Top 10 Java Team Lead Certifications

Certifications for a Java team lead are important for a few reasons. First, certifications can demonstrate to potential employers that the individual has a certain level of expertise in the specific technologies they need to excel in their role. This can give employers confidence that the team lead has the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in their position. Additionally, certifications can provide an edge over other job applicants who may not have taken the time to acquire them. Finally, certifications show that the individual is committed to learning new technologies and keeping up with industry trends. This can give employers assurance that they are investing in someone who is invested in their own success and willing to put in the extra effort needed for success.

This article reviews some of the best certifications for Java Team Leads and explains how they can help them advance their career.

What are Java Team Lead Certifications?

Java Team Lead certification is a certification program designed to provide software development professionals with the essential skills, knowledge and experience necessary to lead and manage Java development teams. The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on lab exercises and practical experience to help participants develop the ability to design, plan and implement Java systems from start to finish. By earning this certification, individuals demonstrate their expertise in leading Java teams effectively.

The certification provides a comprehensive overview of the core concepts related to team leadership for Java projects, such as project management principles, effective communication strategies, team dynamics and conflict resolution techniques. It also covers topics specific to developing with Java, including object-oriented programming principles, database design and software architecture.

By completing this certification program, individuals gain a deeper understanding of how to lead their teams towards successful outcomes while also becoming more familiar with the technical aspects of developing in Java. This can help them become more efficient at managing projects and make better decisions when it comes to choosing the right technologies for their tasks. Additionally, having this certification may help individuals stand out among other job applicants in the field of software development or IT management positions that require strong leadership skills.

Pro Tip: When considering Java Team Lead Certification, be sure to research the specific requirements of the certification program. Many programs require a certain amount of work experience in addition to passing an exam, so make sure you are familiar with the guidelines and prepared for any tests that may be required.

Related: What does a Java Team Lead do?

Top 10 Java Team Lead Certifications

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

1. Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer

Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer (OCPJP) is an industry-recognized certification for experienced Java programmers. It is designed to validate a programmer’s knowledge of the core features and concepts of the Java language and platform. The certification covers topics such as object-oriented programming, collections, generics, concurrency, lambdas, and more.

It typically takes around two months to prepare for the OCPJP exam. Preparation involves studying the official Oracle documentation and taking practice exams to become familiar with the format of the test. Additionally, there are numerous online resources available to help you study for the exam.

To get certified as an Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer (OCPJP), you must pass both parts of the Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer Exam: Part I and Part II. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge of various topics related to Java programming. You can take each part separately or together depending on your preference.

The cost of taking the OCPJP exam varies depending on your region but generally ranges from $245-$295 USD per part.

2. Oracle Certified Master Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect

Oracle Certified Master Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect is an advanced certification for experienced Java developers. It is designed to validate a developer's skills in designing and developing enterprise applications using the latest version of the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE).

To become an Oracle Certified Master Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect, you must first pass two exams: 1Z0-807 (Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect Certified Master Exam) and 1Z0-865 (Java EE 6 Web Services Developer Certified Expert Exam). The exams are multiple choice and take approximately three hours each.

You can prepare for the exams by taking courses offered by Oracle University or self-study using books and other resources. You can also get help from online forums or hire a tutor or mentor to guide you through the process.

The cost of the two exams varies depending on where you take them, but generally it will cost around $400-$500 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking courses or hiring tutors/mentors to help you prepare for the exam.

3. Oracle Certified Expert Java EE 6 Web Component Developer

Oracle Certified Expert Java EE 6 Web Component Developer is a certification program that validates the expertise of experienced Java developers who are capable of developing web components using Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) 6 technology.

The Oracle Certified Expert Java EE 6 Web Component Developer certification requires passing one exam, 1Z0-899: Java EE 6 Web Component Developer Certified Expert Exam. The exam covers topics such as Servlets, JSPs, tag libraries, filters, listeners and web security. It takes approximately 2 hours to complete the exam and contains 72 multiple-choice questions.

To get the Oracle Certified Expert Java EE 6 Web Component Developer certification, you must first register for the exam at the Oracle University website. Once registered, you can schedule your exam with Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

The cost of the Oracle Certified Expert Java EE 6 Web Component Developer certification is $245 USD per attempt.

4. Sun Certified Java Programmer

Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) is a certification program for experienced Java developers. It is designed to test the knowledge and skills of a programmer in the Java language and platform. The SCJP exam covers topics such as object-oriented programming, language fundamentals, GUI development, networking, and security.

The SCJP exam typically takes two hours to complete. It consists of multiple-choice questions and coding exercises that are graded on a scale from 0 to 100%. To pass the exam, you must score at least 65%.

To get certified, you need to register for the SCJP exam through Oracle's website or through an authorized testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $150-$250 USD.

After passing the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Oracle that proves your proficiency in Java programming. This certificate will be valid for three years after which you may need to retake the exam to maintain your certification status.

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

IBM Certified Solution Developer – Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 is a certification program that validates an individual’s expertise in developing applications using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) 6. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge of the Java EE 6 platform and its related technologies. It also demonstrates the ability to work with IBM WebSphere Application Server and IBM Rational Application Developer.

It typically takes around three months to complete the certification process, depending on your familiarity with the material. To get certified, you must pass two exams: C9060-518 (IBM Certified Solution Developer – Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6) and C9060-519 (IBM WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.5 Core Administration). You can find more information about these exams on IBM's website.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on where you take the exam and how many times you need to retake it if necessary. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 for each exam.

6. Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder for Java

Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD): App Builder for Java is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced developers who design and develop modern applications using the Microsoft technology stack. The certification requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to design and develop solutions that leverage the latest technologies, including Windows Azure, Visual Studio, ASP.NET MVC, Web API, Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), Entity Framework, HTML5/JavaScript, and C#.

The MCSD: App Builder for Java certification requires candidates to pass two exams: Exam 70-480: Programming in HTML5 with JavaScript and CSS3; Exam 70-486: Developing ASP.NET MVC Web Applications. Candidates must also complete one elective exam from a list of approved options.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the certification depending on your experience level and how much time you dedicate to studying. You can find study materials online or purchase books from Amazon or other booksellers that will help you prepare for the exams.

The cost of taking each exam varies by country but typically ranges between $100-$150 USD per exam. Additionally, some countries may require an additional fee for proctoring services if you choose to take the exam at a testing center rather than online.

7. Zend Certified PHP Engineer (ZCPE) for Java

The Zend Certified PHP Engineer (ZCPE) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the expertise of professional PHP developers. It is offered by Zend Technologies, the creators of the popular open source scripting language, PHP. The certification is based on a comprehensive exam that tests a developer’s knowledge and skills in using PHP for web development.

The ZCPE exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as object-oriented programming, web services, security, databases, performance tuning, debugging, and other related topics. The exam also includes hands-on exercises that test a developer’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

To become certified as a Zend Certified PHP Engineer (ZCPE), you must pass the exam with a score of at least 80%. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be taken online or at an authorized testing center.

The cost for taking the ZCPE exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $150 to $250 USD. There are also additional fees associated with taking the exam at an authorized testing center.

8. Red Hat Certified JBoss Developer (RHCJD)

Red Hat Certified JBoss Developer (RHCJD) is a certification program offered by Red Hat that tests and verifies the technical knowledge of Java developers who use JBoss Enterprise Middleware. The certification requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to develop, deploy, and troubleshoot applications using the JBoss Enterprise Application Platform.

It typically takes between three and six months of study and preparation to become RHCJD certified. Candidates must first pass an online exam in order to be eligible for the certification. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test a candidate’s knowledge of Java EE 6, JBoss Enterprise Application Platform 6, and related technologies. Once they have passed the exam, they must then complete a hands-on lab exercise in order to receive their certification.

In order to get RHCJD certified, candidates must register for the exam through Red Hat's website and pay an associated fee. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. After completing the exam, candidates will need to complete a hands-on lab exercise which is also available on Red Hat's website for an additional fee.

Overall, becoming RHCJD certified can take several months of preparation as well as some monetary investment; however, it can provide employers with assurance that their developers are knowledgeable about Java EE 6 and JBoss Enterprise Application Platform 6 technologies.

9. Spring Professional Certification for Java/JEE Developers

Spring Professional Certification for Java/JEE Developers is an industry-recognized certification that validates a developer’s expertise in developing enterprise applications using the Spring Framework. It is designed for developers who have experience with the Spring Framework and want to demonstrate their knowledge and skillset.

The certification exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as: Core Spring, Data Access/Integration, Web MVC, AOP, Security, Testing, and more. The cost of the exam varies by country but generally ranges from $200-$250 USD.

In order to take the exam, you must first register with Pearson VUE (the company that administers the exam). After registering with Pearson VUE, you will be able to select a date and time to take the exam at a testing center near you. Once you have completed the exam and received your score report, you will be officially certified as a Spring Professional Developer.

The cost of the certification depends on which type of certification you choose (standard or premium). The standard certification costs $199 USD while the premium package costs $299 USD and includes additional benefits such as access to online courses and practice exams.

10. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 7 Programmer

Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 7 Programmer (OCPJP) is an industry-recognized certification for experienced Java developers. It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of experienced Java programmers in developing Java applications using the Java Platform, Standard Edition 7 (Java SE 7).

To obtain OCPJP certification, you need to pass two exams: 1Z0-804 (Java SE 7 Programmer I) and 1Z0-805 (Java SE 7 Programmer II). The exams are administered by Pearson VUE and cost $245 each.

The amount of time required to prepare for the OCPJP exams will depend on your experience level with the Java programming language. Generally speaking, it takes between 3-6 months of study and practice to be adequately prepared for the exams.

The total cost of obtaining OCPJP certification is approximately $490 ($245 per exam).

Do You Really Need a Java Team Lead Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your goals and the context of your career. On one hand, having a Java Team Lead Certificate can show potential employers that you have the knowledge and experience necessary to lead a team of java developers. It can also demonstrate that you are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends in technology. On the other hand, if your current job does not require a Java Team Lead Certificate, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain one.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Java Team Lead Certificate will depend on what type of work you are looking for and what kind of skillset you already have. If you are looking for an advanced position in which leadership is required, then having this certification could be beneficial. However, if your current job does not involve leading teams or using advanced java programming techniques, then obtaining this certification may not be worth the time and effort. In addition to considering your own career goals, it is important to consider the requirements set forth by potential employers before deciding whether or not a Java Team Lead Certificate is necessary for your success.

Related: Java Team Lead Resume Examples

FAQs About Java Team Lead Certifications

1. What is a Java Team Lead Certification?

Answer: A Java Team Lead Certification is a certification that validates an individual's knowledge and experience in the field of software development and engineering, with an emphasis on leading teams in developing Java-based applications.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Java Team Lead Certification?

Answer: Benefits of obtaining a Java Team Lead Certification include improved career prospects, increased salary potential, and improved job security. It also provides evidence to employers that an individual has the skills necessary to lead successful software projects.

3. How do I become certified as a Java Team Lead?

Answer: To become certified as a Java Team Lead, individuals must pass an exam administered by Oracle or an accredited third-party testing organization such as Pearson VUE or Prometric.

4. How long does it take to get certified as a Java Team Lead?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to get certified as a Java Team Lead can vary depending on individual preparation and experience level; however, most individuals can expect to complete their certification within 6-12 months.

5. What resources are available for those preparing for their Java Team Lead Certification?

Answer: There are numerous resources available online for those preparing for their Java Team Lead Certification, including practice exams, study guides, and tutorials. Additionally, many organizations offer training courses specifically designed to help individuals prepare for their certification exam.