Java is the most popular programming language. If you want to become a Java expert, you need to choose the right course and certifications. To help you, here are some of the best and most popular Java Certifications.
Java is one of the most widely used programming languages. It is a powerful, high-level, general-purpose, pure object-oriented programming language used for developing mobile applications, web-based applications, and much more.
Oracle has been in charge of the Java platform's development since it acquired Sun Microsystems (the company that developed Java) in January 2010. As a result, they've created several Java certifications to validate various Java Developer skills, as mentioned in this article.
This article will expose you to the best Java certifications out there that can help you get on the path to becoming a professional Java developer.
So, let’s begin!
What is Java?
Java is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language based on classes designed to have fewer implementation requirements. Also, Java is quick, secure, and dependable. Java programming language is used for:
- Creation of Android applications
- Development of enterprise software
- Scientific computing
- Big data analytics
- Hardware device programming
- Development of server-side technologies such as Apache and GlassFish
How to Prepare for a Java Certification Exam?
Under Oracle's Java certification process, four different certification levels are as follows:
- Oracle Certified Associate (OCA)
- Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)
- Oracle Certified Expert (OCE)
- Oracle Certified Master (OCM)
Obtaining a Java certificate requires you to put in considerable time and effort. If you are a beginner wishing to improve your Java programming skills, then it is recommended that you prepare for these certification exams for at least three months.
On the other hand, if your company needs you to clear these examinations quickly, it is possible to do so with proper planning and preparation.
12 Best Java Certifications
Now, let us check out the list of the 10 best Java certifications that can help you prepare for the professional Java developer role.
1. Java Foundations Certified Junior Associate (OCA)
The Java Foundations Certified Junior Associate certification program can help you learn the essential Java concepts. Also, you can enhance your knowledge and skills pertaining to Java programming. Anyone who passes this certification exam usually goes on to enroll in OCP certifications.
Students in high schools or universities who have completed Oracle Academy training or are pursuing computer science should take the Junior Associate route by qualifying for this certification exam.
Certification Exam Details
- Exam Title: Java Foundations (novice-level exam)
- Time limit: 150 minutes
- Total Questions: 75
- Passing Percentage: 65%
- Question Format: Multiple Choice Questions
- Exam Number: 1Z0-811
For this test, you'll need to have a grasp of the Java programming language basics and should know how to solve logical and mathematical problems. You must also be familiar with the Java Development Kit and Java Runtime Environment .
2. Java SE 7 Programmer I (OCA)
With billions of devices running on Java, businesses ranging from startups to global giants look for seasoned Java programmers for building and maintaining applications. Every year, over 30,000 people enroll in Oracle's Java SE 7 Programmer I certification to get better career opportunities, promotions, and salary raises.
Certification Exam Details
- Exam Title: Java SE 7 Programmer I
- Examination Number: 1Z0-803
- Time Limit: 150 minutes
- Total Questions: 70
- Passing Percentage: 63%
- Format: Multiple Choice Questions
This Java certification covers several topics, such as utilizing operators and decision constructors, building and utilizing arrays, developing loop constructs, handling methods and encapsulation, operating inheritance, and handling exceptions.
3. Java SE 8 Programmer I (OCA)
The introduction of Java SE 8 altered the way programmers interpreted Java. Earning a Java SE 8 certification helps you to develop the skills that you need to take advantage of the new features of Java SE8 .
With this Java certification, you will learn how to build command-line apps, comprehend and employ object-oriented principles, utilize Java types, develop conditional statements and loops, manage arrays and collections, handle errors, and make use of new Java SE 8 capabilities like Lambda expressions.
Certification Exam Details
- Exam Title: Java SE 8 Programmer I
- Exam Number: 1Z0-808
- Time limit: 2.5 hours
- Number of Questions: 70
- Minimum Qualifying Percentage: 65%
- Question Format: Multiple Choice Questions
This certification is ideal for individuals willing to improve their Java skills and develop a solid understanding of object-oriented programming .
4. Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 5/SE 6
This Java certification has replaced the Sun Certified Java Associate (SCJA) certification. It's one of the best certifications if you want to work in app development or project management positions that use Java.
You will study object-oriented programming concepts, UML representations of object-oriented principles, the Java language, and a broad understanding of Java technologies and platforms to prepare for this test.
Certification Exam Details
- Exam Title: Java SE 6 and 6, Certified Associate
- Exam Number: 1Z0-850
- Duration: 115 minutes
- Number of Questions: 51
- Passing score: 68%
- Format: Multiple Choice
The Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 5/SE 6 is an ideal certification for individuals aspiring to be Java programmers and project managers.
5. Java SE 8 Programmer II (OCP)
This examination is for anyone interested in evaluating and proving their advanced Java programming principle. It covers generics and collections, concurrency, and Java file I/O, among other things. Its certification is the first step in demonstrating you have the high-level abilities required to be a successful Java developer.
The Java SE 8 Programmer II certification is for people who have a high degree of proficiency in the Java programming language and want to utilize the new capabilities in Java SE 8.
Certification Exam Details
- Exam Number: 1Z0-809
- Exam Title: Java SE 8 Programmer II
- Duration: 150 minutes
- Number of Questions: 70
- Passing score: 65%
- Format: Multiple Choice
This certification can help you learn how to enhance code clarity and efficiency by utilizing lambda and parallel streams. Also, you will learn to minimize production time and become a more versatile Java developer.
6. Java SE 7 Programmer II (OCP)
The Java SE 7 Programmer II certification is intended for experienced Java programmers who wish to enhance their knowledge and abilities pertaining to Java development.
Certification Exam Details
- Exam Number: 1Z0-804
- Exam Title: Java SE 7 Programmer II
- Duration: 150 minutes
- Number of Questions: 65
- Passing score: 65%
- Format: Multiple Choice
Java class design, advanced class design, object-oriented design concepts, generics and catalogs, string handling, exceptions and assertions, threads, concurrency, and localization are among the topics covered in Java SE 7 Programmer II exam. Also, the certification will help you become familiar with Java I/O fundamentals, Java file I/O (NIO.2), and JDBC (Java Database Connectivity).
7. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 6 Programmer (OCE)
This certification is for experienced software developers who are already familiar with the Java programming language. Obtaining this certification indicates that you have a fundamental understanding of Java syntax and you can use J2SE 5.0 to develop programs that operate on server and desktop platforms.
The Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) credential is now obsolete and replaced by this certification.
Certification Exam Details
- Exam Number: 1Z0-851
- Exam Title: Java SE 6 Programmer Certified Professional
- Duration: 150 minutes
- Number of Questions: 60
- Passing score: 61%
- Format: Multiple Choice
To pass the certification exam, you will have to develop a thorough understanding of various concepts, including initialization and scoping, flow control, API contents, concurrency, and object-oriented programming.
8. Java EE 6 JavaServer Faces Developer (OCE)
This Java certification is ideal for Individuals who have experience working with the Java Enterprise Edition. Also, if you are working as an application developer, this certification will help you take the next step and grow your career.
Earning this certification allows you to create feature-rich and consistent user interfaces without having to work with web designers or developers. Also, it will not only broaden your skillset but also provide you with a competitive advantage in the job market and open the door for new opportunities.
Certification Exam Details
- Exam Number: 1Z0-896
- Exam Title: Java EE 6 JavaServer Faces Developer
- Duration: 150 minutes
- Number of Questions: 87
- Passing score: 70%
- Format: Multiple Choice
Fundamentals of JSF2.0, JSF navigation model, data transformation and quality decisions, api management, data table, composite elements, custom elements, privacy, and verification, package, and publishing web applications are among the topics covered in the certification exam.
9. Java EE 6 Web Component Developer (OCE)
This certification teaches you how to use Java technology components and the Java Platform Enterprise Edition 6 software development kit to design, implement, and deploy web applications.
Certification Exam Details
- Exam Number: 1Z0-899
- Exam Title: Java EE 6 Web Component Developer Certified Expert
- Duration: 140 minutes
- Number of Questions: 57
- Passing score: 64%
- Format: Multiple Choice
To pass the certification exam, you should have an understanding of web services as a manifestation of Service-oriented Architecture . Also, you need to know how to develop web services using Java EE industry standards.
10. Java EE 6 Web Services Developer (OCM)
This Java certification provides you with the knowledge that is essential for creating, implementing, and deploying web services using Java. Moreover, you will get familiar with Java Platform Enterprise Edition 6 software development kit.
Certification Exam Details
- Exam Number: 1Z0-897
- Exam Title: Java EE 6 Web Services Developer Certified Expert
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Number of Questions: 55
- Passing score: 65%
- Format: Multiple Choice
Candidates looking to take this exam should be familiar with Service-oriented Architecture and Java EE best practices for designing web services.
11. Java Persistence API Developer (OCM)
You should have the expertise needed to create strong back-end functionality using Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) technology for enrolling in this Java certification. Also, you should be aware of the EJB technology's session beans and message-driven beans development experience.
Certification Exam Details
- Exam Number: 1Z0-898
- Exam Title: Java EE 6 Java Persistence API Developer Certified Expert
- Duration: 135 minutes
- Number of Questions: 64
- Passing score: 61%
- Format: Multiple Choice
Before taking this test, you need to have completed an Oracle or Sun certified Java programmer certification (any level or type would work).
12. Java EE 6 Enterprise JavaBeans Developer (OCM)
The Java EE 6 Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) Developer certification demands expertise and comprehension of the most up-to-date Enterprise JavaBeans technology. To make the most of this certification, you need to have knowledge of EJB design, methodologies, and security practices.
Certification Exam Details
- Exam Number: 1Z0-895
- Exam Title: Java EE 6 Enterprise JavaBeans Developer Certified Expert
- Duration: 110 minutes
- Number of Questions: 60
- Passing score: 73%
- Format: Multiple Choice
This certification covers various topics, including Java EE fundamentals, session bean execution, enhanced session bean principles, data frame session bean, creation of Java EE applications using messaging, and development of message-driven beans.
Conclusion
If you're just getting started as a Java developer, a Java certification is likely going to help you a lot. It's something that can help you grab a well-paying job even if you have little to no professional experience. Also, having a Java certification will make you more attractive to potential employers and make them trust your abilities.
A Java certificate will simply confirm that you have the desired technical competence to code, can tackle issues, and are capable of working on major Java projects. What are your thoughts and experience on Java certifications? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
People are also reading:
Leave a Comment on this Post