Top 10 Lotus Notes Developer Certifications

Lotus Notes developers are highly sought after in the job market due to their ability to develop, maintain, and administer IBM Lotus Notes/Domino applications. As such, certifications for a Lotus Notes developer can be incredibly valuable when looking for a new job or promotion. Having certification shows employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work with their Lotus Notes applications. Furthermore, certifications provide employers with an assurance that you understand the complexities of working with this platform and can troubleshoot problems quickly and effectively. Additionally, certifications can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for a position. Ultimately, having a certification will give you an edge over other applicants and increase your chances of getting hired or promoted.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Lotus Notes Developers, and explains how they can help to further a Lotus Notes Developer's career.

What are Lotus Notes Developer Certifications?

Lotus Notes Developer Certification is a certification program offered by IBM that provides developers with the skills and knowledge necessary to build applications in the Lotus Notes environment. It is designed to help developers create applications that integrate with the Lotus Notes platform, as well as other systems such as Microsoft Exchange, Active Directory, and Domino Server. The certification program covers topics such as application development, database design, security, administration, client/server programming, and web services. This certification can help developers gain a better understanding of the Lotus Notes platform and its capabilities, enabling them to create more effective applications for their organization. Additionally, having this certification can make developers more attractive to potential employers since it demonstrates a level of expertise in the field.

Pro Tip: When pursuing Lotus Notes Developer Certification, it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest version of the software. Many new features and capabilities are added with each release, so keeping your skills current will help you pass the certification exam. Additionally, investing in some quality study materials is key to success when studying for these types of exams.

Related: What does a Lotus Notes Developer do?

Top 10 Lotus Notes Developer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Lotus Notes Developers today.

1. IBM Certified Lotus Notes and Domino Application Developer

IBM Certified Lotus Notes and Domino Application Developer is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to develop applications using IBM Lotus Notes and Domino. To earn this certification, applicants must pass one or more exams that test their understanding of the development process, architecture, design, coding and debugging of applications for the IBM Lotus Notes and Domino platform.

The amount of time it takes to get this certification depends on how much experience you have with developing applications for the IBM Lotus Notes and Domino platform. If you are new to the platform or need to brush up on your skills, you may need additional study time before taking the exam.

To get certified as an IBM Certified Lotus Notes and Domino Application Developer, you must register for and pass one or more exams through Pearson VUE. The cost of each exam varies depending on the country in which you take it. Generally speaking, exams range from $100-$200 USD per exam.

2. IBM Certified Advanced System Administrator for Lotus Domino 8.5

IBM Certified Advanced System Administrator for Lotus Domino 8.5 is a certification that validates an individual's skills and knowledge in administering, managing, and troubleshooting IBM Lotus Domino 8.5 servers. This certification requires the individual to have a thorough understanding of the architecture, components, and features of the Domino 8.5 server environment in order to be able to successfully install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot it.

To obtain this certification, individuals must pass two exams: Test C2040-421: IBM Certified Advanced System Administrator for Lotus Domino 8.5 and Test C2040-422: IBM Certified Advanced System Administrator for Lotus Domino 8.5 - Upgrade from 7.0/8.0 . The first exam covers topics such as installation and configuration of Domino servers; administration of users, groups, and resources; security; replication; monitoring; troubleshooting; and more. The second exam covers topics such as upgrading from previous versions of Domino; migration of data; installation of new features; configuring new components; managing multiple domains; Web server integration with HTTP services; and more.

The exams can be taken either online or at a Pearson VUE testing center (in some countries). The cost for each exam is $200 USD plus applicable taxes or fees (prices may vary by country). It typically takes around two hours to complete each exam (including check-in time).

3. IBM Certified System Administrator for Lotus Domino 8.5

IBM Certified System Administrator for Lotus Domino 8.5 is a professional certification that demonstrates the ability to install, configure, and maintain a Lotus Domino 8.5 server environment. This certification is designed to validate the skills of IT professionals who are responsible for managing and administering a Lotus Domino 8.5 server environment.

How Long Does it Take to Get It?

The time it takes to get this certification depends on the individual's experience level and background knowledge in the field. Generally, it can take up to 6 months of study and preparation before taking the exam.

How to Get It?

To get this certification, individuals must pass an IBM Certified System Administrator for Lotus Domino 8.5 exam which consists of multiple-choice questions and performance-based simulations. The exam covers topics such as installation, configuration, security, administration, troubleshooting, monitoring, and more related to a Lotus Domino 8.5 environment.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of taking the IBM Certified System Administrator for Lotus Domino 8.5 exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $200 - $250 USD per attempt.

4. IBM Certified Associate - Lotus Notes and Domino 8.5

IBM Certified Associate - Lotus Notes and Domino 8.5 is an entry-level certification for professionals who are new to the IBM Lotus Notes and Domino environment. The certification validates a professional's ability to install, configure, and administer basic Lotus Notes and Domino 8.5 systems.

The certification requires the successful completion of one exam: Test C2040-403 (IBM Lotus Notes & Domino 8.5 System Administration Operating Fundamentals). This exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 63 multiple choice questions.

In order to take the test, you must first register with Pearson VUE, which is the official testing provider for IBM exams. The cost of the exam is $200 USD. After registering with Pearson VUE, you will be able to select a testing center near you and schedule your exam date/time.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an email from IBM confirming your successful completion of the test. You will then be eligible for the IBM Certified Associate - Lotus Notes and Domino 8.5 certification title.

5. IBM Certified System Administrator – Lotus Notes and Domino 9

IBM Certified System Administrator – Lotus Notes and Domino 9 is a certification program offered by IBM. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of system administrators who manage, maintain, and troubleshoot the IBM Lotus Notes and Domino 9 software.

The certification requires passing one exam, which covers topics such as installation and configuration of IBM Lotus Notes and Domino 9, user management, security, mail routing, replication, server administration tasks, backup/restore procedures, performance tuning, troubleshooting techniques, directory synchronization with LDAP servers, and more.

It typically takes around 4-6 months to prepare for this certification exam. The preparation includes studying course materials provided by IBM or attending an instructor-led training class. Additionally you can also take practice tests available online to help you prepare for the real exam.

To get certified you must register for the exam on the IBM website and pay a fee of $200 USD. After registering for the exam you will be able to schedule your test at any Pearson VUE testing center near you.

The cost of getting certified in IBM Certified System Administrator – Lotus Notes and Domino 9 is $200 USD for the exam fee plus any additional costs associated with preparation such as course materials or instructor-led training classes.

6. IBM Certified Solution Designer – Lotus Notes and Domino 9

IBM Certified Solution Designer – Lotus Notes and Domino 9 is a professional certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who design, develop, deploy, and maintain IBM Lotus Notes and Domino 9 applications. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual's mastery of the technical concepts related to the development of collaborative solutions using Lotus Notes and Domino 9.

To obtain this certification, individuals must complete two exams: Test C2040-408 (IBM Lotus Notes and Domino 8.5 System Administration Operating Fundamentals) and Test C2040-409 (IBM Lotus Notes and Domino 8.5 Application Development). Both tests must be passed with a score of at least 70% in order to receive the certification.

The time required to complete these exams varies depending on the individual's experience level, but it typically takes around 4-6 weeks for most people to prepare for both exams.

The cost for taking these exams varies by country; however, in the United States it costs $200 USD per exam.

7. IBM Certified Application Developer – Lotus Notes and Domino 9

IBM Certified Application Developer – Lotus Notes and Domino 9 is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills of experienced application developers who are proficient in developing, deploying, and maintaining applications using IBM's Lotus Notes and Domino 9 software. The certification demonstrates that the holder has the knowledge and skills necessary to develop web-based applications using the latest technologies.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to become certified. To get certified, you must pass two exams: Exam C2090-619 (IBM Lotus Notes Domino 9 Application Development Update) and Exam C2090-620 (IBM Lotus Notes Domino 9 System Administration Operating Fundamentals). Both exams are administered by Pearson VUE.

The cost of each exam is $200 USD. The total cost for both exams is $400 USD.

8. IBM Certified Professional Developer – Lotus Notes and Domino 9

IBM Certified Professional Developer – Lotus Notes and Domino 9 is an industry-recognized certification that validates a professional’s expertise in developing applications using IBM Lotus Notes and Domino 9. This certification demonstrates the ability to design, develop, deploy, maintain, and troubleshoot applications using the IBM Lotus Notes and Domino 9 platform.

It typically takes around 6 months to a year of preparation to become certified. This includes studying for the exam, attending training courses or workshops, and gaining hands-on experience with the technology.

To get this certification you must pass one of two exams: C2070-587 or C2070-588. The cost of each exam varies depending on your region but usually ranges from $200-$300 USD. You can purchase an exam voucher from Pearson VUE or Prometric websites.

Once you have passed the exam you will be awarded an IBM Certified Professional Developer – Lotus Notes and Domino 9 certificate.

9. IBM Certified Advanced Application Developer – Lotus Notes and Domino 9

IBM Certified Advanced Application Developer – Lotus Notes and Domino 9 is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s expertise in developing advanced applications using the IBM Notes and Domino platform. This certification is designed to help developers demonstrate their skills in designing, developing, deploying, and managing applications on the IBM Notes and Domino platform.

It typically takes about 6 to 8 months of preparation to get this certification. To get certified, you must pass one or more exams which are offered by IBM. The cost of each exam varies depending on the country in which you take it. Generally, the cost ranges from $200 - $400 USD per exam.

10. IBM Certified Specialist – Developing Applications with XPages in the IBM Lotus Notes/Domino 8 Environment

IBM Certified Specialist – Developing Applications with XPages in the IBM Lotus Notes/Domino 8 Environment is an intermediate-level certification for professionals who design, develop, and deploy applications using XPages technology. This certification demonstrates that the individual has acquired the skills necessary to create XPages applications and integrate them with existing Domino applications.

It typically takes between 3-6 months of preparation to get this certification. To get certified, you need to pass the C2070-587: Developing Applications with XPages in the IBM Lotus Notes/Domino 8 Environment exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes.

The cost of this certification depends on your country of residence. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD per exam attempt.

Do You Really Need a Lotus Notes Developer Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a Lotus Notes Developer Certificate in order to develop applications for the Lotus Notes platform. However, having such a certificate could be beneficial for those looking to further their career as a Lotus Notes developer.

Having a Lotus Notes Developer Certificate can show potential employers that you have the experience and knowledge necessary to develop applications for the platform. It also indicates that you are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in the field. Furthermore, having a certificate can help demonstrate your ability to work independently and collaborate with other developers on complex projects.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Lotus Notes Developer Certificate will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are already an experienced developer who has worked on several successful projects, then it may not be necessary for you to pursue such a certification. On the other hand, if you are just starting out in the field or want to advance your career as a Lotus Notes developer, then having a certificate could be beneficial.

Related: Lotus Notes Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About Lotus Notes Developer Certifications

1. What is Lotus Notes Developer Certification?

Answer: Lotus Notes Developer Certification is a certification program offered by IBM to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of individuals who have demonstrated expertise in developing applications using the Lotus Notes platform.

2. How do I become a Lotus Notes Developer?

Answer: To become a certified Lotus Notes Developer, you must take and pass an exam administered by IBM. The exam covers topics such as application development, database design, security, server administration, and more.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Lotus Notes Developer?

Answer: Becoming a certified Lotus Notes Developer provides you with greater job opportunities and recognition in the field of application development. It also helps you demonstrate your expertise to employers and clients, allowing you to command higher salaries or fees for your services.

4. Is there any pre-requisite for taking up the certification exam?

Answer: Yes, applicants must have at least one year of experience developing applications using the Lotus Notes platform before they can take the certification exam. Additionally, applicants must be familiar with the latest version of IBM's Domino software suite.

5. How long does it take to get my certificate after passing the exam?

Answer: Once you pass the certification exam, you will receive your certificate within four weeks via email from IBM's certification center.