3/31/2004 -- Although Oracle has yet to officially announce its upcoming Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) 10g certification track, some details are starting to emerge.

In a statement sent by an Oracle spokesperson to CertCities.com yesterday, the program said that the 10g certification track will be "available in early June." When asked what exams would be available at that time, the company declined further comment, but did say that more details will be released when the program is officially announced, also in early June.

It's possible that the first exams will not debut until July. According to a Web advertisement promoting Oracle University's recently announced 10g training curriculum, a new exam relating to the Oracle Database 10g: Administration Workshop I course will be available "in July." This is the only 10g exam specifically mentioned in the promotion, which offers a free certification voucher for those who sign up for a class before Aug. 31. This advertisement is currently running on CertCities.com as well as several other sites.

While the 10g OCP track is still a few months away, Oracle recently released a new 10g "assessment" title. Those who pass an online exam, designed for those coming into 10g through a new two-day training course, can earn the title of "Oracle Database 10g Administrator." The online test lasts one hour and costs $90 (U.S.).

Although the training is not required, Oracle told CertCities.com it created the title because, "Oracle has found that many of the individuals who are enrolling in Oracle University curriculum are oftentimes looking for metrics and recognition for work that has been accomplished."

As to whether the title given for passing the online exam might be confused with an OCP DBA 10g when used on resumes, etc., Oracle said the following in the statement provided to CertCities.com: "This designation does not indicate certification on Oracle Database 10g; however, the Oracle 10g assessment test and the resulting title of Oracle Database 10g Administrator gives professionals the recognition for having completed the 2-Day training, verifying that they have an understanding of the basics of Oracle Database 10g."

More information about the new assessment program can be found here. CertCities.com will bring you more information on the OCP 10g track as it becomes available. -Becky Nagel