Oracle DBA Exam Cram: Test 3 and Test 4
Authors: Michael R. Ault
Venue:  (1998)

From the Book: Introduction Introduction Welcome to Oracle DBA Exam Cram: Test 3 and Test 4! This book aims to help you get ready to takeand passthe last two of the four-part Oracle Certified Professional Database Administrator (OCP-DBA) track series of exams (the first two tests are covered in Oracle DBA Exam Cram: Test 1 and Test 2). In this introduction, we introduce Oracles certification programs in general and talk about how the Exam Cram series can help you prepare for Oracles certification exams. Exam Cram books help you understand and appreciate the subjects and materials you need to pass Oracle DBA certification exams. The books are aimed strictly at test preparation and review. They do not teach you everything you need to know about a topic. Instead, we (the authors) present and dissect the questions and problems that youre likely to encounter on a test. Weve worked from Oracles own training materials, preparation guides, and tests, as well as from third-party test preparation tools. Our aim is to bring together as much information as possible about Oracle certification exams. Nevertheless, to completely prepare yourself for any Oracle test, we recommend that you begin your studies with some classroom training or that you pick up and read one of the many DBA guides available from Oracle and third-party vendors. We also strongly recommend that you install, configure, and fool around with the software or environment that youll be tested on, because nothing beats hands-on experience and familiarity when it comes to understanding the questions youre likely to encounter on a certification test. Book learning is essential, but hands-on experience is the best teacher of all! The Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) Program The OCP program for DBA certification currently includes four separate tests. A brief description of each follows:  Test 1: Introduction to Oracle: SQL and PL/SQL This test is the base test for the series. Knowledge tested in this test will also be used in all other tests in the DBA series. Test 1 tests knowledge of SQL and PL/SQL language constructs, syntax, and usage. Test 1 covers Data Definition Language (DDL), Data Manipulation Language (DML), and Data Control Language (DCL). Also covered in Test 1 are basic data modeling and database design and basic Oracle Procedure Builder usage.  Test 2: Oracle7.3: Database Administration Test 2 deals with all levels of database administration in Oracle7.3. Topics include architecture, startup and shutdown, database creation, managing database internal and external constructs (such as redo logs, rollback segments, tablespaces), and all other Oracle structures. Database auditing, use of National Language Support (NLS) features, and use of SQL*Loader and other utilities are also covered. Test 3: Oracle7.3: Backup and Recovery Workshop Test 3 covers one of the most important parts of the Oracle DBAs job: database backup and recovery operations. Test 3 tests knowledge in backup and recovery motives, architecture as it relates to backup and recovery, backup methods, failure scenarios, recovery methodologies, archive logging, supporting 247 shops, troubleshooting, and use of Oracle7.3s standby database features.  Test 4: Oracle7.3: Performance Tuning Workshop Test 4 covers all aspects of tuning an Oracle7.3 database. Topics in both application and database tuning are covered. Test 4 tests knowledge in diagnosis of tuning problems, database optimal configuration, shared pool tuning, buffer cache tuning, Oracle block usage, tuning rollback segments and redo mechanisms, monitoring and detecting lock contention, tuning sorts, tuning in OLTP, DSS, and mixed environments, and load optimization. Note: Oracle seldom uses the actual test numbers and usually refers to the tests by their names. In fact, this book covers the last two tests out of order. Test 4, "Oracle7.3: Performance Tuning Workshop," is discussed first followed by Test 3, "Oracle7.3: Backup and Recovery Workshop." We feel that it is a more logical progression. When you sign up for an exam, specify the test by name instead of the number. To obtain an OCP certificate in Database Administration, an individual must pass all four exams. The core exams require individuals to demonstrate competence with all phases of Oracle7.3 database lifetime activities. This book covers Tests 3 and 4. However you mix the tests, individuals must pass all four tests to meet the OCP-DBA requirements. Its not uncommon for the entire process to take a year or so, and many individuals find that they must take a test more than once to pass. Our primary goal with the Exam Cram series is to make it possible, given proper study and preparation, to pass all of the OCP-DBA tests on the first try. Finally, certification is an ongoing activity. Once an Oracle product becomes obsolete, OCP-DBAs (and other OCPs) typically have a six-month time frame in which they can become recertified on current product versions. (If individuals do not get recertified within the specified time period, their certification becomes invalid.) Because technology keeps changing and new products continually supplant old ones, this should come as no surprise. The best place to keep tabs on the OCP program and its various certifications is on the Oracle Web site. The current root URL for the OCP program is at http://education.oracle.com/certification. Oracles Web site changes frequently, so if this URL doesnt work, try using the Search tool on Oracles site (www.oracle.com) with either "OCP" or the quoted phrase "Oracle Certified Professional Program" as the search string. This will help you find the latest and most accurate information about the companys certification programs. Taking A Certification Exam Alas, testing is not free. Youll be charged $125 for each test you take, whether you pass or fail. In the United States and Canada, tests are administered by Sylvan Prometric. Sylvan Prometric can be reached at 800-755-EXAM (3926), any time from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Friday. If you cant get through on this number, try 612-896-7000 or 612-820-5707. To schedule an exam, call at least one day in advance. To cancel or reschedule an exam, you must call at least one day before the scheduled test time (or you may be charged). When calling Sylvan Prometric, please have the following information ready for the telesales staffer who handles your call:  Your name, organization, and mailing address.  The name of the exam you wish to take.  A method of payment must be arranged. (The most convenient approach is to supply a valid credit card number with sufficient available credit. Otherwise, payments by check, money order, or purchase order must be received before a test can be scheduled. If the latter methods are required, ask your order-taker for more details.) An appointment confirmation will be sent to you by mail if you register more than five days before an exam, or will send the confirmation by fax if less than five days. A Candidate Agreement letter, which you must sign to take the examination, will also be provided. On the day of the test, try to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time slot. You must bring and supply two forms of identification, one of which must be a photo ID. All exams are completely closed book. In fact, you will not be permitted to take anything with you into the testing area; you will be furnished with a blank sheet of paper and a pen. We suggest that you immediately write down the most critical information about the test youre taking on the sheet of paper. Exam Cram books provide a brief referenceThe Cram Sheet, located inside the front coverthat lists the essential information from the book in distilled form. You will have some time to compose yourself, to record this information, and even to take a sample orientation exam before you must begin the real thing. We suggest you take the orientation test before taking your first exam; theyre all more or less identical in layout, behavior, and controls, so you probably wont need to do this more than once. When you complete an Oracle certification exam, the software will tell you whether youve passed or failed. All tests are scored on a basis of 800 points, and results are broken into several topical areas. Whether you pass or fail, we suggest you ask forand keepthe detailed report that the test administrator should print out for you. You can use the report to help you prepare for another go-round, if necessary, and even if you pass, the report shows areas you may need to review to keep your edge. If you need to retake an exam, youll have to call Sylvan Prometric, schedule a new test date, and pay another $125. Tracking OCP Status Oracle generates transcripts that indicate the exams you have passed and your corresponding test scores. Once you pass the necessary set of four exams, youll be certified as a DBA. Official certification normally takes anywhere from four to six weeks (generally within 30 days), so dont expect to get your credentials overnight. When the package arrives, it will include a Welcome Kit that contains a number of elements, including:  An OCP-DBA certificate, suitable for framing, along with an OCP Professional Program membership card and lapel pin.  A license to use the OCP logo, thereby allowing you to use the logo in advertisements, promotions, documents, on letterhead, business cards, and so on. An OCP logo sheet, which includes camera-ready artwork, comes with the license. (Note: Before using any of the artwork, individuals must sign and return a licensing agreement that indicates theyll abide by its terms and conditions.) Many people believe that the benefits of OCP certification go well beyond the perks that Oracle provides to newly anointed members of this elite group. We are starting to see more job listings that request or require applicants to have an OCP-DBA certification, and many individuals who complete the program can qualify for increases in pay and/or responsibility. As an official recognition of hard work and broad knowledge, OCP certification is a badge of honor in many IT organizations. How To Prepare For An Exam At a minimum, preparing for the OCP-DBA exams requires that you obtain and study the following materials:  The Oracle7 Server version 7.3 Documentation Set on CD-ROM  The exam prep materials, practice tests, and self-assessment exams on the Oracle certification page (education.oracle.com/certification). Find the materials, download them, and use them!  Both Oracle Exam Cram books! They are the first and last thing you should read before taking the exams. In addition, youll probably find any or all of the following materials useful in your quest for Oracle7.3 DBA expertise:  OCP Resource Kits Oracle Corporation has a CD-ROM with example questions and materials to help with the exam. Generally, these are provided free.  Classroom Training Oracle, TUSC, LearningTree, and many others offer classroom and computer-based training-type material that you will find useful to help you prepare for the exam. But a word of warning: These classes tend to be fairly expensive (in the range of $300 per day of training). However, they do offer a condensed form of learning to help you "brush up" on your Oracle knowledge. The tests are closely tied to the Oracle-provided classroom training, so we would suggest at least taking the introductory classes to get the Oracle-specific (and classroom- specific) terminology under your belt.  Other Publications Youll find direct references to other publications and resources in this book, but theres no shortage of materials available about Oracle7.3 DBA topics. To help you sift through some of the publications out there, we end each chapter with a "Need To Know More?" section with pointers to more complete and exhaustive resources covering the chapters subject matter. This tells you where we suggest you look for further details.  The Oracle Support CD-ROM Oracle provides a Support CD-ROM on a quarterly basis. This CD-ROM contains useful white papers, bug reports, technical bulletins and information about release-specific bugs, fixes, and new features. Contact your Oracle representative for a copy.  The Oracle Administrator and PL/SQL Developer These are online references from RevealNet, Inc. They provide instant lookup on thousands of database and developmental topics and are an invaluable resource for study and learning about Oracle. Demo copies can be downloaded from www.revealnet.com. Also available at the RevealNet Web site are the DBA and PL/SQL Pipelines, online discussion groups where you can get expert information from Oracle DBAs worldwide. The costs of these applications run about $400 each (current pricing is available on the Web site) and are worth every cent. This set of required and recommended materials represents a nonpareil collection of sources and resources for Oracle DBA topics and software. In the section that follows, we explain how this book works, and give you some good reasons why this book should also be in your required and recommended materials list. About This Book Each topical Exam Cram chapter follows a regular structure, along with graphical cues about especially important or useful material. Heres the structure of a typical chapter:  Opening Hotlists Each chapter begins with lists of the terms, tools, and techniques that you must learn and understand before you can be fully conversant with the chapters subject matter. We follow the hotlists with one or two introductory paragraphs to set the stage for the rest of the chapter.  Topical Coverage After the opening hotlists, each chapter covers a series of topics related to the chapters subject. Throughout this section, we highlight material most likely to appear on a test using a special Study Alert layout, like this: This is what a Study Alert looks like. Normally, a Study Alert stresses concepts, terms, software, or activities that will most likely appear in one or more certification test questions. For that reason, we think any information found offset in Study Alert format is worthy of unusual attentiveness on your part. Indeed, most of the facts appearing in The Cram Sheet (inside the front of this book) appear as Study Alerts within the text. Even if material isnt flagged as a Study Alert, all the contents of this book are associated, at least tangentially, to something test-related. This book is lean to focus on quick test preparation; youll find that what appears in the meat of each chapter is critical knowledge. We have also provided tips that will help build a better foundation of networking knowledge. Although the information may not be on the exam, it is highly relevant and will help you become a better test-taker. This is how tips are formatted. Keep your eyes open for these, and youll become a test guru in no time!  Practice Questions This section presents a series of mock test questions and explanations of both correct and incorrect answers. We also try to point out especially tricky questions by using a special icon. Ordinarily, this icon flags the presence of an especially devious question, if not an outright trick question. Trick questions are calculated to "trap" you if you dont read them carefully and more than once, at that. Although theyre not ubiquitous, such questions make regular appearances in the Oracle exams. Thats why we say exam questions are as much about reading comprehension as they are about knowing DBA material inside out and backwards.  Details And Resources Every chapter ends with a section entitled "Need To Know More?". This section provides direct pointers to Oracle and third-party resources that offer further details on the chapters subject matter. In addition, this section tries to rate the quality and thoroughness of each topics coverage. If you find a resource you like in this collection, use it, but dont feel compelled to use all these resources. On the other hand, we recommend only resources we use on a regular basis, so none of our recommendations will be a waste of your time or money. The bulk of the book follows this chapter structure slavishly, but there are a few other elements that wed like to point out. There is one appendix: a reasonably exhaustive glossary of DBA-specific and general Oracle terminology. Finally, look for The Cram Sheet, which appears inside the front of this Exam Cram book. It is a valuable tool that represents a condensed and compiled collection of facts, figures, and tips that we think you should memorize before taking the test. Because you can dump this information out of your head onto a piece of paper before answering any exam questions, you can master this information by brute forceyou need to remember it only long enough to write it down when you walk into the test room. You might even want to look at it in the car or in the lobby of the testing center just before you walk in to take the test. How To Use This Book If youre prepping for a first-time test, weve structured the topics in this book to build on one another. Therefore, some topics in later chapters make more sense after youve read earlier chapters. Thats why we suggest you read this book from front to back for your initial test preparation. If you need to brush up on a topic or you have to bone up for a second try, use the index or table of contents to go straight to the topics and questions that you need to study. Note: This book covers two tests. Chapters 1 through 10 deal with the performance tuning test and Chapters 11 through 15 focus on backup and recovery. Although these are two separate topics, we suggest you read the entire book to get a general feel for the series of OCP-DBA tests. Beyond the tests, we think youll find this book useful as a tightly focused reference to some of the most important aspects of topics associated with being a DBA, as implemented under Oracle7.3. Given all the books elements and its specialized focus, weve tried to create a tool that you can use to prepare forand passthe Oracle OCP-DBA set of examinations. Please share your feedback on the book with us, especially if you have ideas about how we can improve it for future test-takers. Well consider everything you say carefully, and we try respond to all suggestions. You can reach us easiest through Michael R. Aults email at mikerault@compuserve.com. Please remember to include the title of the book in your message; otherwise, well be forced to guess which book of ours youre making a suggestion about. For up-to-date information on certification, online discussion forums, sample tests, content updates, and more, visit the Certification Insider Press Web site at www.certification.com. Thanks, and enjoy the book!