracle licensing certifications, many online schools offer instruction and help from very well qualified instructors.

I recommend: Oracle Corporation sells self-study CD ROMS and also provides an assortment of online virtual-time classes, where you work with instructors in an interactive format. For highly motivated users, Staffkit Computer Training offers one-year unlimited access to self-paced lessons in Oracle, for a set, very affordable price. For an additional fee, they will provide Oracle certification information with an instant mentoring component.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you sometimes prefer to prep for Oracle licensing certifications courses with reading material, many bookstores sell Oracle certification books, which often come with accompanying CD ROMS.