a) I can tell that definitively I had got a very positive benefit from certification. b) If I would have had a tutor previously to introduce to few key topics, maybe I woudln't need the certification. c) Even after the certification I need Tom Kytes advice. d) The certification is only +1 in the evaluation. Not only to hire the dba, else when you are working as a contract business is important to show your personnel has a certification. e) The certification, when there is a problem, gives you more credibility. What do you think? If I'm a doctor and I cut your leg, because I say you can die, and I don't have a certification in that speciality, or if I have, which will be the difference? So if you certify better for you and for your boss. -- Oracle Certified Profesional 9i 10g Orace Certified Professional Developer 6i 8 years of experience in Oracle 7,8i,9i,10g and developer 6i -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l