Free Oracle 1Z0-071 Exam Actual Questions & Explanations

Last updated on: Aug 17, 2026
Author: Matthew Greco (Oracle Database Certification Specialist)

The Oracle 1Z0-071 exam validates your ability to write SQL queries and manage Oracle Database objects effectively. This certification is essential for database developers, administrators, and data professionals who work with Oracle Database. This exam tests both foundational SQL knowledge and practical application in real-world scenarios. Use this guide to understand the exam structure, review core topics, and prepare with a focused study plan.

1Z0-071 Exam Syllabus & Core Topics

Use this topic map to guide your study for Oracle 1Z0-071 (Oracle Database SQL) within the Oracle Database path.

  • Relational Database Concepts: Understand table structures, keys, relationships, and normalization principles that form the foundation for all SQL work.
  • Retrieving Data Using the SQL SELECT Statement: Master the SELECT clause, FROM clause, and basic query construction to extract data from single and multiple tables.
  • Restricting and Sorting Data: Apply WHERE conditions to filter results and use ORDER BY to organize output in ascending or descending order.
  • Using Single-Row Functions to Customize Output: Apply character, numeric, and date functions to transform individual row values in query results.
  • Using Conversion Functions and Conditional Expressions: Convert data types explicitly and use CASE and DECODE expressions to handle conditional logic within queries.
  • Reporting Aggregated Data Using Group Functions: Use COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, and MAX with GROUP BY and HAVING clauses to summarize data across multiple rows.
  • Displaying Data from Multiple Tables: Write INNER, LEFT, RIGHT, and FULL OUTER joins to combine data from related tables based on key relationships.
  • Using Subqueries to Solve Queries: Embed SELECT statements within WHERE, FROM, and SELECT clauses to solve complex multi-step data retrieval problems.
  • Using SET Operators: Combine query results using UNION, UNION ALL, INTERSECT, and MINUS to merge or compare datasets.
  • Managing Tables Using DML Statements: Execute INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE operations to modify table data, and use COMMIT and ROLLBACK for transaction control.
  • Managing Indexes, Synonyms, and Sequences: Create and maintain indexes for query performance, define synonyms for object references, and generate unique values with sequences.
  • Use DDL to Manage Tables and Their Relationships: Create, alter, and drop tables; define primary and foreign keys; and establish constraints to enforce data integrity.
  • Managing Views: Create simple and complex views to present filtered or aggregated data; understand view restrictions and when to use them for security and simplicity.
  • Controlling User Access: Grant and revoke object and system privileges to control who can perform specific actions on database objects.
  • Managing Objects with Data Dictionary Views: Query USER_, ALL_, and DBA_ views to inspect table structures, constraints, indexes, and other schema metadata.
  • Managing Data in Different Time Zones: Work with TIMESTAMP WITH TIME ZONE and TIMESTAMP WITH LOCAL TIME ZONE data types to handle global date and time data correctly.

Question Formats & What They Test

The 1Z0-071 exam uses multiple-choice and scenario-based questions to measure both SQL knowledge and your ability to apply it in realistic situations. Questions progress in difficulty and require you to reason through problems rather than simply recall facts.

  • Multiple Choice: Test core SQL syntax, function behavior, join types, and data type rules. Example: identify which function returns the correct output for a given input.
  • Scenario-Based Items: Present a business requirement and ask you to choose the correct SQL approach. Example: write a query that combines data from three tables and filters results based on aggregated values.
  • Code Analysis: Evaluate SQL statements and predict their output or identify errors in logic, syntax, or performance.

Success requires both memorization of syntax and the ability to design queries that solve real-world data problems efficiently.

Preparation Guidance

An effective study routine maps topics to weekly goals and balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice. Dedicate time to each domain, practice writing queries, and review explanations to reinforce weak areas. Progressive difficulty in your practice helps build confidence and exam readiness.

  • Organize your study into weekly blocks: start with relational database concepts and SELECT basics in week one; progress to joins and subqueries by week two; finish with DDL, DML, and administrative topics by week three.
  • Write SQL queries against sample databases daily; focus on one topic per session and test different variations of syntax and logic.
  • Review practice question explanations thoroughly, especially for incorrect answers, to understand why one approach works better than another.
  • Connect concepts across workflows: understand how SELECT queries retrieve data, how DML modifies it, how DDL structures tables, and how views and security control access.
  • Complete a timed practice test under exam conditions two days before your scheduled exam to identify pacing issues and reduce anxiety.

Explore other Oracle certifications: view all Oracle exams.

Get the PDF & Practice Test

Strengthen your preparation with up-to-date resources from validexamdumps.com. These materials align to 1Z0-071 and cover practical scenarios with clear explanations.

  • Q&A PDF with Explanations: Topic-mapped questions that clarify why correct options are right and others aren't, helping you learn from each question.
  • Practice Test: Realistic items, timed and untimed modes, progress tracking, and detailed review to simulate exam conditions.
  • Focused Coverage: Aligned to relational database concepts, SELECT statements, data restriction and sorting, single-row and conversion functions, group functions, joins, subqueries, set operators, DML and DDL statements, indexes, synonyms, sequences, views, user access control, data dictionary views, and time zone management so you study what matters most.
  • Regular Updates: Content refreshes that reflect syllabus and product changes, ensuring your study materials remain current.

Visit the exam page to download the PDF, Online Practice Test, or get a Bundle Discount offer for both formats: Oracle Database SQL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which topics carry the most weight on the 1Z0-071 exam?

SELECT queries, joins, and subqueries typically account for a significant portion of the exam because they form the core of SQL work in real projects. DML and DDL statements also receive substantial coverage since managing data and table structures are essential tasks. While all topics matter, prioritize deep practice with retrieval and modification queries before moving to administrative features.

How do joins and subqueries connect in practical database work?

Joins combine data from multiple tables in a single pass, while subqueries break complex problems into smaller, sequential steps. In real projects, you often use both: joins for straightforward multi-table retrieval and subqueries when you need to filter based on aggregated values or correlated data. Understanding when to choose each approach is critical for writing efficient, maintainable SQL.

How much hands-on practice is necessary to pass 1Z0-071?

Writing actual SQL queries against a live or test Oracle Database is invaluable and significantly more effective than reading alone. Aim for at least 20-30 hours of hands-on practice across all topics, with emphasis on joins, subqueries, and DML statements. Labs that require you to create tables, insert data, and write queries to solve business problems build the muscle memory needed for exam success.

What common mistakes cause candidates to lose points on this exam?

Misunderstanding join types and producing incorrect result sets is a frequent error, as is confusing aggregate functions with single-row functions. Syntax mistakes in DDL statements, incorrect use of WHERE versus HAVING, and overlooking NULL handling in comparisons also trip up many candidates. Review the behavior of each function and join type with multiple examples to avoid these pitfalls.

What is an effective review strategy for the final week before the exam?

In the final week, focus on weak areas identified in practice tests rather than re-reading entire topics. Take a full-length timed practice test three days before your exam, review all incorrect answers, and drill those specific concepts. Two days before, do a lighter review of key syntax and function behaviors, then rest the day before the exam to arrive focused and alert.

Question No. 1

Which two queries execute successfully?

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Correct Answer: B, C

A: This statement will not execute successfully because you cannot subtract a DAY interval from a DATE directly. SYSDATE needs to be cast to a TIMESTAMP first.

B: This statement is correct. It adds an interval of '1' DAY to the current TIMESTAMP.

C: This statement is correct. It subtracts an interval of '1' MINUTE from '1' DAY.

D: This statement will not execute successfully. In Oracle, you cannot add intervals of different date fields (DAY and MONTH) directly.

E: This statement has a syntax error with the quotes around INTERVAL and a misspelling, it should be 'INTERVAL'.

Oracle Database 12c SQL supports interval arithmetic as described in the SQL Language Reference documentation.


Question No. 2

Which three statements are true about GLOBAL TEMPORARY TABLES?

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Correct Answer: B, D, E

Global temporary tables in Oracle Database 12c have unique characteristics, primarily around their visibility and lifespan which is session-specific:

B . A TRUNCATE command issued in a session causes all rows in a GLOBAL TEMPORARY TABLE for the issuing session to be deleted: This is accurate as TRUNCATE in the context of a global temporary table only affects the rows inserted during the session that issues the command. The effect is isolated to the session.

D . A GLOBAL TEMPORARY TABLE's definition is available to multiple sessions: The definition (i.e., the structure of the table such as column names, data types, etc.) of a global temporary table is persistent and visible across sessions. However, the data within is session-specific.

E . Any GLOBAL TEMPORARY TABLE rows existing at session termination will be deleted: True, as the data in a global temporary table is designed to be temporary for the duration of a session. When the session ends, the data is automatically deleted.


Oracle Database Concepts and SQL Language Reference 12c, especially sections on temporary tables.

Question No. 3

You execute this command:

TRUNCATE TABLE depts;

Which two are true?

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Correct Answer: A, D

The TRUNCATE TABLE command in Oracle SQL is used to quickly delete all rows from a table:

Option A:

It retains the indexes defined on the table. TRUNCATE does not affect the structure of the table, including its indexes.

Option D:

It retains the integrity constraints defined on the table. TRUNCATE does not remove or disable integrity constraints, except for unenforced foreign keys.

Options B, C, E, and F are incorrect because:

Option B: TRUNCATE does not drop triggers; it only removes all rows.

Option C: Flashback Table cannot be used after a TRUNCATE because TRUNCATE is a DDL operation that does not generate undo data for flashback.

Option E: A ROLLBACK cannot be used after a TRUNCATE because TRUNCATE is a DDL command that implicitly commits.

Option F: TRUNCATE may deallocate the space used by the table, depending on the database version and specific options used with the TRUNCATE command.


Question No. 4

Which three actions can you perform by using the ORACLE DATAPUMP access driver?

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Correct Answer: B, C, F

The Oracle Data Pump access driver allows for specific actions with external tables:

B . Read data from an external table and load it into a table in the database. Data Pump can be used to efficiently transfer data between external tables and internal database tables.

C . Query data from an external table. The Data Pump access driver supports querying data directly from external tables.

F . Read data from a table in the database and insert it into an external table. The Data Pump can also export data from database tables to external table formats.

Options A, D, and E are incorrect:

A and D are incorrect as the creation of a directory object is not specific to the Data Pump access driver but is a general external table requirement.

E is incorrect because DML operations directly on external tables are not supported; they are read-only.


Question No. 5

Which three statements are true about inner and outer joins?

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Correct Answer: A, E

A: True. A full outer join does indeed return both matched and unmatched rows from both tables involved in the join. It combines the results of both left and right outer joins.

E: True. An inner join, by definition, returns rows that have matching values in both tables. Rows from both tables that do not match are not returned in an inner join result set.

Inner joins match rows from the joined tables based on the join condition, while outer joins include all rows from one or both tables regardless of whether a matching row exists in the other table.

Reference: The Oracle SQL documentation explains different types of joins, including inner joins, left and right outer joins, and full outer joins, clarifying how they differ in the result sets they produce.