Top 11 Java Programmer Certifications

Certifications are important for a Java programmer in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and competency in the language. Certified Java programmers demonstrate to employers that they have the required skills and qualifications to perform the job effectively. Certification also serves as an indicator of commitment to the field; it shows that the programmer has invested time and money into becoming an expert in their chosen language. Additionally, certifications provide an objective measure of a programmer’s ability, allowing employers to compare candidates more easily.

The article reviews some of the best certifications for Java Programmers, discussing how they can help to advance a programmer's career.

What are Java Programmer Certifications?

Java Programmer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and ability to develop applications in the Java programming language. The certification covers topics such as object-oriented programming, algorithms, data structures, and design patterns. It also requires proficiency in the use of Java libraries and frameworks such as Spring Boot.

Having a Java Programmer Certification can help individuals stand out in the job market and demonstrate their expertise in developing software projects with Java. It can also be beneficial for individuals already working in the software industry who wish to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and best practices. Additionally, it can help employers identify qualified candidates and evaluate them against established standards. Finally, having this certification may open up opportunities for higher pay or more responsibilities at work.

Pro Tip: Before investing in a Java programmer certification, make sure you have a solid understanding of the fundamentals. You should also be familiar with key topics like object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms and web development before taking the exam.

Related: What does a Java Programmer do?

Top 11 Java Programmer Certifications

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

1. Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer (OCPJP)

Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer (OCPJP) is a professional certification program developed by Oracle that tests and validates the knowledge and skills of experienced Java programmers. It is designed to measure a programmer’s ability to write, debug, maintain, and optimize Java code.

The OCPJP requires candidates to pass two exams: the Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer I (OCPJP 8) and Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer II (OCPJP 8). The first exam covers basic language features such as loops, classes, objects, methods, variables, and data types. The second exam focuses on more advanced topics such as collections, concurrency, lambdas, streams, I/O APIs, JDBC APIs, and more.

It typically takes between 6-12 months for a candidate to prepare for the OCPJP exams. Candidates should have at least six months of experience working with Java before attempting the exams.

To get certified as an OCPJP 8 programmer one must register for both exams with Pearson VUE or Oracle University. Each exam costs $245 USD. Once both exams are passed successfully the candidate will receive their certification from Oracle.

2. Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmer (OCAJP)

Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmer (OCAJP) is an entry-level certification that demonstrates a programmer’s knowledge and expertise in the Java programming language. It is designed to validate a programmer’s ability to write, compile, debug, and execute basic Java programs.

It typically takes about two months of preparation to pass the OCAJP exam. During this time, you should focus on studying topics such as the Java syntax, object-oriented programming principles, and the fundamentals of the Java language. You can also take online courses or attend instructor-led classes to prepare for the exam.

To get certified, you must first register for an Oracle account and then purchase an exam voucher from Oracle University. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $245 to $295 USD. After purchasing your voucher, you can schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center near you.

Once you have passed the OCAJP exam, you will be awarded an Oracle Certified Associate credential that is valid for three years.

3. Java SE 8 Programmer I (1Z0-808)

Java SE 8 Programmer I (1Z0-808) is an Oracle certification exam that tests a candidate’s knowledge of the Java programming language and its core application programming interfaces (APIs). It is designed to be taken by individuals who have a basic understanding of the Java language, as well as some experience with developing applications using it. The exam covers topics such as object-oriented concepts, lambda expressions, generics, collections, concurrency, and more.

The exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete. It consists of 80 multiple choice questions and requires a minimum passing score of 65%.

To take the Java SE 8 Programmer I (1Z0-808) exam you must register for it through Oracle's website. You will need to provide your personal information and payment details in order to register for the exam. The cost for the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $245 - $300 USD.

4. Java SE 8 Programmer II (1Z0-809)

Java SE 8 Programmer II (1Z0-809) is an Oracle certification that tests a programmer's ability to develop, implement, and troubleshoot applications using Java Standard Edition 8. It is intended for experienced Java developers who have already achieved the Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) level, and it is the second step in the Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) program.

The exam consists of 85 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed in 150 minutes. The topics covered include: Object-Oriented Concepts, Advanced Class Design, Generics and Collections, Lambda Built-In Functional Interfaces, Java Stream API, Exception Handling and Assertions, Date/Time API, Concurrency and Localization.

To get certified at this level you need to pass the 1Z0-809 exam with a score of 65% or higher. To prepare for this exam you can use self-study materials such as books and online courses or attend instructor led training courses.

The cost of the 1Z0-809 exam varies depending on your location but generally costs around $245 USD.

5. Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect (OCMJEA)

Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect (OCMJEA) is a certification offered by Oracle that validates an individual’s expertise in designing and developing enterprise-level applications using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 (Java EE 6). This certification requires a deep understanding of the Java EE 6 platform, its components, and their interactions.

The OCMJEA certification consists of two parts: The first part is a written exam that tests the candidate’s knowledge of the Java EE 6 platform. The second part is a hands-on lab exam that tests the candidate’s ability to design and develop enterprise applications using the Java EE 6 platform.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the OCMJEA certification. Candidates should be familiar with all aspects of the Java EE 6 platform including web services, EJB 3.0, JPA 2.0, JMS 1.1, Servlets 3.0, JSP 2.2 and more. In addition to studying these topics in depth, candidates should also have experience working with real-world projects built on top of the Java EE 6 platform.

To get certified as an OCMJEA, candidates must register for both parts of the exam at Oracle University's website and pay for each part separately. The cost for each part varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD per part.

6. Sun Certified Java Developer (SCJD)

Sun Certified Java Developer (SCJD) is a professional certification for software developers who specialize in the Java programming language. It is offered by Oracle and demonstrates a candidate’s expertise in developing applications using the Java platform. The certification is designed to validate a candidate’s knowledge of object-oriented programming, design patterns, Java language syntax, and development best practices.

It typically takes 6-12 months to prepare for the SCJD exam. Candidates should have at least two years of experience working with Java technology before attempting this certification. Preparation includes studying topics such as Java language fundamentals, object-oriented programming principles, exception handling, threading, collections framework, networking concepts and JDBC API.

To obtain the SCJD certification, candidates must pass one exam administered by Oracle University. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and costs around $300 USD. Candidates must also submit a project that demonstrates their ability to develop an application using the latest version of the Java platform. Once both requirements are met, candidates will be awarded the Sun Certified Java Developer credential from Oracle University.

7. IBM Certified Solution Developer - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.5 (C9510-401)

IBM Certified Solution Developer - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.5 (C9510-401) is a professional certification from IBM that validates a candidate's skills and knowledge in developing, deploying, and troubleshooting applications on the WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.5 platform. This certification is intended for experienced professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in the development of applications using WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.5.

The exam for this certification consists of 58 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. In order to pass the exam, you must score at least 70%. The cost of the exam is $200 USD.

To get this certification, you must first register for an IBM ID and then purchase an exam voucher from PearsonVUE or Prometric testing centers. After registering and purchasing your exam voucher, you can schedule your exam with PearsonVUE or Prometric testing centers online or by phone. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will be awarded the IBM Certified Solution Developer - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.5 certification.

8. Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer (OCEJWCD)

Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer (OCEJWCD) is a professional certification offered by Oracle that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in developing web components using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE). The OCEJWCD certification validates an individual’s ability to develop server-side applications using JavaServer Pages (JSP), servlets, and other technologies such as Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) and Java Message Service (JMS).

It typically takes about three months of study and practice to prepare for the OCEJWCD exam. To get certified, candidates must pass a single exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as web component architecture, servlet development, JSP development, EJB development, and enterprise application integration.

The cost of the OCEJWCD exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken. In the United States, it costs $245 USD. In India, it costs Rs. 7500 INR.

To register for the OCEJWCD exam, candidates must first create an Oracle account and then purchase a voucher from Pearson VUE or Prometric. Once they have purchased their voucher they can schedule their exam at one of these testing centers.

9. Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Enterprise JavaBeans Developer (OCEEJBD)

Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Enterprise JavaBeans Developer (OCEEJBD) is an Oracle certification that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in developing enterprise applications using the Java EE 6 platform. This certification validates a professional’s ability to design and develop enterprise applications using Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) technology.

The exam for this certification is called 1Z0-899: Java EE 6 Enterprise JavaBeans Developer Certified Expert Exam. It takes approximately 3 hours to complete and consists of 80 multiple choice questions. The exam fee is $245 USD.

To become certified, you must pass the 1Z0-899 exam with a score of 75% or higher. You can prepare for the exam by taking an Oracle training course or studying independently using Oracle’s official study guide and practice exams.

10. Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Services Developer (OCEJWSD)

Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Services Developer (OCEJWSD) is a certification that demonstrates the expertise of developers in developing and deploying web services using Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE). It is designed to validate an individual's ability to develop secure, reliable, and maintainable web services applications using the Java EE 6 platform.

To get certified as an OCEJWSD, you must pass one exam: Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Services Developer (1Z0-897). This exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 150 minutes to complete.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your location. The exam fee for the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico is $245 USD. For other countries, please check with your local Oracle Testing Center for pricing information.

In order to prepare for this certification exam, it is recommended that you have at least two years of experience developing web services applications using Java EE technologies such as JAX-WS, JAXB and SOAP. You should also be familiar with related technologies such as XML and WSDL. Additionally, having knowledge of security concepts such as authentication and authorization is beneficial when taking this exam.

11. Oracle Certified Expert, Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 JavaServer Faces Developer (OCEJPED).

Oracle Certified Expert, Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 JavaServer Faces Developer (OCEJPED) is an Oracle certification that validates a professional’s expertise in developing applications using the JavaServer Faces (JSF) technology. The certification is designed to demonstrate a professional’s ability to develop JSF-based web applications using the latest version of the Java EE platform.

To obtain this certification, one must pass two exams: 1Z0-896 and 1Z0-897. The first exam covers topics such as application development with JSF components, managed beans, navigation and page flow, validation, and internationalization. The second exam covers topics such as enterprise architecture, security, performance tuning and optimization, debugging and troubleshooting techniques.

The time it takes to get this certification varies depending on the individual's experience level and study habits. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to prepare for these exams.

In order to get certified as an OCEJPED, one must register for both exams at Oracle University or Pearson VUE testing centers. The cost for each exam is $245 USD. Therefore, the total cost of obtaining this certification is $490 USD.

Do You Really Need a Java Programmer Certificate?

No, you do not need a Java Programmer Certificate to become a successful and competent Java programmer. While having a certificate may help show that you have the knowledge and skills required for the job, it is not necessary in order to be considered for a position.

The most important factor when looking for a job as a Java programmer is your experience and technical expertise. Employers will be more likely to hire someone who has had hands-on experience in coding and debugging various programs than someone with just a certificate. A good portfolio of work is also essential, as this will demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.

Having said that, if you are looking to expand your knowledge and gain an edge over other applicants then obtaining an accredited certificate may be beneficial. This could help prove your commitment to the subject matter and ensure employers that you have the qualifications they are looking for.

In conclusion, while having a Java Programmer Certificate may assist in landing a job as a Java programmer, it is not essential in order to be considered for such positions. Your experience and technical expertise should always take precedence when applying for jobs in this field.

Related: Java Programmer Resume Examples

FAQs About Java Programmer Certifications

Q1. What is a Java Programmer Certification?

Answer: A Java Programmer Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates the skills and knowledge of a programmer in the Java programming language. It demonstrates that the holder has the expertise to build, maintain, and troubleshoot applications written in Java.

Q2. How do I become a certified Java programmer?

Answer: To become a certified Java programmer, you must pass an exam administered by Oracle or another authorized provider. You will need to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the language, including object-oriented programming principles, data types and structures, classes, variables, methods, exception handling, and more.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Java programmer?

Answer: Becoming a certified Java programmer can help open up job opportunities in software development or other related fields. Additionally, having this certification can give you an edge over other applicants as employers look for qualified professionals with current certifications when hiring for software development positions.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as a Java programmer?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified as a Java programmer varies depending on individual experience and preparation for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 3-6 months of dedicated study and practice before taking the certification exam.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for taking a Java Programmer Certification exam?

Answer: Yes - most certification exams will require that applicants have at least two years of experience working with the language prior to taking the test. Additionally, some exams may also require applicants to complete certain courses or training programs prior to being eligible to take the test.