Top 11 Middleware Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for a middleware engineer in the job market as they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. They can help to distinguish an engineer from other candidates and show that they have the necessary skills to perform their job effectively. Certifications also provide validation of knowledge and experience, which employers look for when hiring new staff. Additionally, certifications can open up more opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Middleware Engineers and explain how they can help advance a middleware engineer's career.

What are Middleware Engineer Certifications?

Middleware engineer certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and expertise in designing, developing, and implementing middleware applications. Middleware is software that acts as a bridge between two or more applications and helps them communicate with each other. This type of engineering requires a deep understanding of the underlying technologies involved, such as databases, operating systems, networking protocols, web services, and more.

Having a middleware engineer certification can help individuals stand out from the crowd when applying for positions in this field. It demonstrates to potential employers that they possess the necessary skills to create robust middleware solutions. Additionally, certification may provide access to various resources such as online courses and study materials that can be used to stay up-to-date on new technologies related to this field. Furthermore, having a certification may also lead to increased job opportunities or higher salaries due to the recognition of their expertise in this area.

Pro Tip: When considering a middleware engineer certification, look for certifications that cover the specific middleware technology you are working with. This will ensure that you are up-to-date on the latest features and best practices for that particular software. Additionally, many certifications offer hands-on experience in addition to the theoretical knowledge required to pass the exam.

Related: What does a Middleware Engineer do?

Top 11 Middleware Engineer Certifications

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

1. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Cloud Platform and Infrastructure is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in the design, implementation, and maintenance of Microsoft cloud technologies. The MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification validates an individual’s ability to build, deploy, configure, maintain, and manage solutions based on Microsoft Azure and Windows Server technologies.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to obtain the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification. To get certified as an MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure professional, you must first pass two exams: Exam 70-535 (Architecting Microsoft Azure Solutions) and Exam 70-537 (Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack). After passing these exams, you will receive your MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification.

The cost of obtaining the MCSE: Cloud Platform and Infrastructure certification varies depending on the country you are located in. Generally speaking, it costs around $165 per exam plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration or proctoring fees.

2. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Solutions Architect – Associate is an industry-recognized certification that validates a candidate’s ability to design and deploy applications on the AWS platform. This certification demonstrates a candidate’s expertise in designing, deploying, and managing applications on the AWS cloud. The exam covers topics such as networking, storage, compute services, database services, security, scalability, and availability.

It typically takes around 6-8 months of preparation to get certified as an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate. During this time period, candidates should familiarize themselves with the AWS platform and its services by taking online courses or reading books. Candidates should also practice hands-on labs to gain experience in working with the various components of the platform. It is recommended that candidates take practice tests before attempting the actual exam to ensure they are prepared for it.

To get certified as an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, candidates must pass the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam which is administered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). The exam consists of multiple choice questions and can be taken either online or at a testing center.

The cost of taking the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $150-$300 USD.

3. Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) is a certification program from Red Hat, Inc., the world’s leading provider of open source solutions. The RHCE certification recognizes IT professionals who have demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully configure, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems in an enterprise environment.

It typically takes between 6-12 months of study and practice to become RHCE certified. To get started, you must first pass the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) exam. After passing this exam, you can then take the RHCE exam.

The cost for taking the RHCSA exam is $400 USD; the cost for taking the RHCE exam is $500 USD.

4. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center is a professional-level certification from Cisco Systems that validates a candidate’s skills and knowledge in designing, implementing, operating, and troubleshooting data center networks. It is designed for experienced network professionals who are looking to advance their career by demonstrating their mastery of advanced data center technologies.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the CCNP Data Center exam. Candidates should have at least 3-5 years of experience working with Cisco data center technologies before attempting the exam. To get the CCNP Data Center certification, candidates must pass two exams: the Implementing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCII) 300-610 exam and the Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCID) 300-615 exam.

The cost of the CCNP Data Center certification varies depending on where you take your exams. The cost of each individual exam ranges from $300-$400 USD, so the total cost can range from $600-$800 USD.

5. Citrix Certified Professional – Networking (CCP-N)

Citrix Certified Professional – Networking (CCP-N) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of IT professionals who have mastered the core networking technologies used in Citrix solutions. The CCP-N exam tests an individual’s ability to configure, deploy, manage, and troubleshoot Citrix products and solutions.

The CCP-N certification is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam. To maintain your certification, you must pass one of the following exams every three years: CCP-N, CCA-N or CCE-V.

To get certified as a CCP-N, you must first complete an approved training course offered by Citrix Education or a Citrix Authorized Learning Center (CALC). You can then take the CCP-N exam at any Pearson VUE testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from Citrix Education and be listed on their website as a certified professional.

6. VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization (VCP-NV)

VMware Certified Professional – Network Virtualization (VCP-NV) is a certification that validates an individual's skills in deploying, configuring, and managing VMware NSX virtual networks. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to design, deploy and manage a complete VMware NSX environment.

To get the VCP-NV certification, you must first attend a VMware authorized training course or have equivalent experience. After completing the training course or having equivalent experience, you must pass two exams: one on the fundamentals of VMware vSphere and one on the fundamentals of VMware NSX. Once both exams are passed, you will be eligible to receive your VCP-NV certification.

The cost of the VCP-NV certification depends on whether you take an instructor-led course or self-study materials. The cost for an instructor-led course can range from $3,000 to $4,000 USD depending on the length of the course and location. Self-study materials can range from $400 to $600 USD depending on which materials you choose to purchase.

The time it takes to get your VCP-NV certification depends on how quickly you can study and complete the required courses and exams. Generally speaking, it should take between 4 and 6 weeks for most people to complete all of their studies and pass both exams.

7. Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certification

Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a professional’s knowledge and skills in administering Oracle Database 12c. This certification is designed for individuals who have experience in database administration, including installation, configuration, patching, backup/recovery, performance tuning and security.

The Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certification requires the successful completion of one exam: 1Z0-062: Oracle Database 12c: Installation and Administration. The exam covers topics such as installation and configuration of the database, managing users and roles, backing up and recovering data, creating tablespaces and datafiles, configuring security settings, monitoring performance and more.

The exam typically takes around two hours to complete. It costs $245 USD to take the exam (as of 2021). To register for the exam you must first create an Oracle account on their website. Once you have created your account you can then register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric.

In order to become certified as an Oracle Database 12c Administrator you must pass the 1Z0-062 exam with a score of at least 65%. Once you have achieved this certification you will be recognized as a qualified professional in administering Oracle Database 12c.

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

IBM Certified System Administrator – WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.5 is a certification that demonstrates the individual's knowledge and skills in configuring, managing, and troubleshooting IBM WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.5. It also validates the individual's ability to use the administrative console to manage applications, resources, security, and performance tuning.

To get this certification you need to pass one exam: C9550-412: IBM WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.5 Core Administration. This exam covers topics such as installation and configuration of IBM WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment V8.5, application deployment, security configuration, resource management, high availability and performance tuning.

The exam typically takes about two hours to complete and costs $200 USD. To prepare for the exam you can take advantage of online training courses offered by IBM or other third-party providers as well as practice exams available online or through books from publishers such as Pearson IT Certification or Sybex.

9. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate – Data Center (JNCIA-DC)

Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate – Data Center (JNCIA-DC) is a certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of IT professionals working in data center environments. The certification focuses on Juniper’s data center technologies, including routing, switching, security, virtualization, and automation.

The JNCIA-DC exam is a 90-minute multiple-choice test that covers topics such as Junos OS fundamentals, Layer 2 switching, Layer 3 routing protocols, security features, virtualization concepts and automation tools. To earn the JNCIA-DC certification, candidates must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%.

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the JNCIA-DC exam. Candidates should have hands-on experience with Juniper’s data center products and technologies before attempting the exam. It is also recommended that they use official study materials from Juniper Networks or other third-party providers to supplement their preparation.

The cost of the JNCIA-DC exam is $200 USD per attempt.

10. CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI

CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI is a certification program that validates the skills of IT professionals who use the Linux operating system. It is an internationally recognized, vendor-neutral certification that covers topics such as system architecture, command line tools, scripting, networking, and security.

The CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI certification consists of two exams: LX0-103 and LX0-104. The exams are designed to measure knowledge of Linux administration in areas such as installation, configuration, troubleshooting, security and maintenance. To receive the certification you must pass both exams with a score of 500 or higher on each exam.

It typically takes around six months to study for the CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI certification depending on your level of experience with the Linux operating system. To prepare for the exams you can take online courses or self-study using books and practice tests.

The cost of taking the CompTIA Linux+ Powered by LPI exam varies depending on where you take it but typically costs around $300 USD per exam.

11. HP AIS - Server Solutions Architect V2

HP AIS - Server Solutions Architect V2 is a certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to design, configure, deploy, and manage HP server solutions. This certification is vendor-neutral and focuses on the architecture of HP server solutions.

The HP AIS - Server Solutions Architect V2 certification requires passing one exam (HPE0-S56). This exam covers topics such as server architectures, storage technologies, networking technologies, virtualization technologies, and security considerations. The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and costs $150 USD.

To get the HP AIS - Server Solutions Architect V2 certification you must first pass the HPE0-S56 exam. You can register for the exam online at PearsonVue or through your local testing center. Once you have passed the exam you will receive an email with instructions on how to claim your certification.

Do You Really Need a Middleware Engineer Certificate?

The short answer is no. A certificate in middleware engineering is not a requirement to become a successful middleware engineer. However, having such a certificate could be beneficial for anyone looking to get hired in the field.

Having a certificate in middleware engineering shows potential employers that you have taken the initiative to learn about the technology and have put in the effort to gain knowledge and skills necessary to become an expert. It demonstrates that you are serious about your career and willing to invest in your own professional development. Additionally, it can make you more competitive in the job market when competing with others who do not possess such credentials.

Furthermore, a certificate can give you an edge over those without one by providing access to specialized training courses or seminars, which can help you stay up-to-date on new technologies and best practices. This can also provide an opportunity for networking with other professionals working in the same field, as well as giving you access to exclusive job postings or internships that may not be available otherwise.

In conclusion, although a certificate is not required to become a successful middleware engineer, it does offer some advantages that could help make you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or internships. Therefore, it may be worth considering if it fits into your long-term career goals and personal development plan.

Related: Middleware Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Middleware Engineer Certifications

1. What certifications are available for Middleware Engineers?

Answer: Common certifications for Middleware Engineers include Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).

2. How long does it take to obtain a Middleware Engineer certification?

Answer: The amount of time needed to obtain a Middleware Engineer certification depends on the specific certification. Generally, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete the required courses and exams.

3. What is the cost of obtaining a Middleware Engineer certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Middleware Engineer certification varies depending on the specific program and can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

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

Answer: Yes, most programs require applicants to have some prior knowledge or experience in working with middleware technologies such as WebSphere, JBoss, Tomcat, Apache, etc. Additionally, some programs may also require applicants to pass an exam prior to enrolling in their program.

5. Are there any online resources available for studying towards a Middleware Engineer certification?

Answer: Yes, there are many online resources available that can help you prepare for your certification exam including books, tutorials, practice tests and more. Additionally, some vendors offer online courses specifically designed to help prepare individuals for their certifications.