OCP for Oracle 9i first exam??

Question

Hi guys,
I began to prepare me for the first exam 1Z0-007(SQL).
Now I would like to know your experiences with preparing
for the first exam.
I use the Sybex book OCA/OCP: Introduction to Oracle9i SQL Study Guide for preparing, is that ok or
enough?
Do I have to know really everything. Especially the Chapter with the single row functions in the Sybex book.There are hundreds of functions with their arguments.
What is very important for the exam?
I work since 1,5 years with Oracle Databases and so so I have a little experience with SQL.
How long do you prepare for the test???
I would be very happy for your requests.
thanxx
Schoeib

Answer 1

Schoeib:
First of all, if your exam is only on SQL then it could be entirely different than the one I took. My exam lasted 2 hours and had 57 multiple choice questions. The exam is kind of like the practice tests especially the Prometric ones (because they are the company that administers the exam). However, the exam is probably harder in that most of the practice exams aren't as in depth as the real exam. I probably studied my material for about 2-3 hours a day for 5 weeks then the week before the exam I studied much more. It just depends on how you learn. I learn by repition, so I have to go over things several times before I can ingrain them in my head. It may take you less time. I would just make sure that I knew what any clause put before me did or meant! Because if you forget to study one little part that could be the part that the questions happen to come from. The test costs $125 and if you don't pass you must wait 30 days before you can retake it, so I would make sure I knew the stuff backwards and forwards before I took the exam. The best way to judge yourself is by taking the practice exams. I scored almost exactly the same on the real test as I had been scoring on my practice exams. Don't take the real exam until you can consistently score above 85% on the practice exam (you need to get 68% correct on the 1Z0-001 exam to pass). It may be different for yours though. That meant I could get 18 questions wrong, so its not too bad! Regarding the Prometric Exams -- I got them on a CD from a class I took, so I can't help you there -- aside from telling you that they are worth doing. **** For all info. on your specific exam go to education.oracle.com and look up the 9i exam requirements. This will tell you all you need to study and about the specific test ie. number of questions, passing score, etc. Hope this helps.
Jay Walker