Top 11 Middleware Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for a middleware administrator in the job market as they help demonstrate the individual’s knowledge and skills in their field. Middleware administrators need to have a solid understanding of the technology they are dealing with and certifications can provide employers with an assurance that the individual has that knowledge base. Additionally, certifications can help differentiate candidates from one another and give an edge to those who have taken the time and effort to obtain them. As technology continues to evolve, certifications can also help prove that an individual is up-to-date on new technologies and trends in the industry.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Middleware Administrators and explains how they can help to enhance a middleware administrator's career.

What are Middleware Administrator Certifications?

Middleware Administrator certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the management and maintenance of middleware technologies. Middleware refers to the software that sits between an organization's application layer and its underlying operating system or database.

Middleware administrators are responsible for ensuring that middleware solutions are running smoothly, securely, and efficiently. They must possess a strong understanding of enterprise-level architecture and be able to troubleshoot complex problems. This certification proves that the holder has the necessary skills and knowledge to manage middleware technologies effectively.

Having this certification can help individuals stand out in the job market and make them more attractive candidates for employers looking for qualified professionals with specific technical skills related to middleware solutions. As technology advances, organizations increasingly need specialized personnel who can maintain their middleware systems. A Middleware Administrator certification is evidence of an individual’s ability to do just that, making it an invaluable asset when looking for employment in this field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for middleware administrator certification, and make sure you have a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, consider taking practice tests or courses to gain a thorough understanding of the material before taking the actual exam.

Related: What does a Middleware Administrator do?

Top 11 Middleware Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Middleware Administrators today.

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to design and implement a Windows Server infrastructure in an enterprise environment. This certification validates the skills required to run a highly efficient and modern data center, with expertise in identity management, systems management, virtualization, storage, and networking.

It typically takes around six months of study and preparation to get the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification. To earn this certification, you must pass two exams: 70-413 Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure and 70-414 Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure.

To get the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification, you must first become Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) by passing one of the qualifying exams such as 70-410 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 or 70-411 Administering Windows Server 2012. After becoming MCP certified, you can then register for the two exams mentioned above.

The cost of getting the MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification varies depending on your location. Generally speaking, it will cost around $200-$300 per exam plus any additional fees associated with registering for the exam.

2. Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a certification that validates an individual’s skills in managing and configuring Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. It is the first step to becoming a Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE). The RHCSA certification is designed to demonstrate competency in system administration tasks including installation and configuration of systems, storage management, user administration, network services, security, and troubleshooting.

The RHCSA exam typically takes 2-3 hours to complete and requires a passing score of at least 80%. To become certified, individuals must attend a Red Hat training course or self-study using Red Hat's official course materials. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD.

3. Oracle Certified Professional, Middleware Administrator (OCPM)

Oracle Certified Professional, Middleware Administrator (OCPM) is a certification program offered by Oracle to recognize the skills and knowledge of professionals who have mastered the installation, configuration, and maintenance of Oracle Fusion Middleware products. This certification is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for managing enterprise applications built on Oracle Fusion Middleware technology.

In order to become an OCPM, you must pass two exams: 1Z0-101: Oracle Fusion Middleware 11g: Build Applications with Oracle Forms and 1Z0-102: Oracle Fusion Middleware 11g: Build Applications with ADF. Each exam takes approximately two hours to complete. The cost of each exam varies depending on your geographic location, but typically ranges from $150 - $200 USD per exam.

To get started on the path to becoming an OCPM, you should first familiarize yourself with the topics covered in both exams by reading through the official study guides provided by Oracle. You can then take practice tests or enroll in training courses to further prepare yourself for the exams. Once you feel confident that you are ready to take the exams, you can register online at the Pearson VUE website or contact your local testing center. After successfully passing both exams, you will receive your official Oracle Certified Professional, Middleware Administrator certificate from Oracle.

4. IBM Certified System Administrator – WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.5

IBM Certified System Administrator - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.5 is a professional certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the installation, configuration, and management of IBM WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment. The certification covers topics such as application server topology, security, clustering, performance tuning, and more.

It typically takes 3-6 months to prepare for the exam depending on your experience level. To get certified you need to pass the IBM Certified System Administrator - WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.5 exam (C9550-412).

The cost of the exam varies depending on location but it generally costs around $200 USD.

5. CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI Certification

CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective Linux system administrator. It is designed to help IT professionals gain the skills and knowledge needed to manage and troubleshoot Linux systems.

The certification consists of two exams: LX0-103 and LX0-104. The LX0-103 exam covers basic system administration, including installation, configuration, command line fundamentals, GNU/Linux tools, network services, security, scripting, maintenance tasks and more. The LX0-104 exam covers advanced system administration topics such as server configuration and management, storage management, virtualization technologies and more.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI exams. To get certified you need to pass both exams with a minimum score of 500 on each exam.

The cost of the CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI certification is $319 USD for each exam ($638 total).

6. Amazon Web Services Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate

Amazon Web Services Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate is a certification program designed to validate the technical skills and expertise of individuals who manage and deploy applications on Amazon Web Services (AWS). The exam covers topics such as architecture, deployment, security, troubleshooting, monitoring, automation, and cost optimization.

It typically takes about 4-6 months of preparation to pass the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate exam. This includes studying for the exam itself, attending training courses or workshops, and gaining hands-on experience with AWS technologies.

To get certified as an AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate you must first register for the exam through the AWS Certification website. Once registered you will have access to practice exams and study materials that can help you prepare for the exam. After registering you can then schedule your exam at a testing center near you.

The cost of taking the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate exam is $150 USD.

7. Citrix Certified Professional - Networking (CCP-N)

Citrix Certified Professional - Networking (CCP-N) is a certification program offered by Citrix that validates an individual's skills in networking and virtualization technologies. It provides professionals with the knowledge and experience needed to successfully design, deploy, and manage Citrix networking solutions. The CCP-N exam covers topics such as network architecture, installation, configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, security and optimization of Citrix products.

The CCP-N certification requires passing the 1Y0-341 exam. This exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions and has a duration of 90 minutes. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 70% on the exam.

To get the CCP-N certification, candidates must first purchase a voucher from Citrix for $200 USD. After purchasing the voucher, candidates can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. Candidates must then schedule their exams at their convenience and take it at an approved testing center.

The cost of the CCP-N certification is $200 USD for the voucher plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center.

8. VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV)

VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) is a certification that validates the knowledge and skills required to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot vSphere 6 environments. It also demonstrates expertise in deploying and managing virtual machines and vSphere infrastructure.

To obtain the VCP6-DCV certification, you must first complete a VMware authorized training course such as VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V6.x] or equivalent. You will then need to pass the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) Exam (2V0-621). The exam is available for purchase through Pearson VUE for $250 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be able to access your digital badge and certificate from your MyLearn account. The entire process typically takes about six weeks from start to finish.

9. Cisco CCNA Cloud Certification

Cisco CCNA Cloud certification is a professional-level certification that validates your skills in deploying and managing Cisco cloud solutions. It is designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot cloud solutions using Cisco technologies.

The CCNA Cloud certification requires passing two exams:

1. Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions (CCNA 200-301)

2. Understanding Cisco Cloud Fundamentals (CLDFND 210-451)

It takes approximately 6 months to prepare for these exams with self-study or instructor-led training. The cost of the exams vary depending on the country you are taking them in but typically range from $200-$300 each.

To earn the CCNA Cloud certification, you must pass both exams within three years of each other. Once you have passed both exams, you will receive an email notification from Cisco confirming your successful completion of the requirements for the CCNA Cloud certification.

10. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist – Middleware (JNCIS-MW)

The Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist – Middleware (JNCIS-MW) is a certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of Juniper middleware solutions. This certification focuses on Junos Space Network Management Platform, Junos Space Security Director, and Junos Space Services Activation Director.

To become certified as a JNCIS-MW, an individual must pass two exams: JN0-410 (Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist – Middleware) and JN0-411 (Juniper Networks Certified Internet Professional – Middleware). The exams cover topics such as network management, security management, services activation, and troubleshooting.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the exams and obtain the certification. To get started, individuals should review the exam objectives for each exam and then purchase study materials or take a training course from an authorized training partner. After preparing for the exams, individuals can register for them at Pearson VUE testing centers or online through Pearson VUE’s website.

The cost of taking the two exams is $400 USD per exam.

11. Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for the Java Platform, Standard Edition 5 and 6

Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for the Java Platform, Standard Edition 5 and 6 (SCEA 5 and 6) is a certification program designed for experienced Java developers. It is a professional level certification that demonstrates expertise in designing, developing, and deploying enterprise applications using the Java platform.

The SCEA 5 and 6 certification requires that applicants pass four exams: two core exams and two platform-specific exams. The core exams are:

• Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for the Java Platform, Part 1
• Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for the Java Platform, Part 2

The platform-specific exams are:

• Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for Java Platform, Standard Edition 5
• Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for Java Platform, Standard Edition 6

It typically takes several months to prepare for all four of these exams. Applicants should have at least five years of experience in designing and developing enterprise applications using the Java platform.

To get certified as an SCEA 5 or 6, applicants must register with Oracle Certification Program (OCP). Registration fees vary depending on the country of residence. After registering with OCP, applicants can then schedule their exams with Pearson VUE or Prometric. Exam fees also vary depending on location but typically cost around $200 USD per exam.

Do You Really Need a Middleware Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and professional aspirations. If you are looking to break into the field of middleware administration, or if you want to increase your knowledge and skills in the area, then a middleware administrator certificate may be beneficial for you. A certificate can help demonstrate your expertise in this specialized area and give you an edge over other job candidates who lack such credentials.

However, if you already have a solid understanding of middleware administration or if you are already employed as a professional in this field, then a certificate may not be necessary. It is important to consider the cost of obtaining a certificate compared to the potential benefits it could bring to your career. Additionally, some employers may not value certifications as much as they do actual experience or skills. Therefore, it is important to do research into what type of certification would best suit your needs and career goals before making any final decisions.

Related: Middleware Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Middleware Administrator Certifications

1. What is a Middleware Administrator Certification?

Answer: A Middleware Administrator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and experience in managing middleware applications and technologies. This certification can help to advance an individual's career in the field of system administration and software development.

2. What are the prerequisites for obtaining a Middleware Administrator Certification?

Answer: The prerequisites for obtaining a Middleware Administrator Certification vary depending on the specific program. Generally, individuals must have at least two years of experience working with middleware applications, as well as demonstrating knowledge of related topics such as networking, server administration, database management, and security.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified depends on the program and level of certification being pursued. Generally speaking, most certifications require between three months and one year to complete all necessary requirements.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Middleware Administrator can open up new opportunities for professional advancement, increased job security, higher salaries or wages, and improved job satisfaction. It also serves as proof that an individual has mastered their craft and understands how to manage middleware applications effectively and securely.

5. Are there any other certifications that may be beneficial for Middleware Administrators?

Answer: Yes! Depending on your goals, there are several other certifications that may be beneficial for Middleware Administrators including Database Administration Certifications (such as Oracle Certified Professional), Server Administration Certifications (such as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer), Security Certifications (such as CompTIA Security+), Cloud Computing Certifications (such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect), DevOps Certifications (such as Red Hat Certified System Administrator).