On the Oracle Certification team blog, one of the most thought provoking post has been the seven part series on the topic of cheating. If you did not get a chance to read them, here are the links:
Cheating Part 1: Who Benefits from Cheating?
Cheating Part 2: Cheating Hurts The Cheater
Cheating Part 3: Cheating Hurts Present and Future Employers
Cheating Part 4: Cheating Hurts Legitimate Certification Holders
Cheating Part 5: Cheating Hurts the Oracle Certification Program
Cheating Part 6: "The Lone Beneficiary" (And It's Not You)
Cheating Part 7: What Can You and I Do About Cheating?
The word first reminded me of high school memories of pranks of the past similar to those portrayed in a hilarious comedy that you can watch on DVD - Cheats. However, the issue is more serious when it pervades the world of professional certification where the 'test of purity' of the gems for an Oracle jewel is doubted as there are hundreds of 'fake' ones available for 'sale'.
For those who are 'addicted' to this habit, allow me to propose a twelve step method to get a cure. The twelve step method is inspired from a highly successful program followed by Alcoholics Anonymous to rid themselves of their love for the bottle.
Step 1: The initial feeling - "I can't pass the exam without it"
For those who have adopted the bad habit of looking at help kits that promise 'guaranteed' questions and answers among other cash-back promises, the intital feeling of failure is justified. One has to recognize this fear and look towards people and institutions who can help them follow the righteous methods.
Step 2: Recognize that somebody else can help you
There are dozens of individuals who are regulars on Oracle Certification forums, blogs like this one and your peers who can guide oneself to the most effective methods of Oracle certification exam preparation.
Step 3: Welcome others to help you
"No man is an island, entire of itself". Introduce oneself to the experts as well as peers who have taken the certification exam. Express your fears and shortcomings to them. If someone comes forward to help, allow them to start the healing process instead of insulating oneself against them.
Step 4: Take inventory of your skills and knowledge level
Having decided on taking a certification exam, scan the exam content and take an inventory of your knowledge level. You may be surprised how many topics you know quite well and maybe fewer where additional study is needed. The more practice and hours that you spend of preparing for the exam, the better are your chances of performing after the exam - that is on the job. Knowledge never goes waste. You may not be applying it immediately but sooner than later there would be opportunities to utilize it.
Step 5: Share your knowledge and experiences
Knowledge is an unique resource that increases when you share with others. Sharing exam preparation experiences, study notes and tips from those who have taken the exam are all priceless. Share your doubts and questions of Metalink/OTN forums and see how dozens of members are ready to help you with the answer.
Step 6: Show your willingness to change
It is indeed a difficult path at first on the road to change. For those who are fighting a battle against their bulge, remember the first time giving up your favorite dessert when dieting or going to the gym on a regular basis. It is a change in lifestyle to say the least. It all starts with a willingness to change like getting a gym membership.
Step 7: Work towards removing your shortcomings
The Seven Wonders of the modern world like the Great Pyramid and the Taj Mahal were not built overnight. Thousands of skilled workers worked decades to build them. To achieve the wonders of Oracle certification, work on your areas of deficiency for days, if not weeks. No mountain is high enough for a determined climber.
Step 8: Identify those you have harmed
It may not be difficult to identify those you harmed because of your habit. Some of these have been discussed in the Oracle Certification Team blog posts. The person who has been harmed most is yourself as you have missed a great opportunity to be evaluated sincerely and be recognized as one the best.
Step 9: Make amends
Each individual has one's own way to make amends. Would leave the thought here for individuals to think of their own positive action to make amends for their past deeds.
Step 10: Daily or weekly review
Review your addiction on a daily or weekly basis. Soon you would not even require a 'nicotine' patch to overcome the 'withdrawal symptoms' because none would be there!
Step 11: Grow out, grow yourself
Within a few weeks, you would be more confident about your skills, your own self and your work and communication would show this difference. Last but not the least, the joy of achieving success in the certification exam would not be clouded by any doubt of your capabilities or colored with unfair means of the past.
Step 12: Carry this message to others
Spread the word about your success. Spread the message that one can succeed without the 'addiction'. Forward this blog post - "12 Steps to a Cure" to those who are 'addicted' and are suffering. It is our dream to have this menace eradicated and elevate Oracle Certification (and your self) to the high pedestal that is richly deserved.
This blog post has been inspired from the best-seller "Understanding the Twelve Steps" by Terence T.Gorkni, Prentice Hall-Parkside Publications
