Oracle 1Z0-082 Exam Guide: Database Administration I Syllabus, Passing Score & How to Prepare

The Oracle Database Administration I (1Z0-082) is Oracle's foundational DBA certification, replacing the older 1Z0-062 path. This guide covers the full syllabus, the 60% passing score, the exam format and cost, a realistic study plan, and how to prepare for free with SQLMentor's tutorials and timed practice exams.

If you already know you want to practise, jump straight to the free 1Z0-082 practice exams — full-length, timed sets with per-question explanations. Otherwise, read on for the full breakdown.

Exam at a glance

Exam number: 1Z0-082
Title: Oracle Database Administration I
Questions: 72 multiple choice
Duration: 120 minutes (≈ 1 min 40 s per question)
Passing score: 60%
Delivery: Pearson VUE test centre or Oracle Online Proctoring
Cost: around US$245 (varies by region — confirm on Oracle University)
Re-take wait: 14 days minimum if you do not pass

Exam fees, formats, and any renewal policy can change, so always confirm the current details on the official Oracle University 1Z0-082 page ↗ before you book. SQLMentor is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with Oracle.

What the 1Z0-082 certifies

Passing 1Z0-082 shows you can install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot an Oracle Database — from the physical and memory architecture through user security, storage, networking, moving data, and basic backup and recovery. It is the first of the two exams that lead to the Oracle Database Administrator Professional credential, so it is aimed at DBAs and infrastructure engineers rather than pure application developers.

Is the 1Z0-082 worth it?

For anyone whose job includes running Oracle instances, 1Z0-082 is the recognised proof of core DBA competence and a prerequisite mindset for the professional-level exam. Because it spans real operational tasks — tablespaces, undo/redo, the listener, Data Pump — it maps directly to day-to-day work. If you only write application SQL and never administer the database, the 1Z0-071 SQL exam is the better starting point; take 1Z0-082 when database administration is (or is becoming) part of your role.

Full syllabus breakdown

The 1Z0-082 blueprint is operational rather than query-focused. The groups below reflect the exam's main skill areas; a solid grasp of SQL (at the 1Z0-071 level) is assumed throughout.

1. Database architecture

Instances vs. databases, the SGA and PGA memory structures, background processes, and the physical storage layer — datafiles, control files, and online redo logs. Nearly every other topic builds on getting this mental model right.

2. Managing instances and configuration

Starting up and shutting down through the NOMOUNT/MOUNT/OPEN stages, initialization parameters (SPFILE vs. PFILE), and the alert log and trace files for diagnostics.

3. Oracle Net and networking

Configuring the listener, service registration, and client connectivity through tnsnames.ora and naming methods — a common source of exam questions and real-world outages alike.

4. Storage and space management

Creating and managing tablespaces (including temporary and undo), datafile management, and how Oracle allocates and reclaims segment space.

5. Users, privileges, and security

Creating users, profiles, system and object privileges, and roles — plus password and resource management. Study the data dictionary to query these settings.

6. Undo, redo, and read consistency

How undo powers rollback and read consistency, and how redo protects committed changes. Study transactions & locks for the SQL-side view of the same mechanics.

7. Moving data

Data Pump (expdp/impdp), SQL*Loader, and external tables for loading and unloading data. Study SQL*Loader and external tables.

8. Basic backup and recovery

The purpose of backups, the difference between complete and incomplete recovery, and where RMAN fits — foundational here and expanded in the professional exam.

A realistic 6-week study plan

This exam rewards hands-on time far more than reading. If you can, follow along on a real or containerised Oracle instance.

Weeks 1–2 — architecture & instances: Build a firm model of instance, memory, processes, and storage. Practise clean startup/shutdown and reading the alert log.
Weeks 3–4 — storage, security, networking: Create tablespaces and users, grant and revoke privileges, and configure a listener end to end. Query the data dictionary to confirm every change.
Week 5 — moving data & recovery: Run a Data Pump export/import and a SQL*Loader job; review backup and recovery concepts. Then take Practice Set 1 under full timing.
Week 6 — polish: Work through every missed question's explanation, then take Sets 2 and 3 a day apart. You are ready when you consistently score around 70% — a cushion above the 60% cut line.

Common reasons candidates fail (and how to avoid them)

Treating it like a SQL exam. 1Z0-082 is about operating the database. Weak SQL will hurt, but memorising query syntax is not enough — you need the architecture and admin workflows.
Skipping hands-on practice. Questions about startup stages, tablespace states, and listener config are far easier once you have actually done them.
Confusing undo and redo. Undo enables rollback and read consistency; redo enables recovery of committed changes. Exams probe this distinction directly.
Running out of time. With 72 questions in 120 minutes, flag anything slow and keep moving — a reviewed guess beats an unfinished exam.

Ready to test yourself?

SQLMentor has full-length, timed 1Z0-082 practice exams with per-question explanations — free, no sign-up, progress saved locally in your browser.

Start the free 1Z0-082 practice exams →

Frequently asked questions — 1Z0-082 exam

What is the passing score for the Oracle 1Z0-082 exam?

The passing score for 1Z0-082 is 60%. With 72 questions, that is roughly 44 correct answers. SQLMentor's practice sets use the same 60% threshold so a passing practice score reflects a passing real score.

How many questions are on the 1Z0-082 exam and how long is it?

1Z0-082 has 72 multiple-choice questions and a 120-minute time limit — just under 1 minute 40 seconds per question. Pace matters, so practise under a timer.

Is 1Z0-082 harder than 1Z0-071?

They test different things. 1Z0-071 is about writing SQL; 1Z0-082 is about administering the database — architecture, storage, security, networking, and recovery. Many people find 1Z0-082 broader because it covers operational tasks you may not do daily.

Do I need 1Z0-071 before taking 1Z0-082?

It is not an official prerequisite, but solid SQL is assumed on 1Z0-082. Most candidates take 1Z0-071 first, or at least study SQL to that level, before attempting the DBA exam.

How much does the 1Z0-082 exam cost?

The fee is around US$245, varying by region and currency. Confirm the current price on Oracle University before booking through Pearson VUE or Oracle Online Proctoring.

Can I prepare for 1Z0-082 for free?

Yes. SQLMentor's tutorials, SQL editor, and 1Z0-082 practice exams are free with no sign-up. You only pay Oracle's exam fee when you book the real test.