Re: Informix DBA Certification -- Inside Scoop.

You need to check out the Informix Certified Professional Program (ICCP) web page at http://www.informix.com . It has a great deal of information. I'll see if I can fill in some of the things that you won't necessarily find there. >1. What is the format? Hands-on? Written? or Both? The format is multiple choice computer-based testing. It is administered by Sylvan Prometric, who does nothing at all but run various professional certification exams. One benefit of this is that they lent their expertise in developing the test questions, and stand behind the form of the questions and the statistical validity of the completeness of knowledge tested. Of course, one drawback is that you are either right or wrong, and have no opportunity to argue with the tester or try again until you get it right. >2. What types of things where on the exams? What > areas should I focus on? Don't worry too much about your grammer. ;) The web site lists the exact topics covered, along with the percentage of the exam for each topic. >3. Overall, what did you think about the exams? Initially I was very skeptical. However, when they asked me to review them and help to make them better I got the chance to see how they were formed, and I became a fan. I think they do what they are intended to do very well. They allow one to demonstrate a level of knowledge about many of the features of the product. This is in stark contrast with the ability to perform that task in one particular jobsite, which may only require a very narrow skill set. >4. Do you think certification improved your marketability? It certainly can't hurt. I haven't had to look for a job since my certification, so it is a moot point for me. I happen to know the first non-Informix employee in Australasia to get his certification, and he had two job offers the very next day. (It's true!) Mostly, certification proves that you have the "gumption" to bother to study and take the exams. That helps to demonstrate an attitude that managers and HR people like. That's my NZ$0.02, uh, no, no pennies here. Make that 5 cent's worth. ______________________________________________________ Clem Akins (aka clem@informix.com) <- NEW ACCOUNT! Informix Software, Inc (Standard disclaimers apply) International Technical Support Last seen: "Oh hi, cow" in Okaihau, Bay of Islands, NZ