Top 10 PL SQL Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for a PL/SQL developer in the job market because they demonstrate proficiency and expertise in the language. Certification provides a benchmark for employers to compare applicants and verify their skills. Certifications also indicate that an individual is committed to learning and staying up-to-date with new technologies, which can give them an edge over other applicants. Additionally, certifications provide a way for employers to easily identify qualified candidates who possess the necessary qualifications for a particular position.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain how top certifications for PL SQL Developers can contribute to a pl sql developer's career.

What are PL SQL Developer Certifications?

PL/SQL Developer Certification is a certification program offered by Oracle that enables developers to demonstrate their expertise in PL/SQL programming. It is designed to help developers build their proficiency and improve their career prospects by validating their skills in the development of applications using Oracle Database technology. It covers topics such as database objects, PL/SQL language elements, SQL*Plus commands, and database administration.

The certification helps validate a developer’s knowledge of the fundamentals of Oracle Database technology and its related tools. It also helps to ensure that developers have a good understanding of how to develop applications efficiently with Oracle Database technology. This can provide employers with confidence that they are hiring experienced professionals who have the necessary skills to successfully develop applications on Oracle Database platforms.

By obtaining the certification, developers can demonstrate their commitment to learning and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in database technologies and show potential employers that they are capable of applying these technologies effectively. Furthermore, certified professionals may be able to secure higher salaries or promotions within their organizations due to the recognition associated with this certification.

Pro Tip: When preparing for a PL/SQL Developer Certification exam, make sure you have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of database design, SQL syntax, and PL/SQL programming. Additionally, practice writing sample queries and reviewing solutions to common PL/SQL problems in order to get comfortable with the language. Finally, dedicate time to studying the materials related to the specific certification you are aiming for.

Related: What does a PL SQL Developer do?

Top 10 PL SQL Developer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to PL SQL Developers today.

1. Oracle Certified Professional, PL/SQL Developer

Oracle Certified Professional, PL/SQL Developer is a certification offered by Oracle to demonstrate proficiency in the development of database applications using the PL/SQL programming language. It is designed for developers who have experience in developing applications with Oracle databases and PL/SQL.

It typically takes about 4-6 months to prepare for the exam and pass it. To get the certification, you must first register for the exam at an Oracle Testing Center or through Pearson VUE. You will then need to study and prepare for the exam using materials such as practice exams, books, tutorials, and other resources available online.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it, but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD.

2. Oracle PL/SQL Developer Certification

Oracle PL/SQL Developer Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of Oracle Database developers who use the procedural language extension of SQL, PL/SQL. The certification is offered by Oracle University and is recognized as an industry-standard qualification for PL/SQL developers.

It typically takes approximately 3 months to complete the certification process. To become certified, candidates must pass two exams: 1Z0-148: Program with PL/SQL and 1Z0-144: Oracle Database 11g: Program with PL/SQL. Candidates may also choose to take additional courses such as Advanced PL/SQL Programming or Oracle Database 12c: Advanced PL/SQL Programming in order to further their knowledge and enhance their credentials.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the country you are located in and which courses you decide to take. Generally, it costs around $1,500 USD for both exams, plus any additional course fees.

To get started on your path to becoming an Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), you will need to register for an account on the Oracle University website and purchase a course package that includes access to the required exams. Once you have purchased your course package, you can begin studying for the exams using materials provided by Oracle University or other third-party sources. After completing your studies, you will then be able to schedule your exam dates with Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers.

3. Oracle Database 11g: Program with PL/SQL

Oracle Database 11g is a relational database management system (RDBMS) designed by Oracle Corporation. It is the latest version of Oracle's flagship database product and is the most advanced and feature-rich commercial RDBMS available. Oracle Database 11g includes features such as improved scalability, increased performance, enhanced security, and improved data warehousing capabilities.

It takes approximately two to three weeks to get Oracle Database 11g installed and running. The installation process involves downloading the software from the Oracle website, setting up an account with Oracle, installing the software on your server or workstation, and configuring it for use.

The cost of purchasing an Oracle Database 11g license depends on your specific needs and can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Additionally, you may need to purchase additional hardware or software components in order to run Oracle Database 11g properly.

Oracle Database 11g also comes with PL/SQL (Procedural Language/Structured Query Language), which is a programming language used to create applications that interact with an Oracle database. PL/SQL allows developers to write stored procedures, functions, triggers, packages and other database objects within the database itself. This makes it easier for developers to write complex applications without having to learn a separate programming language such as Java or C++.

4. Oracle Database 12c: Advanced PL/SQL Developer Certified Professional

Oracle Database 12c: Advanced PL/SQL Developer Certified Professional is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of experienced Oracle PL/SQL developers. This certification validates an individual’s ability to design, develop, debug, and deploy applications using Oracle Database 12c.

To become an Oracle Database 12c: Advanced PL/SQL Developer Certified Professional, individuals must pass two exams: 1Z0-148 (Oracle Database 12c: Program with PL/SQL) and 1Z0-147 (Oracle Database 12c: Advanced PL/SQL).

The 1Z0-148 exam covers topics such as basic SQL statements, advanced SQL statements, database objects, subprograms, packages and collections. The 1Z0-147 exam covers topics such as debugging techniques, dynamic SQL, tuning techniques and optimization techniques.

It typically takes about 3 months to prepare for both exams. To get started on your journey towards becoming an Oracle Database 12c: Advanced PL/SQL Developer Certified Professional you should first familiarize yourself with the content of each exam by reviewing the exam guides provided by Oracle University. You can then use self-study materials such as books or online courses to gain a better understanding of the material. Once you feel confident in your knowledge you can register for the exams at Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

The cost for taking both exams is $450 USD per exam ($900 total).

5. Oracle Database 11g: Administration Workshop I & II

Oracle Database 11g: Administration Workshop I & II is a comprehensive training program designed to provide Oracle Database professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage an Oracle Database. The course covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, backup and recovery, performance tuning, database management tools, and more.

The course is offered in two parts: Administration Workshop I and Administration Workshop II. The first part of the course focuses on installation and configuration of the Oracle Database software. It also covers basic administration tasks such as creating users and granting privileges. The second part of the course covers advanced topics such as backup and recovery strategies, performance tuning techniques, database management tools, and more.

The course typically takes 10 days to complete (5 days for each workshop). It can be taken either in-person or online through Oracle University. The cost of the course varies depending on the format chosen; however, it typically ranges from $2,800 to $3,500 USD per person.

6. Oracle Database 10g: Performance Tuning

Oracle Database 10g Performance Tuning is a comprehensive suite of tools and techniques for optimizing the performance of Oracle databases. It provides a comprehensive set of features that enable administrators to identify and address performance issues quickly, before they become major problems. This includes advanced tuning capabilities such as SQL tuning, object-level tuning, memory management, and resource utilization.

It typically takes a few days to get Oracle Database 10g Performance Tuning up and running. First, you need to install the software on your system. Then you need to configure it according to your specific needs. Finally, you will need to run tests and tune the database accordingly.

You can purchase Oracle Database 10g Performance Tuning from Oracle’s website or from other vendors who offer it as part of their software packages. The cost depends on the version you purchase and any additional features or services you may require.

7. Oracle Database 11g: SQL Fundamentals I & II

Oracle Database 11g: SQL Fundamentals I & II is an online course designed to teach the fundamentals of Structured Query Language (SQL). It is a comprehensive course that covers topics such as writing basic SELECT statements, using single-row and multiple-row functions, creating tables, inserting data into tables, manipulating data with UPDATE and DELETE statements, using subqueries, and more. The course also provides hands-on practice in an Oracle Database environment.

The course takes approximately 20 hours to complete. It can be taken at your own pace or you can choose to take it over a period of time.

You can get Oracle Database 11g: SQL Fundamentals I & II by signing up for the Oracle Academy program. The Oracle Academy program is free for students and educators who are interested in learning about Oracle technologies.

The cost of the Oracle Database 11g: SQL Fundamentals I & II course varies depending on whether you are an individual student or part of an academic institution. For individual students, the cost is $99 USD per exam attempt; for academic institutions, the cost is $150 USD per exam attempt.

8. Oracle Database 12c: SQL Fundamentals I & II

Oracle Database 12c: SQL Fundamentals I & II is two courses offered by Oracle University that are designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to working with the Oracle Database. The courses cover topics such as relational database concepts, writing basic SQL statements, manipulating data, creating and managing objects, and using built-in functions.

The two courses together take approximately 20 hours of instruction time to complete. They can be taken in a classroom setting or online through the Oracle University Learning Management System. The cost for these courses varies depending on the delivery format selected and whether the student has an existing Oracle University account or not.

For those who do not have an existing Oracle University account, the cost for taking both courses in a classroom setting is $1,845 USD. For those who have an existing Oracle University account, the cost for taking both courses in a classroom setting is $1,595 USD. For those who wish to take the courses online via the Oracle University Learning Management System, the cost for both courses is $1,395 USD regardless of whether they have an existing Oracle University account or not.

9. Oracle Database 12c: Backup and Recovery Workshop

Oracle Database 12c Backup and Recovery Workshop is a comprehensive training program designed to help DBAs understand the fundamentals of Oracle Database 12c backup and recovery. The course covers topics such as configuring RMAN, backing up databases, restoring datafiles, recovering from user errors, and performing Flashback operations. It also covers advanced topics such as cloning databases and using the Data Recovery Advisor.

The Oracle Database 12c Backup and Recovery Workshop typically takes 5 days to complete. It can be taken either in a classroom setting or online. The cost for the course varies depending on the provider, but it typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

In order to get started with the Oracle Database 12c Backup and Recovery Workshop, you must first register with an authorized Oracle training provider. Once registered, you will receive access to the online course materials which include lectures, demos, labs, and practice exams. You will also receive access to a virtual machine environment where you can practice your skills in a real-world setting.

10. Oracle Database 12c: Data Warehousing Fundamentals

Oracle Database 12c Data Warehousing Fundamentals is a comprehensive course designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, build, and maintain an Oracle Database 12c data warehouse. This course covers the fundamentals of data warehousing and provides an introduction to Oracle Database 12c. It also covers topics such as dimensional modeling, star schemas, ETL (extract-transform-load) processes, OLAP (online analytical processing), and other related topics.

The course takes approximately five days to complete. Students can get this course either through an Oracle University instructor-led training or through self-paced online learning. The cost of the course varies depending on which format you choose. The instructor-led training typically costs around $2,500 while the self-paced online learning costs around $1,000.

Do You Really Need a PL SQL Developer Certificate?

Whether or not you need a PL/SQL Developer Certificate is ultimately up to you and your professional goals. A PL/SQL Developer Certificate can be beneficial for those who are looking for jobs as a database administrator, software developer, or web programmer. It will also demonstrate that you have the skills necessary to design and develop relational databases, create stored procedures and triggers, understand and manipulate data structures, write efficient SQL queries, and debug existing code.

For those looking to get into the software development industry, having a PL/SQL Developer Certificate can be especially helpful when applying for positions. This certification shows employers that you are capable of working with databases and understand how they work. Furthermore, it proves that you have the technical knowledge necessary to develop complex applications that rely on databases.

On the other hand, if you already have extensive experience with databases or programming in general and are confident in your abilities without a certificate, then there may be no need for one. The decision ultimately depends on your career path and whether or not you think it could help open doors to new opportunities.

Overall, if you want to show potential employers that you possess the skills needed to create advanced database-driven applications then obtaining a PL/SQL Developer Certificate would certainly be beneficial for your career prospects.

Related: PL SQL Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About PL SQL Developer Certifications

1. Q: What is PL/SQL Developer Certification?

A: PL/SQL Developer Certification is an Oracle-recognized certification program designed to demonstrate a professional’s expertise in using the Oracle PL/SQL programming language.

2. Q: How do I become certified in PL/SQL Developer?

A: To become certified, you must pass the Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) exam and the Oracle Database 11g Program with PL/SQL Developer Certified Professional (OCP).

3. Q: What are the benefits of becoming certified in PL/SQL Developer?

A: Becoming certified can help you stand out from other job seekers and give you an edge when applying for jobs or promotions. It also shows employers that you have the skills necessary to work effectively with the Oracle Database platform. Additionally, certification can boost your earning potential as many employers offer higher pay for people who hold certifications.

4. Q: How much does it cost to become certified in PL/SQL Developer?

A: The cost of certification varies depending on which exams you need to take and how many times you need to retake them if needed. Generally, the cost of taking both exams is approximately $500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

5. Q: Is there any preparation material available for the certification exams?

A: Yes, there are several study guides and practice tests available online that can help prepare you for your exams. Additionally, Oracle provides free tutorials and sample questions on their website that can help with preparation as well.