9/26/2001 -- Oracle Corp. will be retiring several Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) 8 exams on March 31, 2002.

The exams include:

• Exam 1Z0-401 Oracle 8 Database Operator
• Exam 1Z0-013 Oracle 8: Database Administration
• Exam 1Z0-014 Oracle 8: Backup and Recovery
• Exam 1Z0-015 Oracle 8: Performance and Tuning
• Exam 1Z0-016 Oracle 8: Network Administration

According to Oracle, those planning on becoming Database Administrators (DBAs) or Database Operators (DBOs) on the Oracle 8 track must do so before the above date. After that, candidates will need to pursue the 8i or upcoming 9i track.

Oracle points out on its Web site that exams within the 8 and 8i tracks are interchangeable, so DBAs who have passed some 8 exams before the deadline can apply them toward an 8i certification.

While the exams above will be retired, Oracle says that those 8 certified will continue to hold their title beyond March 31: "All OCPs certified on Oracle 8 will retain their Oracle 8 OCP credential even after the track is retired, and will continue to receive all OCP benefits and recognition for your proven expertise," the company's Web site states. However, the company is encouraging OCP 8s to upgrade to 8i or 9i in the near future.

To read Oracle's FAQ on the exam retirements, click here. -B.N.