MySQL 4.x Certification FAQ

Q: What is MySQL Certification?

A: MySQL Certification Program is a high quality certification program that provides developers and DBAs with the credentials to prove they have the knowledge, experience and skills to use and manage MySQL Server.

Q: What is the benefit of MySQL Certification?

A: MySQL Core and Professional Certification provides developers and DBAs with the following benefits:

• Better recognition of your skills. As a MySQL certified user you can expect many benefits because your skills have been confirmed by a neutral testing body.
• Get a better position. Certification gives you the "edge" when being considered for a promotion or other career opportunities. Receiving your certification shows you have the knowledge and skills to accept more responsibility.
• Establishes professional credentials. Certification stands out on your resume, serving as an impartial, third-party endorsement to your knowledge and experience.

Q: What are the certification levels?

A: There are two levels of certification in the MySQL AB Certification Program for MySQL 4:

• MySQL Core Certification proves you have mastered the fundamental skills of using MySQL including creating and using databases and tables, inserting, modifying, deleting, and retrieving data.
• MySQL Professional Certification proves you have mastered the ability to manage MySQL Server including such advanced areas of database management, installation, security, disaster prevention and optimization.

Q: Do the exams target MySQL version 4.0 or MySQL version 4.1?

A: Since early 2005, these exams are based on MySQL version 4.1.

Q: How do I best prepare for the certification exams?

A: MySQL AB provides several training courses that prepare you for the MySQL 4 certificiation exams. The couse Using and Managing MySQL is closely aligned with the contents of these exams. See upcoming classes  »

Q: Where can I best do self-study for the certification exams?

A: MySQL Press has published the MySQL Certification Study Guide for exactly this purpose. It is available from several on-line bookstores as well as in most bookstores in the world that specialize in literature for the technical field.

Q: I bought the MySQL Certification Study Guide, but that does not seem to cover features in MySQL 4.1. What gives?

A: In order to save you money, we chose to make a small addendum instead, which you can download here

Q: Where will I be able to take certification exams?

A: Person VUE, who delivers MySQL AB exams, has more than 3.000 test centers world-wide. Use their test center locator to find one near you!

Q: What are the prerequisites for taking the exam for the MySQL Core Certification?

A: None, although having some experience with MySQL is obviously needed. We recommend that you have at least 150 hours worth of experience working with MySQL.

Q: What are the prerequisites for taking the exam for the MySQL Professional Certification?

A: You must have attained the MySQL Core Certification before signing up for the MySQL Professional Certification exam. You should also have a lot more experience working with MySQL.

Q: When will you retire the MySQL 4 certifications?

A: At MySQL, certifications are version-specific. We do not retire certifications, but leave it to you, along with your employer or customer, to judge whether yor certification is still relevant for the version of MySQL in use. Also see the next question.

Q: Will you always keep MySQL 4 certification available?

A: No. After December 31, 2006, MySQL 4 exams will no longer be available to the public.

Q: How many exams do I need to pass to attain a certification?

A: Each level of certification for the MySQL 4 certifications requires you to take one exam.

Q: I went to an exam, and all I got told was that I had passed/failed the exam. How do I know the details of how I did?

A: Currently, MySQL AB does not release detailed information on the scores of the MySQL 4 exams.

Q: Can I bring the manual or other books to the exam?

A: The exams are designed to be "closed book" exams, so you will not need (or be allowed) to bring any materials with you to the exam

Q: If I don't know the answer to a question, is it better to guess, or should I leave it unanswered?

A: You do not get a "negative score" for wrongly answered questions. Thus, you should always attempt to answer a question.

Q: When will I receive my certificate?

A: Your certificate will arrive by postal mail 4 to 6 weeks after you passed the exam.

Q: What do the exams cost?

A: Both exams are offered at the local equivalent of US $300 / EUR 170^*.

Q: How do I stay updated on the latest MySQL certification developments?

A: Subscribe to the MySQL Certification mailing list to stay updated on the latest MySQL Certification developments. Send an e-mail to certification-subscribe@lists.mysql.com to subscribe.

^*Prices for all exams are subject to local currency conversion and any local taxes.