Top 11 Java Software Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a Java software engineer in the job market because they are proof of a certain level of knowledge and expertise. Certifications demonstrate that the candidate has taken the time to learn the language and its associated technologies, as well as prove their dedication to the field. Employers generally view certified Java software engineers more favorably than those without certifications, because they know that these individuals have taken the time to invest in their skillset. Furthermore, certifications can help an individual stand out from other applicants who may have similar experience but lack certification.

This article reviews some of the most beneficial certifications for Java Software Engineers, and explains how they can help to further their career.

What are Java Software Engineer Certifications?

Java software engineer certification is an industry-recognized credential that is designed to validate your knowledge and skills in the Java programming language. It shows employers that you are well-versed in the fundamentals of Java, have a good understanding of object-oriented programming principles, and can develop applications using the language. The certification also verifies that you have a comprehensive knowledge of standard libraries, frameworks, development tools, and design patterns related to Java.

With a Java software engineer certification, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you are a competent programmer who is capable of developing high quality applications with the language. This certification can help you stand out from other applicants and make yourself more attractive to employers. Having this certification on your resume will show employers that you are serious about pursuing a career in software engineering and have invested time and effort into becoming an expert in the field. Additionally, it may open up opportunities for promotions or higher paying jobs within your current company as well as new job opportunities at other companies.

Pro Tip: Obtaining your Java software engineer certification can help you stand out from other applicants and make you more attractive to potential employers. Make sure to research the different certifications available, and make sure that the one you choose is recognized in your area. Additionally, look for courses or seminars that will help you prepare for the certification exam to ensure success.

Related: What does a Java Software Engineer do?

Top 11 Java Software Engineer Certifications

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

1. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer

Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of experienced Java developers. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of the core language features and APIs of Java SE (Standard Edition).

The Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer exam takes approximately 150 minutes to complete and consists of 80 multiple-choice questions. It covers topics such as object-oriented programming, collections, generics, concurrency, lambdas and streams, JDBC, JAX-WS web services, XML processing with JAXB and more.

To become an Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer one must first pass the Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) 1Z0-815 exam. This exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE test center or online through the Oracle website.

The cost of taking the OCP 1Z0-815 exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges between $245 - $295 USD.

2. Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 5 Enterprise Architect

Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 5 Enterprise Architect is a certification offered by Oracle that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing and developing enterprise-level applications using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 5 (Java EE 5). It is designed to recognize individuals with extensive knowledge of the Java EE platform and its related technologies.

The certification requires passing two exams: 1Z0-864 (Java EE 5 Enterprise Architect Certified Master Exam) and 1Z0-865 (Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect Certified Master Exam). The exams are composed of multiple choice questions and require a minimum score of 75% to pass.

In order to prepare for the exams, Oracle recommends taking one or more of their training courses. Courses include Introduction to Java EE 6 Programming, Designing & Developing Java EE Applications Using J2EE Technology, Advanced Java EE Development Using J2EE Technology, and Design Patterns for Java Platform Enterprise Edition.

It typically takes around six months to a year to complete all of the necessary training courses and pass both exams. The cost of the training courses varies depending on which ones you take but can range from $1,000 - $3,000 USD. The cost for each exam is $245 USD.

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

Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer is a certification from Oracle that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in developing web applications using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE). It validates an individual’s ability to build and deploy portable and secure web components using JavaServer Faces, Servlets, and JavaBeans.

The certification exam typically takes two hours to complete. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as web component development with JSF, servlet technology, and EJB components.

To get certified as an Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer you must first pass the Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer Exam. After passing this exam you can then register for the Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer Exam.

The cost of the Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer Exam is $245 USD.

4. Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME Mobile Application Developer

Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME Mobile Application Developer is a certification program from Oracle that tests an individual’s knowledge and skills in developing mobile applications using the Java ME platform. It certifies that an individual has the ability to develop mobile applications for a variety of devices.

It typically takes about two to three months to prepare for the exam and become certified. To get certified, you must pass the Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME Mobile Application Developer exam. This exam covers topics such as application design, development tools, user interface design, and other related topics.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at certain locations.

In order to maintain your certification status, you will need to complete continuing education requirements every two years.

5. IBM Certified Solution Developer - Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6

IBM Certified Solution Developer - Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 is a professional certification offered by IBM that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in developing enterprise applications using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) 6 technology. This certification is targeted at developers who are responsible for creating applications using the Java EE 6 platform.

To obtain this certification, you must pass two exams: Exam 1Z0-899: Java EE 6 Web Component Developer Certified Expert Exam and Exam 1Z0-895: Java EE 6 Enterprise JavaBeans Developer Certified Expert Exam. Both exams consist of multiple choice questions and take about 90 minutes to complete.

You can register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of each exam is $200 USD.

In order to prepare for these exams, you should have experience with developing applications using the Java EE 6 platform. You can also find study materials online from IBM or other sources such as books and tutorials.

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 an intermediate-level certification that demonstrates a developer's proficiency in developing web components using the Java language. It is designed to validate a developer’s ability to create and deploy web applications using servlets and JSPs.

It typically takes around 3 months of preparation to pass the SCWCD exam. Preparation may include studying from books, taking online courses or attending classes. The exam itself consists of multiple choice questions and can take up to 3 hours to complete.

To get certified, you must first register for the exam with Oracle and pay the associated fee. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location, but it usually costs between $200 - $400 USD. After passing the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Oracle verifying your achievement.

7. Sun Certified Business Component Developer for the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 5

Sun Certified Business Component Developer for the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 5 (SCBCD) is a certification program designed to prove that an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to develop enterprise-level applications using Java EE 5. This certification is offered by Oracle and is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence in the field of application development.

The SCBCD exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB), JPA, web services, servlets, JMS, and XML. The exam also tests your knowledge of the fundamentals of object-oriented programming and design patterns. To take the exam you must have at least six months experience developing enterprise applications with Java EE 5 technologies.

The SCBCD exam typically takes about 3 hours to complete and can be taken at any authorized Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $225-$300 USD.

In order to become certified, you must pass the SCBCD exam with a minimum score of 70%. Once certified, you will receive an official certificate from Oracle confirming your achievement.

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

Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 5 (SCEA5) is a certification program offered by Oracle. It is designed to recognize experienced software architects who have demonstrated their mastery of designing and developing enterprise applications using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 5 (Java EE 5).

To become certified, an individual must pass two exams: a written exam and a design exam. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test an individual’s knowledge of the Java EE 5 platform. The design exam requires an individual to create a detailed application architecture based on a given scenario.

The entire certification process typically takes between six and twelve months to complete, depending on an individual’s experience level and study habits. To get started, individuals should review the SCEA5 Certification Guide and then register for the exams through Oracle’s website.

The cost for taking both exams is $1,200 USD.

9. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions with Java

Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions with Java is a certification program that validates an individual’s skills in developing and deploying applications on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform using Java. This certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to design, implement, configure, and troubleshoot applications on the Azure platform.

It takes approximately two months to complete the MCSA: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions with Java certification. The exam consists of two parts: Exam 70-532: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions, and Exam 70-533: Implementing Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Solutions. Both exams must be passed in order to receive the certification.

In order to get the MCSA: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions with Java certification, you must first pass both exams mentioned above. You can register for these exams online through a Pearson VUE test center or through Prometric testing centers. Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your certificate from Microsoft and be officially certified as an MCSA: Developing Microsoft Azure Solutions with Java expert.

The cost of the two exams required to obtain this certification is approximately $165 USD each, so it will cost around $330 USD total to get this certification.

10. Red Hat Certificate of Expertise in Middleware and Integration Technologies with JBoss EAP 7

The Red Hat Certificate of Expertise in Middleware and Integration Technologies with JBoss EAP 7 is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who are experienced in deploying, managing, and troubleshooting enterprise applications using Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform (EAP) 7. This certification demonstrates that an individual has the necessary skills to successfully deploy, manage, and troubleshoot applications on the platform.

It typically takes around 8-10 weeks to complete the training and pass the exam for this certification. To get started, an individual must first purchase a Red Hat Learning Subscription which provides access to self-paced courses as well as instructor-led training. After completing the coursework, individuals must then register for and pass the associated exam in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on the type of subscription purchased. The cost of a one year Red Hat Learning Subscription ranges from $799-$999 USD for individuals and $1,299-$1,499 USD for teams. The cost of taking the exam is also included in this subscription fee.

11. Zend PHP Certification

Zend PHP Certification is an industry-recognized certification program that allows developers to demonstrate their expertise in the PHP programming language. It is a professional credential that validates a developer’s knowledge and skills in developing applications using the Zend Framework. The certification is designed to help employers identify qualified candidates for web development positions, and it can also be used as a tool for developers to demonstrate their proficiency with the Zend Framework.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on project. The online exam covers topics such as object-oriented programming, database access, security, and performance optimization. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam. After passing the exam, developers must complete a hands-on project within six months in order to receive their certification. This project requires them to build an application using the Zend Framework and submit it for review by a panel of experts.

The cost of taking the Zend PHP Certification exam varies depending on location; however, it typically costs between $150 and $200 USD per attempt. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the hands-on project portion of the certification process.

Do You Really Need a Java Software Engineer Certificate?

No, you do not need a Java Software Engineer Certificate to become a successful software engineer. A certificate can be helpful in certain situations, but it is not essential for success. It is possible to gain the skills and knowledge required to become a successful software engineer without obtaining any type of certification.

The most important factor for success as a software engineer is having a strong understanding of the fundamentals of computer programming, such as data structures, algorithms, object-oriented design, and coding style. These concepts can be learned through self-study or by taking online courses or attending seminars. Having experience with Java specifically is also important for working with the language, but this can also be gained through self-study or taking an online course.

A certificate may be beneficial if you are trying to get hired at a company where you don’t have any prior experience in software engineering. The certificate may give you an edge over other candidates who don’t have one. However, employers will usually look at your portfolio and work experience as well as your technical background when making hiring decisions. If you have strong technical skills and relevant work experience, then having a certificate may not be necessary.

In conclusion, while having a Java Software Engineer Certificate can help in some cases, it is not essential for success in the field of software engineering. Ultimately, having strong technical skills and relevant work experience are more important than having a certificate when trying to become a successful software engineer.

Related: Java Software Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Java Software Engineer Certifications

1. What is the difference between a Java Software Engineer certification and a program certification?

Answer: A Java Software Engineer certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates your knowledge and skills in the area of software development using the Java programming language. A program certification, on the other hand, typically refers to a specific program or technology associated with a particular vendor, such as an Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) for Oracle databases.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a Java Software Engineer?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Java Software Engineer will depend on your experience level and the type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, most certifications can be achieved within six months to one year of study and practice.

3. What types of certifications are available for Java Software Engineers?

Answer: There are several different types of certifications available for aspiring Java Software Engineers including Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP), IBM Certified Solution Developer – WebSphere (ICSD-W), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer – Azure (MCSD-Azure), and many more.

4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Java Software Engineer certification?

Answer: Yes, depending on the type of certification you are pursuing there may be certain prerequisites that must be met before you can obtain the credential, such as prior experience in software engineering or related fields, completion of specialized courses or training programs, or passing certain examinations or tests.

5. Are there any fees associated with obtaining a Java Software Engineer certification?

Answer: Yes, some organizations require payment for exam fees or course fees associated with obtaining certain certifications in order to cover administrative costs and ensure quality standards are met.