Top 11 Java Certifications

Certifications for Java are important for job seekers in the job market as they demonstrate a level of proficiency and expertise in the language. A certification can help job seekers stand out from other candidates and give them an edge when applying for jobs. Additionally, certifications can be used to validate skills, which is especially important in today's competitive job market. Finally, employers may require certifications as proof that the candidate has the necessary skills to do the job.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Java and explains how they can help to advance a Java programmer's career.

What are Java Certifications?

Java certification is a professional credential that verifies an individual's knowledge and skills in the Java programming language. This certification is offered by Oracle, the software company responsible for developing and maintaining the Java platform. The certification process involves taking an exam that tests your understanding of advanced concepts in Java programming and your ability to apply them in a real-world environment.

Having a Java certification can open up many opportunities for developers looking to further their careers. It can show employers that you have a strong understanding of the language, as well as demonstrate your commitment to staying up-to-date on industry trends. Having this qualification may also make you more attractive to potential employers when applying for jobs or promotions. Additionally, having a Java certification can make you stand out from other candidates who lack such credentials. Furthermore, it could even increase your earning potential if employers are willing to pay more for certified professionals.

Overall, obtaining a Java certification can be beneficial in many ways, from helping you get hired or promoted at work to increasing your earning potential. It is an excellent way to demonstrate your dedication and expertise in the field of Java programming and prove that you are capable of handling complex tasks with confidence.

Pro Tip: Before attempting a Java certification exam, make sure to review the official curriculum and understand the topics that will be covered. Additionally, practice with sample questions and mock exams to become comfortable with the format of the exam.

Related: What does a Java do?

Top 11 Java Certifications

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

1. Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer

Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer is a certification program that validates your skills and knowledge in the Java programming language. It is designed for individuals who have a basic understanding of object-oriented programming concepts and the Java language. The certification covers topics such as object-oriented design principles, the syntax of the Java language, and how to create applications using the Java platform.

It usually takes around two months to prepare for this certification exam. You can prepare by taking an online course or attending a classroom training session. Additionally, you can use practice tests and study guides to help you prepare for the exam.

To get this certification, you must pass the Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer I exam (1Z0-808). The exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions and has a time limit of 150 minutes. The cost of taking this exam varies depending on your location but typically costs around $245 USD.

2. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer

Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer (OCPJP 8) is an industry-recognized certification for experienced Java developers. It validates a programmer’s knowledge of the Java language and platform, including object-oriented programming, the Java programming language syntax, and core libraries. It also demonstrates a programmer’s ability to develop applications using the latest version of the Java platform.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for and pass the OCPJP 8 exam. The preparation process involves studying Oracle's official training materials, attending instructor-led or online training courses, reading books and articles on Java topics, and practicing coding exercises.

To get certified as an OCPJP 8 programmer, you must pass one exam - 1Z0-808: Java SE 8 Programmer I - which consists of 80 multiple choice questions that must be completed in 150 minutes. To register for this exam, you will need to create an Oracle account and purchase an exam voucher from Oracle University. The cost of the exam voucher varies depending on your location but typically costs around $245 USD.

3. Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer

Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer is an expert-level certification that demonstrates a professional’s ability to develop secure, reliable web applications using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 (Java EE 6) technology. This certification is designed for experienced developers who have a deep understanding of the Java EE platform and its components.

To get this certification, you must pass the Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer exam (1Z0-899). This exam tests your knowledge of web component development topics such as Servlets, JSPs, JSFs and EJBs. It also covers topics such as security and web services. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately 120 minutes to complete.

The cost of the Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer exam is $245 USD. You can purchase the exam voucher from Oracle's website or from any authorized testing center.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official Oracle Certified Expert credential which is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, you must recertify in order to maintain your credential.

4. Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Enterprise JavaBeans Developer

Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Enterprise JavaBeans Developer is a certification that demonstrates the expertise of developers in developing enterprise applications using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) 6 technology. This certification is designed for those who have experience in developing enterprise applications with EJB 3.0 and other related technologies.

It takes approximately three months to prepare for this certification exam. The preparation includes studying the relevant course materials, attending training classes or workshops, and taking practice exams.

To get Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Enterprise JavaBeans Developer certification, you need to pass the Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer II exam (1Z0-898). This exam covers topics such as developing EJB components, using annotations and interceptors, configuring transactions and security roles, and deploying applications to an application server. The cost of this exam is $245 USD.

5. Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect

Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect is an advanced level of certification designed to demonstrate a mastery of the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE). It is intended for senior architects and developers who have extensive experience in designing and developing enterprise applications using Java EE technologies.

It usually takes around six months to prepare for the Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect exam. This includes reading through the official documentation, studying sample code, attending training courses and taking practice exams.

To get certified as an Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect, you must first pass two exams: 1Z0-807 (Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect) and 1Z0-865 (Designing and Developing J2EE Applications). The exams are administered by Pearson VUE.

The cost of the Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect certification varies depending on your location. Generally speaking, it will cost around $400-$500 USD for both exams.

6. Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP)

Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) is a certification program developed by Oracle to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced Java programmers. It is designed to assess an individual’s ability to write, debug, and maintain Java programs.

The SCJP exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test your understanding of the fundamentals of the Java language. The exam also covers topics such as object-oriented programming, exception handling, threading, collections, generics, and I/O.

The SCJP certification is valid for three years from the date you pass the exam. After three years, you must retake the exam to maintain your certification status.

To get certified as a Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP), you must pass one of two exams: either the Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer I or II exams. The Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer I exam covers basic concepts such as object-oriented programming and core language features while the Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer II exam covers more advanced topics such as concurrency and distributed computing.

The cost of taking either of these exams varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $150–$300 USD per exam.

7. Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD)

Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD) is a certification program offered by Oracle, which is designed to validate the skills of web developers in developing and deploying Java-based web components. The SCWCD certification is focused on the Java Enterprise Edition (EE) platform, specifically Servlet and JSP technologies.

The SCWCD exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. Candidates must score at least 60% to pass the exam. The topics covered include: Servlet and JSP fundamentals, HTTP fundamentals, HTML fundamentals, XML fundamentals, server-side development with Java servlets and JSPs, session tracking and security considerations.

To obtain the SCWCD certification, candidates must first register for the exam through Oracle's website or an authorized testing center. Once registered, candidates can study for the exam using a variety of resources such as books, online tutorials and practice tests. After completing their studies and feeling prepared to take the exam, candidates can schedule their exam date at an authorized testing center.

The cost of taking the SCWCD exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases it will cost around $300 USD for both registration and examination fees.

8. Sun Certified Business Component Developer (SCBCD)

The Sun Certified Business Component Developer (SCBCD) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of developers who use Java technology to develop distributed applications. It is intended for software engineers, architects, and other professionals who are involved in developing and deploying enterprise applications using Java technology.

The SCBCD exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as Enterprise JavaBeans, J2EE architecture, Servlets, JDBC, XML, web services, and more. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and requires a passing score of 70% or higher.

To obtain the SCBCD certification, you must first pass the SCBCD exam. You can prepare for the exam by taking an instructor-led course or studying on your own using books and online resources. Additionally, you can take practice exams to assess your readiness for the actual exam.

The cost of the SCBCD exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $200-$300 USD.

9. Sun Certified Enterprise Architect (SCEA)

Sun Certified Enterprise Architect (SCEA) is a certification program designed to validate the knowledge and experience of enterprise architects. It is an advanced certification that requires a comprehensive understanding of Java EE technology, architecture, design, and development. The SCEA certification is awarded by Oracle after passing a series of rigorous exams.

The SCEA certification process consists of two parts: the written exam and the practical exam. The written exam tests your knowledge on various topics related to Java EE technology, architecture, design, and development. This exam must be completed within three hours and consists of multiple-choice questions. Once you pass this exam, you will be eligible for the practical exam which involves designing an enterprise application using Java EE technologies. This part of the process usually takes several days to complete.

In order to get certified as a Sun Certified Enterprise Architect (SCEA), you must have at least five years of experience in developing enterprise applications with Java EE technologies. You must also have taken and passed both the written and practical exams for SCEA certification.

The cost for taking the SCEA exams varies depending on where you take them but generally ranges from $300-$600 USD per exam.

10. IBM Certified Solution Developer - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.0

IBM Certified Solution Developer - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.0 is a certification that demonstrates the skills and knowledge of an individual in developing, deploying, and managing applications on WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.0. This certification is designed to validate the expertise of developers who are responsible for creating, deploying, and managing applications using IBM's WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.0 technology.

To get this certification, candidates must pass one required exam (C9530-519) and one elective exam (C9510-418 or C9510-419). The required exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, deployment, administration, troubleshooting and tuning of WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.0. The elective exams focus on topics such as application development with Java EE 6 technologies or integration with IBM products such as DB2 or Lotus Domino.

The time it takes to complete the certification depends on the candidate’s experience level and the amount of time they can dedicate to studying for the exams. It typically takes several months of preparation to pass both exams successfully.

The cost of getting this certification varies depending on where you take the exams and which packages you choose to purchase from IBM. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,000 USD for all materials related to taking the two exams needed for this certification.

11. Zend PHP 5 Certification

Zend PHP 5 Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the development of PHP 5 applications. The certification is administered by Zend Technologies, the creators of the popular open source scripting language.

The Zend PHP 5 Certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as object-oriented programming, security, web services, databases, and more. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least 6 months of experience developing with PHP 5.

To get certified, applicants must register for an exam through Pearson VUE and pay the associated fee (currently $195 USD). Once registered, applicants will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to access their online account and schedule their exam date. After completing the exam, applicants will receive their results within 48 hours via email. Those who pass will receive a digital certificate from Zend Technologies that can be used to demonstrate their expertise in developing with PHP 5.

The cost of the Zend PHP 5 Certification exam is $195 USD.

Do You Really Need a Java Certificate?

In today's competitive job market, having a Java certificate can be a great asset to your resume. Java is one of the most widely used programming languages in the world, and having a certification to demonstrate your knowledge of it can be incredibly helpful in landing a job.

That said, it's important to remember that a certification isn't always necessary to get a job or succeed as a programmer. Many employers are more interested in what you can do with Java than in whether you have the formal training. If you already have experience working with Java, then having a certificate may not be as important. In this case, employers will likely be more interested in seeing examples of projects you've built or other accomplishments that demonstrate your skills.

However, if you're just starting out with Java and don't have any real-world experience yet, then getting certified may be the best way for you to prove your knowledge and abilities. A certification shows employers that you have taken the time to learn about Java and are committed to becoming an expert in the language. It also demonstrates that you are willing to invest in yourself and take initiative when it comes to advancing your career.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Java certificate depends on where you are in your career journey. If you already have some experience working with Java and want to show potential employers what else you can do, then focusing on building up your portfolio may be more beneficial than investing in formal training. However, if you're just starting out with Java and don't have any real-world experience yet, then getting certified may be the best way for you to prove your knowledge and abilities.

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FAQs About Java Certifications

Q1. What is a Java Certification?

A1. A Java certification is a credential that proves an individual's expertise in the Java programming language. It is an industry-recognized certification program, offered by Oracle, which validates your knowledge and skills in developing, deploying and managing applications using the Java platform.

Q2. What are the different types of Java Certifications?

A2. There are three main types of Java Certifications: Oracle Certified Associate (OCA), Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) and Oracle Certified Master (OCM). Each certifies different levels of expertise in the Java programming language.

Q3. How do I become certified in Java?

A3. To become certified in Java, you must pass one or more exams that demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the Java platform and related technologies. You can find more information on available exams at oracle.com/education/certification/index.html

Q4. How long does it take to get certified in Java?

A4. The amount of time it takes to get certified will depend on your experience level with the technology as well as how often you study for the exam(s). Generally speaking, it may take anywhere from 2-6 months to complete all necessary requirements for certification depending upon your preparation strategy and ability to dedicate time for study and practice tests prior to taking the actual exam(s).

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for getting a Java Certification?

A5. Yes, most certifications require that you have a basic knowledge of object-oriented programming concepts as well as some experience with developing applications using the Java platform before attempting any certification exams. Additionally, some certifications may require that you have passed other prerequisite exams such as OCAJP or OCPJP before attempting more advanced certifications such as OCMJEA or OCMJPA