Oracle Launches New MySQL 5.6 Certifications; Older MySQL Exams to Retire

Oracle Certification announces the release of the new MySQL 5.6 certification paths.  These new OCP credentials raise the bar for MySQL Certified Developers and Database Administrators. The focus of these exams is on the practitioner rather than on rote memorization. Both of these exams require more significant knowledge and technical skills to pass. Oracle Certification is also announcing the retirement of the existing MySQL exams and certification paths.

NEW ORACLE MYSQL 5.6

This 5.6 release of MySQL, the world's most popular open source database, improves nearly everything about the product, performance and scalability, InnoDB, Optimizer, Replication, and Performance Schema. There is also a new NoSQL ACCESS TO INNODB feature that vastly improves developer agility.

ORACLE CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL, MYSQL 5.6 DEVELOPER

The "Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.6 Developer" (OCP) is designed for individuals who possess a strong knowledge of the skills, tools and issues involved in writing applications with the MySQL database server. There is an increased focus on speed and schema as well as security, replication and optimization. The MySQL application development section of the exam now requires knowledge across a a very broad set of areas, including using MySQL with Java, php.net and others. The exam covers topics such as architecture, general syntax, creation and design of MySQL topics, creation, design and use of MySQL stored programs, querying for and modifying data, joins subqueries and UNIONS, application development and basic optimization. Up-to-date training and field experience are recommended.

Earning this certification requires passing a single exam: "MySQL 5.6 Developer" (1Z0-882). This exam is currently in beta testing and is now available for registration through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. Although there is no required training for this certification, the MySQL for Developers course is highly recommended to help ensure success on the certification exam. This course teaches you the knowledge, skills, tools and issues involved in writing applications with the MySQL database server. It forms the core of the MySQL Developer learning path. You will perform lab work with Java and PHP, connecting to MySQL databases and executing queries and stored routines.

ORACLE CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL, MYSQL 5.6 DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR

The "Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.6 Database Administrator" (OCP) is designed for individuals who are proficient installing and optimizing MySQL Server, setting up replication and security, performing database backups and performance tuning, and protecting MySQL databases. The bar has been raised on this exam with a broader set of topics, more focus on security and backups and stronger focus on optimization. The exam focuses on architecture, server installation configuration and maintenance, security diagnostic data and data sources, performance optimization, backups and recovery and high availability techniques for MySQL. Up-to-date training and field experience are recommended.

Earning this certification will require passing a single exam: "MySQL 5.6 Database Administrator" (1Z0-883). This exam is currently in beta testing and is now available for registration through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. Although there is no required training for this certification, the MySQL for Database Administrators course is highly recommended to help ensure success on the certification exam. This course will help you become equipped to use all the features of MySQL to get the best out of your Web, Cloud, and embedded applications.

With the release of the new MySQL certification paths, Oracle announces the retirement of the earlier MySQL exams. These exams will retire on December 14, 2013. Existing certification holders should note that these retirements suspend the delivery of any further exams, but do not affect your certification. If you currently hold a MySQL certification earned by one of the retiring exams, your credential remains fully valid.

Certification Paths to retire December 14, 2013:

• Oracle Certified Associate, MySQL 5
• Oracle Certified Expert, MySQL 5.1 Cluster Database Administrator
• Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5 Database Administrator
• Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5 Developer

Exams to retire October 31, 2013:

• 1Z0-870 MySQL 5 Certified Associate Exam 
• 1Z0-871 MySQL 5 Developer Certified Professional Exam, Part I
• 1Z0-872 MySQL 5 Developer Certified Professional Exam, Part II
• 1Z0-873 MySQL 5 Database Administrator Certified Professional Exam, Part I 
• 1Z0-874 MySQL 5 Database Administrator Certified Professional Exam, Part II 
• 1Z0-875 MySQL 5.1 Cluster Database Administrator Certified Expert Exam

• Certification Track: Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.6 Developer
• Certification Exam: MySQL 5.6 Developer (Exam 1Z1-882)
• Certification Track: Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.6 Database Administrator
• Certification Exam: MySQL 5.6 Database Administrator (Exam 1Z1-883)
• Learn More: Beta Testing
• Learn More: Exam Retirements
• Register Now: Pearson VUE
• Watch Video: Oracle MySQL 5.6 Developer Certification (MySQL 5.6 DBA video soon to be added)