1/26/2005 -- On Feb. 15, Oracle will launch a beta exam that will allow those holding Oracle's Certified Professional: Database Administrator 8i (OCP DBA 8i) title to upgrade to the new 10g version of the credential.

The "single-step" upgrade exam (#1Z1-045) will allow candidates to become 10g-certified with one exam, allowing them to bypass the training requirement implemented with the 9i version of the title.

Registration for the $50 (U.S.) beta is now open at Prometric testing centers worldwide. Testing will begin Feb. 15 and end March 30. According to Oracle, there is a limited number of seats for this beta, although the exact number was not given.

A live date for the new exam has not been announced.

For more information on this beta, go here. -Becky Nagel