Oracle AI Database 26ai has finally been officially announced, and the full picture of the certification system has been revealed. The product name has changed from “Oracle Database” to “Oracle AI Database,” marking the arrival of a new era where AI is literally placed at the center.
The biggest risk lies in the “drastic change in exam content.” In 26ai, new AI-related features will become the focus. There is a fear that the 19c-based knowledge and know-how (traditional DB management skills) you have learned so far will no longer be sufficient to compete.
Let me state the conclusion first. Before the learning content you have built up goes to waste, you should take the exam in 19c and secure a passing grade as soon as possible. The “now”—just before difficult new features are added and the exam trends change completely—is your last chance to secure your qualification with the current Oracle Database 19c.
- Conclusion: Common to All Grades! “Last-Minute 19c” Strategy to Survive in the 26ai Era
- Breaking News: ORACLE MASTER 26ai Certification Structure and Schedule
- Why Should You Get “19c” Right Now?
- Roadmap: Actions Based on Your Current Status
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About ORACLE MASTER 26ai
- Summary
Conclusion: Common to All Grades! “Last-Minute 19c” Strategy to Survive in the 26ai Era
There is absolutely no need to wait for the latest 26ai certification. In fact, waiting is nothing but a risk. This is a fact common to all Bronze, Silver, and Gold examinees.
- Your current study will not go to waste: If you are studying with 19c reference books (such as the “Black Book” or “White Book”), waiting for 26ai means you will have to relearn new fields like AI from scratch. Passing in 19c while your current knowledge is valid is the shortest route.
- A permanent asset requiring no “retake”: Once you obtain a qualification in 19c, it does not expire. You can continue to call yourself an “ORACLE MASTER” with confidence without being forced to retake the 26ai exam.
- 19c is still mainstream in the field: Even if 26ai is released, corporate systems will not be replaced immediately. 19c will remain the main player in the field for several years. What is evaluated as immediate capability is the 19c skill set used in actual practice.
- Peace of mind for future updates: If you hold a certification in 19c, even when the latest version becomes necessary in the future, you only need to learn the differences (AI features) based on your fundamental knowledge. For Gold specifically, you can also secure the right to an “Upgrade Exam.”
Breaking News: ORACLE MASTER 26ai Certification Structure and Schedule
Here is the latest certification lineup and release schedule announced on the official Oracle website.
| Certification Name (JP) | Corresponding Exam Number | Release Schedule | Remarks |
| Bronze DBA | Oracle AI Database 26ai 1Z0-185-JPN | Dec 2025 | Fundamentals |
| Silver SQL | Oracle AI Database 26ai 1Z0-171-JPN | Dec 2025 | SQL skills common to Developers & DBAs |
| Silver DBA | Oracle AI Database 26ai 1Z0-182-JPN | Jan 2026 | Administration |
| Gold DBA | Oracle AI Database 26ai 1Z0-183-JPN | Apr 2026 | Backup, Multitenant, AI Management |
| Platinum DBA | Oracle AI Database 26ai (TBD) | TBD | Practical Exam |
Note: Based on official announcement information updated on Nov 10, 2025. Please check the official website for the latest status.
Why Should You Get “19c” Right Now?
1. The Availability of Study Materials is Vastly Different (Common to All Grades)
Currently, 19c has a full range of Japanese reference books and problem sets, including the “Black Book” and “White Book.” These are packed with years of know-how, creating an environment where it is easy to pass even through self-study. On the other hand, it will take several months to over a year after the release (from the end of 2025) for 26ai Japanese materials to become substantial. Attempting a new exam without study materials is extremely difficult for any grade.
2. Drastic Changes in Exam Scope (Addition of AI Features)
As 26ai has “AI” in the product name, the core of the functional enhancements is AI. This affects the exam scope for all grades.
- Bronze Level: In addition to DB management basics, there is a possibility that the overview of AI Vector Search and new data utilization concepts for the AI era will be tested. The definition of “Fundamentals” itself is about to change.
- Silver Level: In instance management and SQL, coordination with AI (such as Natural Language to SQL) and management methods for new features like JSON Relational Duality may fall within the scope.
- Gold Level: Advanced AI/security management features, such as DB construction as a RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) foundation and SQL Firewall, will become mandatory. You cannot pass with traditional management techniques alone.
If you feel “not yet confident in AI” or “want to compete with traditional DB technology,” you should hurry to pass in 19c regardless of the grade.
3. Do Not Create a Gap Period Waiting for Release
The 26ai exams will be released sequentially from the end of 2025, but spending time in a “waiting” state until then is a loss for your career. It is smoother to acquire the certification in 19c, which is available now, and gain practical experience as a “certified holder” before transitioning to 26ai in the future.
Roadmap: Actions Based on Your Current Status
Regardless of which grade you are aiming for, the action is the same: “Do not waste your current learning; finalize it with 19c.”
Case A: For those studying for [Bronze]
Take the 19c Bronze exam immediately and pass.
When 26ai Bronze is released, the terminology and question trends may change. Secure a pass with the current materials before the 19c knowledge you have taken the trouble to learn becomes outdated. Bronze is the “gateway for DB engineers.” It is important not to mark time at the entrance but to get inside quickly.
Case B: For those aiming for [Silver]
Prioritize acquiring 19c Silver.
Silver is a qualification based on global standards and is required in many workplaces. There is no need to wait for 26ai Silver (scheduled for Jan 2026). If you get 19c Silver, you can proudly call yourself an “Oracle Database Administrator.” If AI features become necessary, you can simply study the differences at that time.
Case C: For those aiming for [Gold]
Acquire 19c Gold by April 2026.
The release of Gold 26ai is the latest, scheduled for next spring. Waiting until then is a waste of time. Also, if you hold 19c Gold, there is a high possibility that you can efficiently update to 26ai Gold using an “Upgrade Exam” in the future (based on past customs).
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About ORACLE MASTER 26ai
These are Q&As based on the official website and announcements.
Q1. Even if I get the 19c certification, won’t it be a waste when 26ai is released?
A. It will not be a waste at all.
The 19c certification is a permanent license and does not expire. Also, the basics of SQL and database management (architecture, backup, etc.) are common in 26ai. Solidifying the basics in 19c will be a significant advantage when learning 26ai in the future.
Q2. Will the 26ai exams be difficult?
A. It is expected that preparation will be difficult due to the increase in new elements.
In addition to traditional DB knowledge, AI-related knowledge (vector search, etc.) will be included in the scope, so the volume to be learned may increase. It can be said that 19c, which can be handled with existing reference books, is easier to plan for.
Q3. Can beginners take the new “Silver SQL 26ai”?
A. Yes, it is possible.
You can take it even without holding Bronze. However, since it asks about everything from SQL basics to applications, solid preparation is required. If you are currently studying 19c SQL, it is also an option to consider the 19c exams (Bronze DBA or 12c SQL, etc.) before the question scope changes.
Summary
“Waiting because a new exam is coming out” is a high-risk choice this time.
While Oracle AI Database 26ai is attractive, the correct certification strategy is to “pass in 19c, where the current learning environment is established, and secure the qualification.”
- Bronze Candidates: Pass with your current knowledge before the definition of fundamental knowledge changes.
- Silver Candidates: Secure proof that you are effective in practice while you can.
- Gold Candidates: Do not wait until next April; secure the right for future updates.
If you are going to start studying, today is the earliest day. Let’s hurry!
Note: This article is based on public information (official website announcement) updated on Nov 10, 2025. Please be sure to check the AI Database 26ai | Oracle for the latest information.
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