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  • Oracle AI Database Administration Certified Professional – How I passed and how you can too

    Initially, I planned to certify as Oracle Database 19c OCP.
    19c is still the long-term release and is still used in many environments.
    And it’s been a really long time since I earned my 12c certification.

    However, while preparing my learning path, I asked myself a simple question:
    Wouldn’t it make more sense to get certified for the new 26ai, which is finally available on‑premises?

    So instead of certifying on an established platform, I decided to focus on what comes next and went for the Oracle AI Database Administration Certified Professional, based on Oracle Database 23ai / 26c.

    After about three to four weeks of preparation, I passed the exam yesterday.
    This post summarizes my preparation for the exam and highlights the topics that should be paid particular attention to.

    Preparation Strategy

    My preparation took approximately three to almost four weeks. The effort should not be underestimated; this is not an exam you pass without focused study.

    So, what was my preparation?

    I read the documentation “Oracle AI Database – New Features for Administrators”

    This documentation is a good reference point for understanding which features Oracle considers relevant for database administrators today.
    It contains topics like AI Vector Search, which was really new for me, Application Deployment (including JSON), and much more.

    Furthermore, I watched the following course on mylearn.oracle.com:

    Oracle AI Database – New Features for Administrators

    This course covers additional interesting topics such as True Cache, several chapters on performance tuning and Oracle advisors, migration topics, and more.

    So, if you have the possibility to watch this course – do it 😉

    The course also includes a Student Guide and an Activity Guide, and you can request your own lab so that you can practice hands‑on.

    If you cannot watch the mentioned course, you might want to try the Oracle LiveLabs:
    https://livelabs.oracle.com/ords/r/dbpm/livelabs/view-workshop?wid=3950

    There is the possibility to perform all exercises in your own environment.
    I did not use this specific lab, but all LiveLabs I have used so far were of good quality.

    So, try, try, try.
    Especially topics like multitenant management, RMAN recovery, or PDB relocation only really “stick” when you perform them yourself.

    Exam focus areas – what really matters

    I obviously cannot share actual exam questions, but I can share my observations regarding topic focus.

    Performance Tuning

    • AWR
    • ADDM
    • Advisors
    • Performance analysis in CDB vs. PDB context

    Understanding where and how to analyze performance is essential.

    Multitenant – The core topic

    No surprise here: Multitenant is no longer optional.

    Important areas include:

    • PDB relocate
    • Transportable PDBs
    • Clear understanding of CDB and PDB separation

    RMAN Backups in Multitenant Architectures

    Expect questions about:

    • CDB‑level backups
    • PDB‑level restore and recovery
    • Conceptual understanding, not just RMAN commands

    Application Containers

    • They do appear
    • For me: one to three questions

    You should know the idea and the basic administration concepts.

    Security Topics

    • Some security‑related questions
    • In my case: no SQL Firewall
    • Focus was on general security concepts and architecture

    Installation and upgrades

    • AutoUpgrade
    • DBCA
    • Grid Infrastructure

    Who should consider this certification?

    In my opinion, this certification is well suited for DBAs who:

    • already hold an Oracle OCP (e.g. 12c or 19c)
    • work regularly with multitenant environments
    • want to stay aligned with Oracle’s future database direction

    Conclusion

    This certification requires time and focus. It should be planned and supported accordingly.

    For database administrators, it provides:

    • a consolidated understanding of Oracle Database architecture
    • updated knowledge
    • formal validation of expertise

    For employers, certified administrators represent:

    • reduced operational risk
    • verified skill levels
    • stronger positioning for future Oracle Database projects

    From this perspective, Oracle certification is a clear win‑win situation.

    If you’re planning to take the exam: go for it – I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you. 🤞