OCI 2025 Networking Professional (1Z0-1124-25) Ultimate Study Guide: Exam Tips, Domains & Practice Strategy

If you’re aiming to design and secure serious cloud networks, the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure 2025 Networking Professional certification (exam code 1Z0‑1124‑25) is one of the most focused, hands-on credentials you can pursue. In this ultimate guide, we’ll demystify the exam, highlight what’s new in 2025, and walk you through a practical study plan with labs, tools, and exam‑day strategies to help you pass on the first attempt.

Whether you’re a student breaking into cloud networking or an early‑career engineer leveling up from associate‑level cloud certs, this guide keeps it clear, concrete, and motivating—like having a mentor beside you from day one to exam day.

What Is the OCI 2025 Networking Professional (1Z0‑1124‑25)?

The OCI 2025 Networking Professional validates your ability to design, implement, secure, operate, and troubleshoot advanced networking on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). Think of it as the “end‑to‑end” networking credential: you’re evaluated on real design choices, modern security controls, hybrid and multicloud connectivity, and day‑2 operations.

What you’ll be expected to understand and do:

• Build resilient VCN topologies (IPv4/IPv6, subnets, gateways, routing, NSGs).

• Design transitive routing with DRG v2 across regions and tenancies.

• Connect on‑prem and cloud using VPN, FastConnect, and multicloud interconnects.

• Secure traffic with WAF, OCI Network Firewall, and Zero Trust Packet Routing (ZPR).

• Implement integrity features like DNSSEC.

• Expose services privately (e.g., Object Storage private endpoints).

• Troubleshoot like a pro: BGP sessions, asymmetric routing, policy conflicts, and observability.

Actionable insight: Read the official 2025 launch overview before anything else. It shows you exactly what Oracle added this year and ensures you don’t miss newly tested features.

Who Should Take It (and the Prereqs You Really Need)

The target candidate is a networking‑minded cloud builder: maybe you’ve done architect‑level projects, but you want deeper chops in connectivity, security, and operations.

Good fit if you:

• Have 12–24 months of OCI hands‑on or equivalent networking experience.

• Can read and reason through routing tables, BGP states, ACL/NSG policies, and TLS.

• Are comfortable with the OCI Console and at least one of CLI or Terraform.

No formal prerequisites are required, but success comes faster if you’ve already:

• Completed OCI learning paths (Architect Associate/Professional or Security Professional).

• Built at least one hybrid link (site‑to‑site VPN or FastConnect).

• Practiced with troubleshooting tools (VNIC flow logs, health checks, VTAP, metrics/alarms).

Actionable insight: If you’re earlier in your journey, invest the first two weeks building a small lab (two VCNs, a DRG, one VPN, an NLB, and a WAF policy). This single lab becomes your “canvas” for the whole study plan.

Exam Structure and Content (What to Expect)

Here’s the quick snapshot:

• Question format: Multiple choice

• Number of questions: 50

• Passing score: 68%

• Time limit: Oracle shows the time during scheduling (many MCQ exams are 90 minutes—confirm for this specific exam when you book)

Major content domains you’ll face:

• VCN design and deployment (IPv4/IPv6, subnets, gateways, private/public patterns)

• Networking and app services (DNS, DNSSEC, Load Balancers/NLB, traffic steering)

• Hybrid networking (DRG v2, transit, VPN, BGP, FastConnect)

• Multicloud connectivity (e.g., interconnect to Google Cloud)

• Network security (WAF, OCI Network Firewall, ZPR)

• Private service access patterns (Object Storage private endpoints)

• Troubleshooting (connectivity, routing, BGP, firewall, inspection, logs/metrics)

Actionable insight: Create a two‑column “exam blueprint tracker.” Left column lists domains; right column logs your confidence (H/M/L) with links to your notes. Update it weekly to focus your effort.

What’s New in 2025 (Don’t Skip These)

Oracle’s 2025 refresh aligns the exam with important OCI networking/security updates. Expect questions and scenarios that rely on your understanding of these newer features:

• Zero Trust Packet Routing (ZPR): Intent‑based segmentation that lets you express “who can talk to whom” with fine‑grained, scalable policies.

• IPSec over FastConnect: Encrypt private connectivity; understand when to pick IPSec vs. MACsec, and design for MTU and performance.

• DNSSEC for OCI DNS: Validate domain authenticity and protect against DNS spoofing; know how to enable and verify it.

• Tunnel inspection with OCI Network Firewall: Inspect encrypted traffic via tunnel introspection; combine with VTAP for out‑of‑band analysis.

• Object Storage private endpoints: Keep data paths private; understand routing, service gateways, and endpoint policy.

• IP Address Insights: Inventory and analyze IP allocations, detect overlaps, and set alarms on exhaustion.

• OCI–Google Cloud interconnect: Build Partner/Cross‑Cloud Interconnect with BGP; know HA, MTU, and SLA considerations.

Actionable insight: Add a “What’s new” mini‑lab: implement ZPR on a two‑tier app, enable DNSSEC for a test zone, and compare IPSec‑over‑FastConnect vs. MACsec on paper (design doc). This locks in the 2025 deltas.

The Best Study Resources (Official and Free First)

Start with Oracle’s official learning path for 2025:

• It’s designed for this exact exam and includes video lessons, demos, knowledge checks, hands‑on labs, and a practice exam.

• Training content is free—budget goes further if you need paid labs for expanded scenarios.

Key documentation to keep bookmarked:

• ZPR overview and policy concepts.

• FastConnect security (IPSec over FastConnect, MACsec).

• DNSSEC for OCI DNS.

• OCI Network Firewall tunnel inspection (and VTAP).

• Object Storage private endpoints.

• IP Address Insights.

• OCI–Google Cloud interconnect.

Actionable insight: For each doc topic, write an “If I had to explain this in 2 minutes” summary in your own words. Teaching forces real understanding.

6–8 Week Study Plan (With Weekly Goals)

This plan assumes you can study 6–10 hours per week. If you have more time, compress the timeline; if you have less, extend by 1–2 weeks.

• Week 1: Orientation and baseline

  • Enroll in the official 2025 learning path.

  • Build a starter lab: two VCNs (hub/spoke), DRG v2, site‑to‑site VPN, an NLB, and a WAF policy.

  • Skim the 2025 “what’s new” features and mark unknowns in your tracker.

  • Deliverable: Your blueprint tracker + lab diagram.

• Week 2: VCN fundamentals, services, and traffic

  • IPv4/IPv6 planning, subnetting, routing tables, NSGs vs. security lists.

  • DNS and traffic steering; test a weighted policy to direct flows to different backends.

  • Deliverable: Change log showing why you used NSGs (not security lists) and how routing enforces intended paths.

• Week 3: DRG v2, transit, and cross‑tenancy patterns

  • Hub‑and‑spoke with transitive routing; inter‑VCN and inter‑region.

  • Add a second region; test transitive flows and failure domains.

  • Deliverable: DRG route tables annotated with expected next‑hops and proof via traceroute.

• Week 4: Hybrid and multicloud

  • IPSec over FastConnect: design choices, MTU, crypto domains; compare with MACsec at L2.

  • Multicloud: outline an OCI–Google Cloud interconnect (BGP sessions, HA, MTU).

  • Deliverable: A one‑page “decision memo” for a customer choosing IPSec vs. MACsec, and a multicloud interconnect diagram.

• Week 5: Security deep dive

  • ZPR: author policies for front‑end ↔ app ↔ DB tiers and shared services.

  • Network Firewall tunnel inspection; add VTAP for mirrored analysis; recap WAF placement.

  • DNSSEC: enable for a test zone and capture validation.

  • Deliverable: ZPR policy set + justification and a quick “before/after” of allowed flows.

• Week 6: Private service access and troubleshooting

  • Implement Object Storage private endpoints; validate access from private subnets and route tables.

  • Troubleshooting drills: BGP session resets, asymmetric routing, NSG/SCL conflicts, overlapping CIDRs.

  • Deliverable: Troubleshooting notebook with symptom → checks → fix → validation.

• Final 1–2 weeks: Exam readiness and logistics

  • Take the official practice exam and identify weak domains.

  • Re‑read docs for low‑confidence topics; do one more end‑to‑end lab run.

  • Run Oracle’s proctoring/system check; confirm ID and scheduling policies.

  • Deliverable: Updated tracker showing “all green” or a clear gap list with a 3‑day fix plan.

Actionable insight: Schedule your real exam only after you score consistently ≥80% on the practice exam twice, one week apart. That buffer protects you from exam‑day nerves.

Hands‑On Lab Checklist (Minimal but Mighty)

Use this as a build‑order; each step is a validation point:

1. VCNs and segmentation

• Two VCNs (hub/spoke), public and private subnets, NSGs, routing.

• Validation: Instances can reach allowed peers; blocked flows fail as expected.

2. DRG v2 transit

• Attach both VCNs to a DRG; configure route tables for transitive flows.

• Validation: Spoke‑to‑spoke traffic reaches through hub; denylist enforced via policy.

3. Hybrid link

• Site‑to‑site VPN (start with one tunnel, add second) or plan IPSec over FastConnect.

• Validation: On‑prem CIDRs reachable; simulate link failure and confirm failover.

4. App services and DNS

• Add an NLB or LB to front‑end instances; configure DNS record(s).

• Validation: Health checks; basic load distribution; test a weighted traffic policy.

5. Security controls

• Attach a WAF to the endpoint; configure firewall tunnel inspection; enable VTAP.

• Validation: Confirm block/allow rules; capture mirrored traffic for inspection.

6. ZPR and micro‑segmentation

• Author ZPR policies for tiered app flows; block lateral movement.

• Validation: Only intended flows pass (front‑end → app → DB; deny admin-to-DB direct).

7. Private service access

• Configure Object Storage private endpoints; route through service gateway.

• Validation: Private instance can read/write buckets over private path.

8. Observability and IP hygiene

• Enable flow logs; configure metrics/alarms; enable IP Address Insights.

• Validation: Detect a contrived overlap; alarm on near‑exhausted subnet.

Actionable insight: Save your final lab as Terraform + a runbook. Even if the exam is GUI‑driven, the IaC gives you a repeatable “reset button” for quick re‑practice.

Exam‑Day Game Plan

• The week before:

  • Do one full‑length practice under timed conditions.

  • Rebuild a minimal lab from scratch to keep commands and screens fresh.

• The day before:

  • Skim your runbook and the “what’s new” notes (ZPR, IPSec over FastConnect, DNSSEC, tunnel inspection, private endpoints).

  • Run the system check, close non‑essential apps, and stage your ID.

• During the exam:

  • First pass: answer all you know quickly; mark the rest.

  • Second pass: diagram tricky network paths on scratchpad (draw VCNs, gateways, DRG routes, BGP peering).

  • Eliminate: in policy/routing questions, throw out any answer that violates basic reachability or least‑privilege rules.

  • Timebox: keep 5–7 minutes for a final scan; trust your first instinct unless you find a clear mistake.

Actionable insight: For design questions, apply three filters in order—security (least privilege), reliability (no single point of failure), operations (observability/troubleshooting). The best answer satisfies all three.

Cost and Investment (Budget Smart)

• Exam fee: Typically USD $245 for associate/professional attempts (confirm during scheduling).

• Training: Oracle’s learning path is free.

• Labs: Optional Self‑Paced Labs subscription (monthly/annual) if you want curated, hands‑on practice.

• Time: 30–60 hours if you’re experienced; 60–100+ hours if newer to OCI networking.

Actionable insight: Spend first on practice (labs) before practice tests. Labs build durable skill; practice tests fine‑tune timing and coverage.

Career Value and ROI (Why This Cert Pays Off)

• Signal depth in networking: Beyond “architect basics,” this cert shows you can design, secure, and troubleshoot complex topologies—hybrid, multicloud, and micro‑segmented.

• Up‑to‑date skills: The 2025 topics (ZPR, IPSec over FastConnect, DNSSEC, tunnel inspection, private endpoints) map to real enterprise asks.

• Momentum and promotions: Oracle periodically runs campaigns (e.g., Race to Certification 2025) that lower cost barriers—watch for new waves.

Actionable insight: Update your LinkedIn and résumé with a “Projects and Skills” section listing ZPR design, IPSec over FastConnect, DNSSEC enablement, and DRG transit. Concrete features + outcomes beat buzzwords.

Common Pitfalls—and How to Fix Them

• Pitfall: Confusing NSGs with security lists

  • Fix: Use NSGs for instance‑level micro‑segmentation; SCLs for quick, subnet‑wide baselines.

• Pitfall: Asymmetric routing across DRG/LPG

  • Fix: Trace both directions; standardize next‑hop logic; align route tables for symmetry.

• Pitfall: Overlooking MTU with IPSec over FastConnect

  • Fix: Document end‑to‑end MTU; use PMTUD; test jumbo frames carefully.

• Pitfall: DNSSEC rollout without registrar steps

  • Fix: Plan DS record publication; checklist changes with rollback window.

• Pitfall: “Allow any” rules to “make it work”

  • Fix: Move to ZPR and NSGs with least‑privilege defaults; add logs and alerts.

Actionable insight: Create a 10‑item “troubleshooting quick list” (BGP state, route table, NSG/SCL, firewalls, health checks, logs) and run it every time before deeper hunts.

Sample Question Styles (How to Think, Not What to Memorize)

• Design trade‑off scenario

  • “Which design best supports encrypted private connectivity and high throughput?” Think: IPSec over FastConnect vs. MACsec; HA tunnels; MTU.

• Connectivity triage

  • “Instance A can’t reach Object Storage over private path.” Think: service gateway in route table, private endpoint policy, NSGs, DNS resolution.

• Security policy intent

  • “Allow app‑tier to DB only; deny lateral moves.” Think: ZPR policy scoping + NSG pinholes; verify default denies.

• Multicloud routing

  • “Ensure predictable failover with OCI–Google interconnect.” Think: BGP preferences, primary/backup sessions, equal‑cost concerns.

Actionable insight: Practice drawing mini‑diagrams on your scratchpad for any scenario with more than two hops. Visuals beat mental juggling.

How to Register, Take, and Keep Your Cert Current

• Where and how to schedule

  • Schedule through Oracle’s MyLearn platform; exams are delivered and proctored online by Oracle’s system. Rescheduling/cancellations follow MyLearn policies (commonly 24‑hour cutoff).

• Retakes

  • You can retake after a failed attempt; book the earliest available appointment date after your attempt (check the current policy before you schedule).

• Validity

  • OCI certifications are valid for 24 months from the date earned.

• Pre‑exam checklist

  • Confirm ID requirements, proctoring rules, system check (camera/mic/bandwidth), quiet test space.

Actionable insight: Don’t book your retake window until you analyze your score report by domain and run at least two targeted lab sprints. Retakes work best with a focused gap plan.

FAQs

Q1: How many questions are on 1Z0‑1124‑25 and what’s the passing score?

A1: There are 50 multiple‑choice questions. The passing score is 68%.

Q2: How long is the exam?

A2: Oracle displays the time limit when you schedule in MyLearn. Many Oracle MCQ exams are 90 minutes, but always confirm the duration on the scheduling page for this specific exam.

Q3: How long is the certification valid?

A3: Oracle Cloud Infrastructure certifications are valid for 24 months from the date you earn them.

Q4: Is there a practice exam?

A4: Yes. The official 2025 learning path includes a practice exam designed to mirror the real test format and difficulty.

Q5: Do I need to know Terraform or is Console enough?

A5: Console is sufficient for the exam, but basic CLI or Terraform skills help you practice repeatedly and build confidence quickly.

Conclusion:
Earning the OCI 2025 Networking Professional (1Z0‑1124‑25) proves you can design, secure, and operate modern cloud networks—from DRG‑based transit and hybrid encryption to ZPR and DNSSEC. Start with the official learning path, build a reusable lab, and iterate through the blueprint with targeted practice. With a steady 6–8 week plan, you can turn complex topics into practical skills—and walk into exam day confident and ready.