Top 10 J2EE Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for a J2EE developer in the job market as they can demonstrate their skills and expertise to employers. Certification programs provide a structured way to learn J2EE technologies, prove knowledge of the subject matter, and demonstrate competency in the workplace. Certifications also provide industry recognition and can be used as a credential when applying for jobs or promotions. Additionally, certifications may help employers identify qualified candidates from a pool of applicants and make informed hiring decisions.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for J2EE Developers and explain how they can help to advance a j2ee developer's career.

What are J2EE Developer Certifications?

J2EE Developer Certification is a certification program for software developers who specialize in the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE). The J2EE platform is used to develop web and enterprise applications. The J2EE Developer Certification is designed to prove an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in developing Java EE applications.

Having a J2EE Developer Certification can help individuals gain an edge over other job applicants when applying for positions in the software development industry. It demonstrates that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to develop high-quality enterprise applications, which employers value highly. Furthermore, having the certification shows that the individual is committed to their profession and has a strong understanding of the technology they are working with.

The certification also provides recognition from peers, allowing them to be more respected in their field. Additionally, having the certification can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career, as it may open up opportunities for promotion or higher-paying jobs within the company or industry. Finally, having a J2EE Developer Certification can provide individuals with access to exclusive industry events and conferences where they can network with other professionals and learn about new technologies and trends in the industry.

Pro Tip: When considering a J2EE developer certification, make sure to research the most up-to-date courses and certifications available. Knowing what the current industry standards are will help you choose an appropriate certification that is both relevant and applicable to your career goals.

Related: What does a J2EE Developer do?

Top 10 J2EE Developer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to J2EE Developers today.

1. Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer

Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer is a certification designed to demonstrate the knowledge and skills of web developers using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) 6 technology. It validates that professionals have the expertise to develop enterprise applications for the Java EE 6 platform.

The certification consists of a single exam, 1Z0-899: Java EE 6 Web Component Developer Certified Expert Exam. This exam covers topics such as Servlets, JSPs, Expression Language, Web Application Security, and more. The exam is 90 minutes long and consists of multiple-choice questions.

To get this certification you must first register for the exam through Oracle University. You can do this online or by phone. Once you have registered for the exam, you will need to schedule an appointment at an authorized testing center in order to take it. The cost of the exam is $245 USD.

It typically takes about two weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. If you pass the exam, you will be awarded an Oracle Certified Professional designation and be listed on Oracle’s website as a certified professional in Java EE 6 Web Component Development.

2. Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 5 Enterprise Architect

Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 5 Enterprise Architect is a certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in developing and deploying enterprise applications using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 5 (Java EE 5). It is the highest level of certification available for Java EE 5.

The Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 5 Enterprise Architect exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a hands-on lab. The written exam covers topics such as design patterns, application architecture, web services, security, transaction management, and performance tuning. The hands-on lab requires candidates to develop an application using the technologies covered on the written exam.

It typically takes several months to prepare for this certification. Candidates should have extensive experience with Java EE 5 technologies and be familiar with best practices for building enterprise applications. In addition to studying for the exams, candidates should also practice their skills by developing sample applications using the technologies covered on the exams.

The cost of becoming an Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 5 Enterprise Architect varies depending on where you take the exams. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000 USD to become certified. This includes both the registration fee for the exams and any additional materials or training courses needed to prepare for them.

3. IBM Certified Solution Developer - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V6.0

IBM Certified Solution Developer - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V6.0 is a professional certification offered by IBM that demonstrates a candidate’s expertise in developing and deploying applications on the WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment (WAS ND) V6.0 platform. This certification validates an individual’s knowledge of the WAS ND architecture, its components, and their respective functions. It also verifies a candidate’s ability to develop and deploy applications using WAS ND tools and technologies.

To obtain this certification, candidates must pass one exam: Test C9530-404: IBM WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V6.0 Core Administration. The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes.

The cost of the exam is $200 USD for each attempt. Candidates have up to three attempts to pass the exam before needing to purchase another voucher for another attempt at the exam.

Once the exam has been passed, the candidate will receive their IBM Certified Solution Developer - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V6.0 certificate from IBM, which is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam.

4. IBM Certified System Administrator - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V6.0

IBM Certified System Administrator - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V6.0 is a certification that validates the skills and knowledge required to install, configure, and maintain WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V6.0. This certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for administering, configuring, and troubleshooting distributed application environments using WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V6.0.

To obtain this certification, you must pass two exams: C9530-404: IBM WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V6.0 Core Administration and C9510-401: IBM WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V6.0 System Administration. Each exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of multiple choice questions.

The cost of the certification exams vary depending on your location; however, they typically range from $150-$200 per exam in the United States.

Once you have passed both exams, you will be awarded the IBM Certified System Administrator - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V6.0 Certification credential which is valid for three years from the date of completion of the exams.

5. Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for the Java Platform, Standard Edition 6

Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for the Java Platform, Standard Edition 6 (SCEA) is a certification program offered by Oracle that tests the knowledge and skills of experienced enterprise architects in designing, developing, deploying and managing applications on the Java platform. SCEA is designed to demonstrate that an individual has mastered the skills needed to develop and maintain large-scale enterprise applications using Java technology.

In order to obtain SCEA certification, individuals must pass three exams:

1. Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for the Java Platform, Standard Edition 6 Exam Part I (310-051)

2. Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for the Java Platform, Standard Edition 6 Exam Part II (310-052)

3. Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for the Java Platform, Standard Edition 6 Exam Part III (310-053).

It typically takes about 3 months to complete all three exams depending on your experience level and study habits. It is recommended that you have at least 5 years of experience in enterprise application development before attempting these exams.

You can register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of each exam is $245 USD.

6. Sun Certified Web Component Developer for the Java Platform, Standard Edition 6

Sun Certified Web Component Developer for the Java Platform, Standard Edition 6 (SCWCD) is a certification designed to demonstrate expertise in developing web components using the Java Platform, Standard Edition 6. It is an advanced-level certification and requires knowledge of servlets, JavaServer Pages (JSPs), and related technologies.

The SCWCD exam consists of 65 multiple-choice questions that need to be completed within 150 minutes. To pass the exam, you must score at least 64%.

To get certified, you need to register with Oracle and book a seat at an authorized testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

You can prepare for the SCWCD exam by taking online courses or self-study materials such as books or practice tests. Additionally, you can attend instructor-led training courses offered by various organizations.

7. Oracle Certified Expert, Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 Web Services Developer

Oracle Certified Expert, Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 Web Services Developer is an Oracle certification that demonstrates a professional's expertise in developing and deploying web services applications using Java EE 6 technologies. This certification validates a professional’s ability to design, develop, deploy and test secure web services applications using the Java EE 6 platform.

To become an Oracle Certified Expert, Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 Web Services Developer, you must pass the 1Z0-897 exam. The exam consists of 65 multiple-choice questions and takes 2 hours to complete. It costs $245 USD to take the exam.

To prepare for the exam, Oracle recommends taking the following courses: Developing SOA Composite Applications with Oracle SOA Suite 11g (1Z0-478), Developing Applications with Java EE 6 (1Z0-899) and Developing Web Services with JAX-WS (1Z0-896). Additionally, there are practice exams available online for purchase that can help you prepare for the real exam.

8. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): SharePoint Applications

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): SharePoint Applications is a certification program offered by Microsoft that demonstrates a professional’s ability to develop and maintain solutions using Microsoft SharePoint. This certification is designed for experienced developers who want to demonstrate their expertise in building custom solutions on the SharePoint platform.

The MCSD: SharePoint Applications certification requires the completion of three exams: Exam 70-488, Developing Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 Core Solutions; Exam 70-489, Developing Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013 Advanced Solutions; and Exam 70-331, Core Solutions of Microsoft SharePoint Server 2013. The exams must be completed within 12 months of each other in order to earn the certification.

In order to take the exams, you must first purchase an exam voucher from Microsoft or a third-party vendor. Each exam voucher costs approximately $150 USD. Once you have purchased your exam vouchers, you can register for your exams at the Pearson VUE website (www.pearsonvue.com).

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for and complete all three exams necessary for the MCSD: SharePoint Applications certification. The amount of time needed may vary depending on your experience with developing applications on the SharePoint platform and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exams.

9. Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 7 Programmer

Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 7 Programmer (OCAJP7) is an entry-level certification for software developers who have experience in the Java programming language. It is designed to prove that the candidate has a fundamental understanding of the core principles and concepts of the Java language.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for this certification, depending on your level of experience with Java. To get this certification, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-803 (Java SE 7 Programmer I) and 1Z0-804 (Java SE 7 Programmer II). Both exams are multiple choice and require a minimum score of 65% to pass.

The cost of taking these exams varies depending on where you take them. The Oracle website lists the cost as $245 USD per exam, but it may be cheaper if you take them through a third party such as Pearson VUE or Prometric.

10. Zend PHP 5 Certification

Zend PHP 5 Certification is a professional certification program that tests and validates the knowledge and skills of developers in the field of PHP programming. It is offered by Zend Technologies, the creators of the popular open-source scripting language. The certification exam covers topics such as object-oriented programming, web services, security, databases, XML, etc.

The certification process takes about four hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions. To get certified, you must pass an online exam with a score of 70% or higher. The cost of the exam is $195 USD.

In order to prepare for the exam, you can take advantage of various resources such as online tutorials, books, videos and practice exams. You can also attend Zend training courses which are offered both online and in person. Additionally, there are several study groups available on social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn where you can ask questions and discuss topics related to the exam.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your certificate from Zend Technologies which will be valid for two years from the date of issue. After two years you must renew your certification by taking another examination or attending a refresher course provided by Zend Technologies.

Do You Really Need a J2EE Developer Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your personal goals and ambitions. On one hand, having a J2EE Developer Certificate may give you an edge in the job market, as many employers look for applicants who have achieved certification. On the other hand, if you already have experience working with J2EE and can demonstrate your proficiency, then a certificate may not be necessary.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pursue a J2EE Developer Certificate should be based on the specific requirements of each job you are applying for. If employers require certification, then it is likely worth the effort and cost to obtain one. However, if employers do not require certification but rather seek out experienced developers who can prove their skills through portfolios and interviews, then obtaining a certificate may not be necessary.

Related: J2EE Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About J2EE Developer Certifications

1. What is a J2EE Developer Certification?

Answer: A J2EE Developer Certification is a professional certification for software developers who have expertise in Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE). It demonstrates the developer’s ability to build robust and secure applications using the latest Java technologies.

2. What kind of prerequisites are required to obtain a J2EE Developer Certification?

Answer: A basic understanding of Java programming language and web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML and SQL are necessary prerequisites for obtaining a J2EE Developer Certification. Additionally, some experience with developing enterprise applications with the Java EE platform is also recommended.

3. How long does it take to become certified as a J2EE Developer?

Answer: The exact duration depends on individual preparation and level of experience with the relevant technologies. Generally speaking, it takes around 2-3 months to complete the coursework and pass the exam required for certification.

4. What are the benefits of becoming a certified J2EE Developer?

Answer: Becoming a certified J2EE developer can open up career opportunities in organizations that use or develop Java-based applications. Moreover, it demonstrates your technical knowledge and expertise in this field which can boost your resume and increase salary prospects significantly.

5. Are there any online resources available to help prepare for the certification exam?

Answer: Yes, there are several online resources available including tutorials, study guides, practice tests and sample questions which can be used to help you prepare for the certification exam.