More Computer Jobs and a Higher Salary with Oracle Certification

As someone on the first rung of the computer career ladder you might be wondering whether it is worth spending time and money on earning certification. The good news is that it often helps you get the jobs you want, and a higher starting salary.

Computer Certification for More Jobs and a Higher Salary

If you are just taking your first steps in the world of computers and are beginning to gather work experience, now might be a good time to think about earning an entry-level certification. It will help you prove your skills and knowledge to potential employers and make it easier to get into the running for jobs you want. It will also help bump up your earning potential.

If you are working with databases, one of the most useful foundation-level qualifications is the Oracle Database 10g Administrator Certified Associate (OCA).

Why Choose Oracle?

Oracle is one of the biggest vendors of computer Database Management Systems (DBMS) in the world, and its DBMS is supported on more than 80 different operating environments.

Because so many different companies use Oracle, an Oracle certification will expand the number of jobs open to you and help you compete for them. It will also have a beneficial effect on your salary. According to Certification Magazine's 2005 Salary Survey, the average annual salary for an OCA is $71,740, one of the highest for an entry-level certification.

How Do You Earn OCA Status?

To become an OCA you must pass a two-hour computer-based exam that will test you on the skills and knowledge required to do the job of an entry-level database administrator. This includes things like

user setup
performance monitoring
database security
backup and recovery techniques

Many schools and colleges offer preparation programs for the OCA, or you can study using books, CD's or online.

If you want to improve your chances of competing for the best computer jobs, and earn a higher salary, why not think about taking the first step in the Oracle certification process by becoming an OCA?

Sources
Certification Magazine
Oracle Corporation
Oracle Education