Having an in-depth knowledge of SQL is useful for anyone who wants to excel in data mining and predictive analysis. Knowing SQL is also necessary for Business Intelligence (BI) . For example, my friend actively uses SQL as part of his BI summer position at Bell, a Canadian telecommunications giant.
I decided to get certified in SQL because I wanted to learn more about the field I am interested in pursuing and get an edge up in the industry. Additionally, Oracle's latest database management system, Oracle Database 12c, provides greater support for cloud computing. Finally, having the certification proves I have working knowledge of SQL/PL.
One of the major obstacles I faced while preparing for the test was a lack of good resources, as opposed to Oracle's Java certifications. I highly recommend reading Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate Study Guide by Biju Thomas. I also took advantage of the free online resources provided with the book - sample tests and flashcards. I would also recommend keeping OCA Oracle Database 12c: SQL Fundamentals I Exam Guide as a reference guide and secondary resource. There are few concepts that were missing from Oracle's Exam Guide but overall, it was a solid guide.
All in all, I am happy I got this certification. I am confident of my skill set and hopefully, I can built on it in the near future.
