Reddit reviews Expert Oracle Database Architecture: Oracle Database 9i, 10g, and 11g Programming Techniques and Solutions
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Used Book in Good Condition
In my previous job I was an Oracle DBA for about 5 years, and recentlry transitioned to a developer role at a different company. I've also had the pleasure of taking both Oracle's OCP and SQL exams as well. In my honest opinion I wouldn't jump right into trying to find material to study for the exams. I would build your knowledge base up first and work on the exams after. The exams aren't really that difficult and they don't prepare for the actual DBA role.
There are a lot of key characteristics to becoming a good DBA. You need to be able to work with people and translate your technical expertise into something that can often be consumed by non-technical folks. Another trait of a DBA is having a good understanding of the entire stack. You need to be comfortable in network, application, virtualization and other technologies. Approaching problems in the DBA capacity also requires a scientific approach. Before you make adjustments you need to gather the "facts" (statistics) and compare the data before and after to see if the problem is resolved. In the Oracle space there is a large tendency to just "tweak" a parameter and hope it works. There is no FAST = TRUE setting.
With that said you can find the root of all Oracle database documentation here: Tahiti. I recommend you start with the Oracle Concepts Guide. Luckily the version I linked you to was re-written for this version of the database. It is by far the best resource for understanding the Oracle database. I think it is far better than nearly all books out there. The only book I would use to supplement the Concepts Guide is: Expert Oracle Database Architecture: Oracle Database 9i, 10g, and 11g Programming Techniques and Solutions. I should note that this book was written by the same person, Tom Kyte, that wrote the Concepts Guide.
Once you've read the Concepts Guide you'll need to move into the specific database documentation, which there is a lot. The nice thing about the Concepts Guide is that it provides a documentation road map for DBAs. I've also found that if you can understand the material covered in the 2 Day DBA guide you should be well on your way to passing the exams.
Oracle also allows you to download and install the database for personal use and education. You can find that here. If you are more comfortable with Microsoft I recommend you work with the Windows version until you feel like venturing into an OS like Linux, Unix or Solaris. I was primarily an Oracle DBA on MS Windows, but a lot of shops run on some sort of Unix variant so you should be comfortable there. Download and install the software and start working through the 2 Day DBA guide.
Here are a few other resources:
I hope I've helped point you in the right direction. Just remember that being a DBA means you'll sometimes work a lot, but you'll be learning day in and day out. Try and enjoy the job and put any egos aside.
Just remember the most important job a DBA has is to be able to restore a database :)
You know SQL? That's a great start. Now you have to pick your RDBMS product and platform, and start a deep dive, because being a DBA requires knowledge and experience with:
Knowing the areas that you need to acquire knowledge and experience in is the first part of becoming a competent DBA. The details, unfortunately, tend to be product-specific.
For Oracle DB, I can't recommend this book highly enough.
If anyone here knows of a comparable book for MS SQL Server, please let me know, I'd love to get it.
Start with "Concepts" and Tom Kyte Expert Oracle Database Architecture