Top 10 Oracle Developer Certifications

Certifications are important for an Oracle developer in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certification shows potential employers that a candidate has taken the time to learn and understand the technology, as well as having the ability to use it effectively. Additionally, certifications provide a way for developers to stand out from other applicants and show their commitment to learning about Oracle products and services. Having an Oracle certification can open up opportunities for more advanced roles, higher salaries, and more challenging projects.

This article reviews the top certifications for Oracle Developers and explains how the certifications can help to advance an Oracle Developer's career.

What are Oracle Developer Certifications?

Oracle Developer Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates a developer’s knowledge and proficiency in developing applications using Oracle Database technology. This certification demonstrates that the holder has a comprehensive understanding of the skills and concepts necessary to design, build, and deploy database applications using Oracle Database technology. With this certification, developers can demonstrate their expertise in developing applications with Oracle Database technology to potential employers, customers or other stakeholders.

Having an Oracle Developer Certification can open up opportunities for career advancements as well as provide access to exclusive job postings. It also serves as a valuable asset for those looking for job security and increased salary potential. Additionally, having an Oracle Developer Certification can help build credibility among peers and colleagues within the development community. It also provides developers with access to technical resources such as tutorials, forums and webcasts that can help them stay up-to-date on the latest trends in database technologies. Finally, having an Oracle Developer Certification may be required by some employers before they hire a developer for certain positions.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have a good understanding of the Oracle Database and its features before attempting an Oracle Developer Certification. This is especially important for those taking the more advanced certifications, such as the Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) or Oracle Certified Master (OCM). Additionally, it is beneficial to have hands-on experience with the technologies you are being tested on.

Related: What does an Oracle Developer do?

Top 10 Oracle Developer Certifications

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

1. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer

Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer is a certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the Java programming language. It is designed to verify an individual’s ability to develop and maintain applications written in the Java language.

It takes approximately 30 hours of self-study and practice to prepare for the Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer exam. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 150 minutes.

To get certified, you must pass the Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer exam. You can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center or online through Oracle University. The cost of the exam is $245 USD.

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

Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer is a certification that validates a developer's expertise in developing web components using the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) 6. This certification requires knowledge of the core technologies used to develop web applications and components, including servlets, JavaServer Pages (JSPs), and web services.

To obtain this certification, you must pass one exam: 1Z0-899: Java EE 6 Web Component Developer Certified Expert Exam. This exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically costs around $245 USD.

To prepare for this exam, Oracle recommends taking an instructor-led training course or self-study course from Oracle University. Additionally, there are several books and online resources available to help you prepare for the exam.

3. Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect

Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect (OCMJEA) is an advanced certification designed to demonstrate a mastery of the Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (Java EE) technology and architecture. It is the highest level of certification available for Java EE professionals.

The OCMJEA requires candidates to pass two exams: the Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer II (1Z0-809) and the Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect (1Z0-807). The 1Z0-807 exam focuses on topics such as architecture design, application deployment and security.

It typically takes several months to prepare for the OCMJEA exams. Candidates should have extensive experience developing applications using Java EE technologies and architectures. They should also be familiar with relevant industry standards and best practices.

The cost of taking the OCMJEA exams varies depending on location and other factors. In the United States, each exam costs $245 USD. The total cost for both exams is $490 USD.

In order to become an Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect, you must register for both exams at Oracle’s website and pass them with a score of 75% or higher. Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your OCMJEA certificate from Oracle.

4. Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.6 Developer

Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.6 Developer is a certification program designed to demonstrate an individual's expertise in developing applications using the MySQL 5.6 database system. The certification covers topics such as database design, SQL statements, stored procedures and functions, triggers, views and indexes, data security, performance tuning and optimization, backup and recovery techniques, and more.

It typically takes between four to six months of study time to prepare for the Oracle Certified Professional MySQL 5.6 Developer exam. Those who wish to become certified must have hands-on experience with the MySQL 5.6 database system in order to be successful on the exam.

To get certified as an Oracle Certified Professional MySQL 5.6 Developer you must first pass the 1Z0-888 Exam which is available through Pearson VUE or Oracle University Testing Centers worldwide. The exam consists of 75 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where it is taken but is generally around $200 USD per attempt.

5. Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 7 Programmer I

Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 7 Programmer I (OCAJP7) is an entry-level certification that demonstrates a programmer’s knowledge of the Java programming language and platform. It is designed to validate basic skills in developing Java applications using object-oriented principles and the syntax of the Java language.

To get certified as an Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 7 Programmer I, you will need to pass the Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 7 Programmer I exam (1Z0-803). This exam consists of 80 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 150 minutes to complete. The passing score for this exam is 65%.

The cost of taking the OCAJP7 exam varies depending on your location. In the United States, it costs $245 USD to take the exam. In other countries, it may cost more or less depending on local taxes and fees.

In order to prepare for this certification, you should have a good understanding of object-oriented programming concepts and be familiar with basic syntax of the Java language. You can find study materials online or take classes from Oracle University or other training providers to help you prepare for this certification.

6. Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate

Oracle Database 12c Administrator Certified Associate (OCA) is an entry-level certification designed to demonstrate knowledge and skills in Oracle Database 12c administration. The certification is intended for individuals who have a basic understanding of database concepts, and are looking to demonstrate their ability to administer Oracle databases.

The OCA exam consists of two parts: the 1Z0-062 Oracle Database 12c: Installation and Administration Exam, and the 1Z0-063 Oracle Database 12c: Advanced Administration Exam. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE.

It typically takes about 4-6 months of study time to prepare for the OCA certification exams. It is recommended that candidates have at least one year of experience working with Oracle databases before attempting the exams.

To get certified, you must first purchase an exam voucher from Oracle University or an authorized reseller. The cost of the voucher varies depending on your location and currency exchange rate, but typically ranges from $125 USD - $200 USD per exam. After purchasing a voucher, you can schedule your exam appointment with Pearson VUE.

Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your OCA certificate in the mail within 6-8 weeks after passing both exams.

7. Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Associate

Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Associate (OCA) is an entry-level certification for database administrators. It is designed to prove that the successful candidate has a fundamental understanding of Oracle database technology and can perform basic tasks related to database administration.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the OCA exam, depending on your experience level and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying. The best way to prepare for the OCA exam is by taking an official Oracle training course or self-study using Oracle’s official study guides. These courses and materials provide comprehensive coverage of all topics covered on the exam, as well as practice questions and labs that will help you gain hands-on experience with Oracle databases.

The OCA exam costs $245 USD, which includes access to the online proctored test and a free retake if needed. To register for the exam, you must create an account on Oracle’s website and then purchase a voucher from an authorized reseller. Once you have purchased your voucher, you can schedule your exam at a date and time that works best for you.

8. Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Certification

Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Certification is an Oracle certification program that tests and validates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in using the Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g. This certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Oracle BI tools, including Oracle BI Server, Oracle BI Publisher, Oracle Business Intelligence Dashboards, and other components.

The certification exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as architecture, installation and configuration, data modeling, query development, report development, dashboard development, security administration, performance tuning and troubleshooting.

To obtain this certification you must first register for the exam on the Oracle website. Once registered you can schedule an appointment at a Pearson VUE testing center near you. The cost of the exam is $245 USD. After passing the exam you will receive a digital badge that can be displayed on your LinkedIn profile or other online profiles to show your achievement.

9. Oracle PL/SQL Developer Certified Associate

Oracle PL/SQL Developer Certified Associate is an entry-level certification for developers who are interested in developing applications using the Oracle Database and PL/SQL programming language. It is designed to demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamentals of PL/SQL, including data types, variables, control structures, functions and procedures.

It typically takes around one month to complete the training and preparation required to pass the Oracle PL/SQL Developer Certified Associate exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within 90 minutes. A passing score is 70%.

The cost of taking the Oracle PL/SQL Developer Certified Associate exam varies depending on your location. In most countries, it costs around $200 USD. However, discounts may be available if you are a student or a member of certain professional organizations.

To get certified as an Oracle PL/SQL Developer Certified Associate, you will need to register for and pass the relevant exam from Oracle University. You can find more information about registering for the exam and preparing for it on their website.

10. Oracle Application Express (APEX) 5 Certification

Oracle Application Express (APEX) 5 Certification is a certification program offered by Oracle that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the development of web applications using Oracle APEX. This certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in developing, deploying, and managing applications with Oracle APEX 5.0 or higher.

The Oracle Application Express (APEX) 5 Certification exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 75 multiple-choice questions. To obtain the certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

In order to take the Oracle Application Express (APEX) 5 Certification Exam, you must first register for an account on the Oracle Learning Center website and purchase an exam voucher from the Oracle Store. The cost of the exam voucher is $245 USD.

Once you have registered for an account and purchased your exam voucher, you can schedule your exam at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide. You will be required to bring two forms of identification with you to the testing center on test day; one form must be a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official Oracle Application Express (APEX) 5 Certification certificate via email within 10 business days after successful completion of the exam.

Do You Really Need a Oracle Developer Certificate?

Whether or not you need an Oracle Developer Certificate depends on your career goals. If you are looking for a job as an Oracle developer, or if you want to increase your chances of getting a promotion within a current role, having an Oracle Developer Certificate can give you a competitive edge.

Having the certification can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to develop applications using Oracle's database technology. It also shows potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to invest in yourself by studying and obtaining the certificate.

However, it is important to note that having an Oracle Developer Certificate does not guarantee that you will be successful in any particular job or role. It is important to keep up with advancements in database technology, as well as other relevant skills such as coding and software development. Having a solid foundation of these skills will make it easier for you to use the certification to your advantage.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an Oracle Developer Certificate depends on your career goals and ambitions. It can be beneficial if you want to become an Oracle developer or increase your chances of getting promoted within a current role, but it is not essential for success in all roles related to database technology.

Related: Oracle Developer Resume Examples

FAQs About Oracle Developer Certifications

1. What are the different Oracle Developer Certifications?

Answer: Oracle offers a range of developer certifications, including Oracle Certified Professional Java SE Programmer, Oracle Certified Associate Java SE Programmer, and Oracle Database Application Development.

2. What is the cost of an Oracle Developer Certification?

Answer: The cost of an Oracle Developer Certification can vary depending on the type and level of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, most exams range from $245-$295 USD.

3. How long does it take to complete an Oracle Developer Certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to complete an Oracle Developer Certification depends on the type and level of certification you are pursuing. Generally speaking, most exams take between 1-4 hours to complete.

4. Are there any prerequisites for taking an Oracle Developer Certification exam?

Answer: Yes, there are prerequisites for taking an Oracle Developer Certification exam. Depending on the type and level of certification you are pursuing, these prerequisites may include passing one or more prerequisite exams or having a certain amount of experience in that particular technology area.

5. What study materials are available for an Oracle Developer Certification exam?

Answer: There is a wide variety of study materials available for each type and level of certification offered by Oracle. These materials may include official courseware from Oracle partners such as Global Knowledge, self-paced online training courses, practice tests, books, and other resources available through various websites such as Udemy and edX.