Top 10 Java Software Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for a Java software developer in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certification programs provide a way to prove you have the skills necessary to perform the job and are often seen as an indication of commitment and dedication. Having certifications can also help differentiate you from other applicants, giving you an edge in competitive job markets. They can also open up new career opportunities, such as specialized positions or higher salaries.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Java Software Developers and explains how they can contribute to a java software developer's career.

What are Java Software Developer Certifications?

Java software developer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the development of Java-based applications. The certification is offered by Oracle, the company that owns and develops the Java programming language. By achieving this certification, individuals demonstrate their knowledge of Java programming concepts and their ability to use them to create high-quality applications.

The benefits of obtaining a Java software developer certification include:

• Increased job opportunities – Having a certified Java software developer on your resume can help you stand out from other applicants and make you more attractive to potential employers.
• Higher salary – Companies are often willing to pay higher salaries for certified developers because they know they will be getting someone with a proven skill set.
• Improved credibility – You’ll be able to demonstrate to employers and clients that you have the skills needed to develop quality applications using the latest technologies.
• Access to additional resources – Once certified, you may have access to exclusive resources such as online support forums, technical documentation, and training materials.

Overall, becoming a certified Java software developer can help open up new career opportunities and provide greater job security. It also gives employers confidence in your abilities as a programmer and can potentially lead to higher salaries or better projects.

Pro Tip: Invest in a comprehensive Java software developer certification to ensure that you have the necessary qualifications for a successful career. This certification will demonstrate your commitment to the language, and show employers that you are knowledgeable and experienced in the field. Additionally, it can help you stand out from other job applicants as having specialized knowledge and skills.

Related: What does a Java Software Developer do?

Top 10 Java Software Developer Certifications

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

1. Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer

Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced Java developers. It is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates expertise in developing applications using the Java Platform, Standard Edition 8 (Java SE 8). The Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer certification requires passing one exam: 1Z0-809: Java SE 8 Programmer II.

The exam typically takes around 150 minutes to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. Candidates must answer at least 65% of the questions correctly to pass the exam.

In order to get certified, candidates must register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Oracle University, pay a registration fee, and then schedule their exam date. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but usually ranges from $245-$295 USD.

2. Oracle Certified Associate Java SE 8 Programmer

Oracle Certified Associate Java SE 8 Programmer is a certification program designed to assess the competency of an individual in the Java programming language. The certification is designed for developers who have basic knowledge and experience with Java technology, but are not yet proficient enough to pass the Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) exam.

The Oracle Certified Associate Java SE 8 Programmer certification requires successful completion of one exam, 1Z0-808. The exam covers topics such as object-oriented programming, core language features, design patterns, and best practices. It takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the exam.

To get certified you must register for and take the 1Z0-808 exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or through Oracle University’s online proctored exams. The cost of the exam varies by region; however, it typically costs around $150 USD.

Once you have successfully passed the 1Z0-808 exam, you will receive your Oracle Certified Associate Java SE 8 Programmer certificate from Oracle University. You can also access your digital badge on Acclaim which can be used to showcase your credentials on social media networks such as LinkedIn and Twitter.

3. Oracle Certified Master Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect

Oracle Certified Master Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect is an advanced certification for experienced professionals who specialize in architecting, designing, and developing enterprise applications using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 (Java EE 6) technology. This certification validates a professional’s ability to design, develop and deploy solutions that are secure, scalable and maintainable.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for this certification exam. To get the Oracle Certified Master Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect certification, you must first pass two exams: 1Z0-807: Java Enterprise Edition 6 Enterprise Architect Certified Master Exam and 1Z0-865: Java Technology Architecture.

The cost of the Oracle Certified Master Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect exam varies depending on your country of residence. In the United States, it costs $245 per exam (for a total of $490).

4. Oracle Certified Expert Java EE 6 Web Services Developer

Oracle Certified Expert Java EE 6 Web Services Developer is a certification program offered by Oracle that validates an individual’s expertise in developing web services using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) 6 technology. This certification requires the candidate to demonstrate their ability to develop and deploy secure, reliable and scalable web services applications on the Java EE 6 platform.

To become an Oracle Certified Expert Java EE 6 Web Services Developer, candidates must first pass two exams: 1Z0-897: Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 Web Services Developer Certified Expert Exam and 1Z0-898: Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 JavaServer Pages and Servlet Developer Certified Expert Exam. It typically takes around 8 weeks of preparation to pass these exams.

The cost of the two exams is $245 USD each. The total cost for becoming an Oracle Certified Expert Java EE 6 Web Services Developer is $490 USD.

5. Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP)

Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) is a certification program from Oracle that tests the knowledge and skills of Java developers. The SCJP certification is designed to measure a programmer's ability to write, debug, and maintain code written in the Java programming language.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as language fundamentals, object-oriented programming concepts, syntax, API packages and classes, threads, exceptions, collections framework, generics and annotations.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the SCJP exam. To get certified you need to pass the exam with at least 65% marks. You can take the exam online or at an authorized testing center.

The cost of taking the SCJP exam varies depending on your location but typically costs between $150-$250 USD.

6. Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD)

Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD) is a certification program from Oracle/Sun Microsystems that validates an individual's expertise in developing web applications using Java technologies. It is designed for experienced Java developers who have experience in developing web-based applications and components.

The SCWCD exam covers topics such as Servlets, JSPs, HTML, XML, JavaScript, and other related technologies. It also covers topics such as the Model View Controller (MVC) architecture and design patterns. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To get the SCWCD certification, you must pass the SCWCD exam with a score of at least 70%. You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through Oracle University.

The cost of taking the SCWCD exam varies depending on your geographical location but typically ranges from $200 to $400 USD.

7. Sun Certified Business Component Developer (SCBCD)

The Sun Certified Business Component Developer (SCBCD) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in developing Java EE components using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 5 (Java EE 5) technology. It is designed to validate the skills of a professional who develops business components for the Java EE platform.

To obtain the SCBCD certification, individuals must pass two exams: Exam CX-310-090, which covers core concepts related to developing business components with Java EE 5; and Exam CX-310-091, which focuses on advanced topics related to developing enterprise applications with Java EE 5. The exams are administered by Oracle University and cost $245 each.

In order to prepare for these exams, Oracle recommends taking their online course “Developing Business Components with Java EE 5” or attending one of their instructor-led courses. The online course costs approximately $500 and requires approximately 40 hours of study time. The instructor-led courses cost approximately $2,000 and require 16 hours of classroom instruction.

Once you have passed both exams, you will be awarded the Sun Certified Business Component Developer certification. This certification is valid for three years from the date it was earned. After three years, individuals must retake one or both of the exams in order to maintain their certification status.

8. IBM Certified Solution Developer – WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V7.0

IBM Certified Solution Developer – WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V7.0 is a professional certification that validates the skills and knowledge needed to develop, deploy, and maintain applications on the WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V7.0 platform. This certification is designed for experienced developers who have experience in developing applications using WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V7.0.

To get this certification, you must pass a series of exams that cover topics such as application development, deployment, and maintenance using WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V7.0. The exams are available online through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers and take approximately two hours to complete each exam.

The cost of the IBM Certified Solution Developer – WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V7.0 certification varies depending on the number of exams taken and the country in which you take them. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exams.

9. IBM Certified Solution Developer - Rational Application Developer for WebSphere Software V8.5

IBM Certified Solution Developer - Rational Application Developer for WebSphere Software V8.5 is a professional certification from IBM that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in developing and deploying Web applications using the Rational Application Developer for WebSphere Software V8.5 development environment. This certification validates an individual’s ability to design, develop, test, debug, and deploy enterprise Java applications on the WebSphere platform.

It takes approximately 4-6 weeks of preparation to get this certification. To get it, you must pass the C2090-621 exam which covers topics such as: application development with Rational Application Developer for WebSphere Software V8.5; building web services with Rational Application Developer for WebSphere Software V8.5; debugging applications with Rational Application Developer for WebSphere Software V8.5; deploying applications with Rational Application Developer for WebSphere Software V8.5; and more.

The cost of the exam is $200 USD per attempt (plus applicable taxes).

10. Microsoft Technology Associate: Programming in Java

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): Programming in Java is a certification program designed to help individuals gain the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to develop applications using the Java programming language. MTA: Programming in Java covers topics such as object-oriented programming, data types, classes and objects, variables, operators and expressions, flow control statements, arrays, strings, methods and exceptions. It also covers more advanced topics like database connectivity using JDBC and web application development using Servlets and JSPs.

The exam for MTA: Programming in Java is available online through Microsoft Learning Platforms or at a local testing center. The exam typically takes about two hours to complete and consists of 40-60 multiple choice questions. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country where you take it but generally ranges from $99 - $115 USD.

To become certified as an MTA: Programming in Java you must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points. Once you have passed the exam you will receive an official certificate from Microsoft that can be used to demonstrate your knowledge of Java programming fundamentals.

Do You Really Need a Java Software Developer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a Java Software Developer Certificate to become a successful Java Software Developer. However, having one can certainly be beneficial in terms of gaining employment and advancing your career. A certificate can demonstrate your commitment to the profession and show employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to do the job.

Having a certification can also provide recognition from industry peers, which can be very valuable when it comes to networking opportunities and finding new clients. Additionally, having a certification may give you an edge over other applicants who don’t have one. It shows potential employers that you are serious about your profession and have taken the time to learn more about it.

In addition to being beneficial for job prospects, obtaining a Java Software Developer Certificate can also help with learning new technologies quickly and staying up-to-date with industry trends. By taking courses related to Java development, you will gain a better understanding of the language and its applications as well as any related frameworks or tools that are used in professional settings. This will help you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to working on projects that require advanced knowledge of Java software development techniques and best practices.

In conclusion, while having a Java Software Developer Certificate is not required for success in this field, it is definitely something worth considering if you wish to stand out from other applicants and advance your career in software development.

Related: Java Software Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About Java Software Developer Certifications

Q1: What is a Java software developer certification?

A1: A Java software developer certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual's proficiency in the Java programming language and related technologies. It is typically awarded by a third-party organization, such as Oracle or the Java Certification Council.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Java software developer?

A2: To become certified as a Java software developer, you must pass an accredited exam that tests your knowledge of the Java language and related technologies. Each certification exam covers different topics and has its own requirements for passing.

Q3: What are the benefits of having a Java software developer certification?

A3: Obtaining a Java software developer certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise to employers, advance in their careers, and increase their earning potential. Additionally, it can also provide access to exclusive opportunities such as specialized training programs or job offers from top companies.

Q4: How long does it take to get certified as a Java software developer?

A4: The amount of time needed to become certified as a Java software developer varies depending on the individual's experience level and preparation for the exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 1-6 months to prepare for and complete all necessary exams.

Q5: Are there any additional resources available to help me prepare for my certification exams?

A5: Yes! There are numerous online resources available that can help individuals prepare for their certification exams, such as practice tests, study guides, tutorials, and more. Additionally, many organizations offer specialized training programs to help candidates get ready for their exams.