Top 10 Cobol Programmer Certifications

Certifications are important for a Cobol programmer in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that the programmer has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job. Certifications also provide proof of experience, which helps employers assess the quality of a candidate’s work. Additionally, certifications can help cobol programmers stand out from other applicants and remain competitive in the job market.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Cobol Programmers and discuss how they can help enhance a programmer's career.

What are Cobol Programmer Certifications?

Cobol programmer certification is a professional credential that verifies an individual’s expertise in the COBOL programming language. It is offered by a number of organizations, such as IBM and the Institute for Certified Computing Professionals (ICCP). The certification demonstrates to employers that an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively use COBOL for development projects.

The certification consists of a comprehensive exam that tests one’s knowledge of the language and its related technologies. The exam covers topics such as data structures, program flow control, debugging techniques, and database access. To prepare for the exam, individuals can take courses or self-study using resources such as textbooks or online tutorials.

Having Cobol programmer certification can help individuals stand out when applying for jobs in the field. Employers may view those with certification more favorably than those without it since it shows they are committed to their profession and have acquired specific skills in Cobol programming. Additionally, having this credential indicates that an individual is up to date on industry standards and best practices when working with this technology.

Pro Tip: When pursuing Cobol programmer certification, take the time to learn and understand the language's syntax and conventions. This will make it easier to pass the certification exams and demonstrate your proficiency in the language. Additionally, practice writing examples of Cobol code to gain familiarity with the language.

Related: What does a Cobol Programmer do?

Top 10 Cobol Programmer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Cobol Programmers today.

1. IBM Certified Application Developer – COBOL

IBM Certified Application Developer – COBOL is a professional certification program offered by IBM. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced developers in the development of COBOL applications. The certification demonstrates an individual's ability to design, develop, test, debug, maintain and document COBOL programs.

The certification requires a minimum of two years of experience developing COBOL applications as well as passing an exam. The exam covers topics such as language structure and syntax, data structures, debugging techniques, database access methods, file I/O operations, and performance tuning techniques.

The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center or online via proctored remote testing. It takes about 2 hours to complete the exam and costs $200 USD for non-IBMers or $100 USD for IBMers.

Once you pass the exam you will receive an IBM Certified Application Developer – COBOL certificate that is valid for three years from the date it was issued.

2. IBM Certified System Programmer – COBOL

IBM Certified System Programmer – COBOL is a certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the use of COBOL programming language. It is designed for experienced professionals who develop, maintain, and support applications written in COBOL.

The certification requires a candidate to pass one exam, C2090-621: IBM Certified System Programmer - COBOL V6. This exam covers topics such as program structure and logic, data types and structures, file processing techniques, debugging techniques, and more. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

To get the IBM Certified System Programmer – COBOL certification, candidates must first purchase an exam voucher from IBM or Pearson VUE (the official testing provider). The cost of the voucher varies depending on the country you are located in but typically ranges between $200-$250 USD. After purchasing the voucher, candidates can then register for the exam at Pearson VUE's website. Once registered, they can then schedule their exam date at any of Pearson VUE's testing centers around the world.

Once the candidate has successfully passed the C2090-621: IBM Certified System Programmer - COBOL V6 exam they will be awarded with their IBM Certified System Programmer – COBOL certification. This certification does not expire and does not require renewal or recertification.

3. Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 5 Web Component Developer

Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 5 Web Component Developer is an Oracle certification that demonstrates a professional's expertise in developing web components using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 5 (Java EE 5) technology. It is designed for individuals who have experience with the development of web-based applications using the Java EE 5 platform.

To get this certification, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-858: Java Enterprise Edition 5 Web Component Developer Certified Professional Exam and 1Z0-859: Java Enterprise Edition 5 Web Services Developer Certified Professional Exam. The first exam covers topics such as JSPs, Servlets, JSFs, JDBC and XML technologies. The second exam focuses on web services related topics such as SOAP, WSDL and UDDI.

It typically takes about 2 to 3 months to prepare for these exams depending on your background knowledge and experience. You can find study material from various sources including books, online tutorials and practice tests.

The cost of the exams vary depending on your location but usually range from $150 to $250 per exam.

4. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Business Intelligence

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Business Intelligence is an advanced certification that demonstrates expertise in designing, building, and deploying business intelligence solutions. It is designed for experienced IT professionals who have a deep understanding of the Microsoft data platform and related technologies. It requires a minimum of two years of experience in designing and implementing business intelligence solutions.

To get the MCSE: Business Intelligence certification, you must pass three exams:

1) Exam 70-467: Designing Business Intelligence Solutions with Microsoft SQL Server;

2) Exam 70-466: Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft SQL Server;

3) Exam 70-768: Developing SQL Data Models.

You can also choose to take one of the following elective exams instead of Exam 70-468: Exam 70-461: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014; Exam 70-462: Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 Databases; or Exam 70-463: Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014.

The cost for each exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 - $200 USD per exam. The total cost for all three exams is approximately $450 - $600 USD. Depending on your study habits, it can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months to prepare for the exams and obtain the certification.

5. CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP)

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT security professionals. The CASP exam covers a wide range of topics related to enterprise security, risk management, research and analysis, integration of computing, communications, and business disciplines, as well as technical integration of enterprise components.

The CASP exam typically takes about two hours to complete. It consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that are scored on a scale from 100-900. To pass the exam, you must score at least 750 points.

To get the CASP certification, you must first take and pass the CompTIA A+ certification exam or its equivalent. You will then need to register for the CASP exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. Once registered, you can schedule your exam appointment online or by phone.

The cost for the CASP exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $349 USD for the exam itself plus any additional fees associated with taking it at a particular testing center.

6. Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional

Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional (OCP) is a certification program for database administrators who have achieved expertise in the Oracle Database 11g technology. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of professionals who manage, maintain, develop and implement enterprise-wide databases.

To become an Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Professional, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-051 and 1Z0-052. The first exam covers topics such as installation and configuration of Oracle Database 11g, managing users and resources, backup and recovery, performance tuning, security management and more. The second exam focuses on advanced topics such as SQL tuning, data guard administration, RMAN backup & recovery, ASM storage management and more.

It typically takes between six months to a year to prepare for the OCP exams depending on your background knowledge of Oracle Database 11g technologies. You can use online courses or self-study materials to help you prepare for the exams. Additionally, there are several training centers that offer instructor-led classes which can help you gain the necessary skills needed to pass the exams.

The cost of taking the OCP exams varies depending on where you take them. Generally speaking, it costs around $300 USD per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees.

7. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2016 is a certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in managing and deploying Windows Server 2016. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge necessary to run a highly efficient and modern data center, with expertise in identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage, and networking.

To become MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certified, you must pass two exams: Exam 70-740: Installation, Storage and Compute with Windows Server 2016; and Exam 70-741: Networking with Windows Server 2016. The exams are administered by Microsoft through its network of authorized testing centers.

The cost of each exam varies depending on the country where it is taken. Generally speaking, the cost of each exam ranges from $165 USD to $200 USD. Depending on your experience level and study habits, it may take anywhere from 2-6 months to prepare for the exams.

In addition to passing the two required exams, there are no other requirements for becoming MCSA: Windows Server 2016 certified. Once you have passed both exams successfully, you will receive your certification in the mail within 4-6 weeks after completing your exams.

8. Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) is a certification program designed to validate the skills of IT professionals who have experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The RHCE exam tests an individual's knowledge and ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems.

The RHCE exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete and consists of two parts: a hands-on lab exam and a multiple-choice exam. The hands-on lab exam requires you to demonstrate your ability to perform specific tasks on a live system while the multiple-choice exam verifies your knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

In order to become an RHCE, you must first pass the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) exam. After passing the RHCSA, you can then take the RHCE exam. You must also have at least 6 months of experience working with Red Hat Enterprise Linux before taking the RHCE exam.

The cost for taking the RHCSA and RHCE exams vary depending on where you take them. Generally, it will cost around $400 USD for both exams combined.

9. CompTIA Security+ Certification

CompTIA Security+ is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s competency in IT security. It is designed to ensure that professionals have the skills and knowledge necessary to identify potential security threats, implement secure solutions, and maintain a secure environment.

The CompTIA Security+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within 90 minutes. The exam covers topics such as network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control and identity management, cryptography, and more.

To get the CompTIA Security+ certification, you must pass the Security+ exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale of 100-900. You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $320-$360 USD.

In order to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam, it is recommended that you study for at least 30 hours using resources such as practice tests, books, online courses, or instructor-led training classes. Additionally, having experience in IT security will help you better understand the material covered in the exam.

10. ISACA CISM - Certified Information Security Manager

ISACA CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) is a globally recognized certification for professionals working in the field of information security management. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of expertise and experience in the area of information security management. The CISM certification is administered by ISACA, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the use of technology in business and government.

The CISM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to information security management. To obtain the CISM certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as risk management, security architecture, operations security, compliance, and incident management.

The exam typically takes four hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam fee is $575 for ISACA members or $760 for non-members. Applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements before they can take the exam. These include having at least five years of experience in information security management within the past 10 years, as well as completing an application form and paying the associated fees.

Once applicants have passed the exam and met all other requirements, they will receive their CISM certification from ISACA. This certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued; after this period has elapsed, holders must renew their certification by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Cobol Programmer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Cobol Programmer Certificate in order to pursue a career in programming. However, depending on the specific job you are applying for and your experience level, having a certificate may be beneficial.

A Cobol Programmer Certificate can demonstrate that you have an understanding of the language and its core concepts, as well as the ability to use it effectively. This can be especially important when applying for positions where Cobol is the primary language used. Having a certificate can also be useful when looking for more senior roles and when negotiating salary.

At the end of the day, whether or not you should pursue a Cobol Programmer Certificate depends on your individual situation. If you have some experience with Cobol already and are confident in your skillset, then there may not be much benefit to obtaining a certificate. However, if you are new to programming or would like to gain more confidence in your talents then it could be worth considering investing in one.

Related: Cobol Programmer Resume Examples

FAQs About Cobol Programmer Certifications

Q1. What is a Cobol Programmer Certification?

A1. A Cobol Programmer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and expertise in the programming language COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language). It validates an individual’s ability to develop, modify, maintain, debug, and tune COBOL applications.

Q2. Who should get a Cobol Programmer Certification?

A2. A Cobol Programmer Certification is ideal for individuals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in programming with COBOL to employers or other stakeholders. It can also be beneficial for experienced programmers who want to stay up-to-date on the latest tools and techniques used in COBOL development.

Q3. What are the requirements for obtaining a Cobol Programmer Certification?

A3. Requirements vary depending on the specific certification organization, but generally involve passing an exam or completing a series of courses that cover topics such as COBOL syntax, database connectivity, debugging and tuning, and system management.

Q4. How long does it take to get a Cobol Programmer Certification?

A4. The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on several factors such as the type of certification program you choose and your prior experience with COBOL programming. On average, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to complete all of the requirements necessary for certification depending on how much time you dedicate each day/week towards studying for the exam(s).

Q5. What are some of the benefits of getting a Cobol Programmer Certification?

A5: Having a Cobol Programmer Certification can help you stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions within IT departments or software development teams that require knowledge of COBOL programming language and related technologies such as databases and system management toolsets. Additionally, having this type of certification can open up new opportunities for career growth within organizations that use COBOL extensively in their operations or products/services they offer customers/clients.