Currently Oracle DBA track is available for 2 versions of Oracle: 8i and 9i. Both Oracle 8i and Oracle 9i are equally popular in the industry. So choosing the track depends mainly on your personal preference and work requirements.

Oracle has officially announced the retirement of Oracle8i DBA OCP track on December 31, 2004. The aspirants preparing for the same will have to complete the required core Oracle8i DBA exams in this track by December 31, 2004. Those who would have acquired this certification by then will continue to retain their credential even after the track expires. The retirement of exams included in this track will not apply to the other Oracle certifications in which they appear.

If you are planning to go for 9i track, you have an option of taking the Oracle 8i track first and than take the upgrade exam for 9i certification, or directly go for 9i certification track. Choosing the first option helps you get around Oracle's mandatory training for 9i since OCPs in 8i are exempted from that requirement.