How to obtain an Oracle Cloud certification and what are its benefits?

Quebec businesses are migrating an increasing share of their operations to cloud applications like Oracle Fusion Cloud. The success of such an implementation relies heavily on the collaboration of a certified specialist capable of configuring the application to meet business needs and optimizing all its functions. However, the mechanics of Oracle certifications have changed significantly in recent years: new titles, practical exams, and a mandatory renewal cycle.

“As of April 2023, a candidate can earn an Oracle Cloud Applications (SaaS) certification once and then maintain their credential by passing a delta exam every 18 months.” Source: Oracle University, Certification Overview

What are the benefits of an Oracle Cloud certification for your ERP project?

An Oracle Cloud certified resource masters the solution, understands the industry-leading business practices supported by the application, and configures the system according to the company's actual needs. Oracle is a management software provider recognized for the performance of its applications, which cover a wide range of business processes. With the Oracle Fusion Cloud suite, the solution is no longer hosted on internal servers: it resides in Oracle's secure cloud environment, featuring a modern interface and updates delivered four times a year.

Working with an Oracle Cloud-certified professional provides concrete benefits:

• demonstrated mastery of the Oracle Fusion Cloud solution and its evolution;
• knowledge of the leading business practices integrated into the application;
• configuration aligned with business needs rather than legacy habits;
• optimization of operations by aligning internal processes with the solution’s standard processes.

With the General Ledger certification, a certified resource maximizes the benefits of implementing a cloud-based financial management system. They also know how to explain the differences compared to legacy systems like SAP, Oracle E-Business Suite, PeopleSoft, or JD Edwards, which is a valuable asset during migration.

How do you obtain an Oracle Cloud certification?

The process involves four steps: choosing the target certification from the Oracle University catalog, training at your own pace, registering for the exam, and passing a proctored online test. Each certification is different, but the path remains similar from one title to another.

1. Choose the certification. The Oracle University catalog categorizes titles by product: Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), cloud applications (ERP, EPM, HCM, SCM, CX), database, Java, and more.
2. Train at your own pace. The Oracle MyLearn platform offers free and paid resources: digital courses, role-based learning paths, hands-on labs, and exam preparation. The Oracle Cloud Applications Learning Subscription provides 12 months of unlimited access to the entire application portfolio and includes three certification exam attempts.
3. Register for the exam. Registration is done through your training subscription or by purchasing an individual exam (Oracle Cloud Applications Exam Subscription).
4. Pass the exam. The test is taken online with remote proctoring. Upon passing, Oracle issues an electronic certificate and a digital badge to share.

There are no prerequisites for the General Ledger exam. However, Oracle recommends combining digital training with practical experience gained in labs or in the field before taking the test.

What is the Oracle Cloud General Ledger (GL) certification?

The Oracle Fusion Cloud Financials, General Ledger Certified Implementation Professional certification validates the ability to implement enterprise structures, financial reporting structures, and general ledgers within the Oracle financial suite. It is intended for implementers, administrators, managers, and consultants who configure the General Ledger: journal entries, intercompany transactions, period closes, and financial reporting.

The official parameters for exam 1Z0-1054-26, published by Oracle University:

• Format: hands-on, performance-based exam combining multiple-choice questions and real-world scenarios in an Oracle Cloud environment;
• Duration: 90 minutes;
• Number of questions: 36;
• Passing score: 68%;
• Prerequisite: none;
• Validation: Oracle Fusion Cloud versions 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D;
• Maintaining certification: delta exam every 18 months, free for those certified in GL since 2019.

The General Ledger is the common thread across many areas of Oracle Cloud applications, including Risk Management, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Accounting Hub. All these configurations first require a mastery of the General Ledger. The Accounting Hub certification, for example, allows external systems to be linked to the General Ledger for companies that do not use all the modules in the Oracle suite.

How long does an Oracle Cloud certification remain valid?

An Oracle Cloud Applications certification is no longer valid for life: it is maintained by passing a delta exam every 18 months. Since April 2023, Oracle University has applied this recertification policy to SaaS titles. If a holder lets their certification expire, they must retake the full exam to regain active status. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) certifications are valid for two years.

Good news for those already certified: anyone who has obtained a General Ledger certification (Implementation Professional or Specialist) since 2019, whether the title is active or expired, can take the corresponding delta exam for free, according to the official 1Z0-1054-26 exam page. This mechanism forces certified specialists to keep up with a product that is updated four times a year, which protects the value of the title for client companies.

What should you keep in mind before getting started?

Oracle Cloud certification remains a worthwhile investment, provided you understand its new lifecycle: a demanding hands-on exam, followed by a delta exam every 18 months to keep the title active. For a company, requiring certified and up-to-date resources reduces the risks of a cloud implementation. For a finance or IT professional, the title validates skills that are in demand in a market where cloud offerings are mature. PlanAxion, an independent consulting firm based in Quebec, supports organizations in the implementation of integrated management systems, and its consultants hold Oracle Cloud certifications, including the General Ledger one. Has your company not yet made the leap to a cloud management system? The current offerings from vendors, particularly Oracle's, are varied and technologically mature. When will you take the leap?

Frequently asked questions

Is Oracle Cloud certification valid for life?

No. Since April 2023, an Oracle Cloud Applications certification is maintained by passing a delta exam every 18 months. If the title expires, you must retake the full exam to become certified again. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) certifications are valid for two years.

How much does an Oracle Cloud certification cost?

Oracle sells each exam individually as an Exam Subscription, and the Oracle Cloud Applications Learning Subscription includes three exam attempts along with twelve months of unlimited training. Prices vary by country; check the Oracle University purchase page for current pricing in your currency.

Is mandatory training required before the General Ledger exam?

No, the 1Z0-1054-26 exam has no prerequisites. However, Oracle recommends combining digital training with practical experience gained in a lab or in the field. Preparation paths are available in Oracle MyLearn, which offers free resources and paid subscriptions depending on your needs.

Why work with an Oracle Cloud certified consultant?

A certified consultant masters the solution, understands the leading business practices built into the application, and configures the system to meet the company's actual needs. They maximize the benefits of a cloud implementation and can explain the differences compared to legacy systems like SAP, EBS, PeopleSoft, or JD Edwards.

From certification to your company’s Oracle project

Certification validates individual skills; it does not replace project scoping and governance. If your organization is preparing for a migration or wants to manage its integrator, our independent Oracle ERP consulting focuses on client-side scope, decision-making, and risk, without selling licenses or exam prep. To assess your needs, describe your Oracle project, your current platform, and the next decision to be made.