Programming languages are the backbone of software development. It helps developers to write efficient code, automate, maintain, and assemble the processed data. Java is one of the highly robust and high-level programming languages. It is one of the most powerful programming languages currently used in over 3 billion devices. It is currently being used by top tech giants like Amazon, Adobe, Instagram, Flipkart, and a lot more. So learning this technology offers amazing salaries, global recognition, and great growth opportunities.
So if you want to grow your career in this domain and are looking for the best Java IT certifications then you are at the right place. This blog will discuss the top 7 Java certifications for developers that will surely enhance your career. We will also discuss the duration, passing marks, duration of the exam, and benefits of each Java certification. So let’s get started but first, we will discuss how to prepare for Java certifications.
How to Prepare For Java Certification?
Preparing for anything is not always easy, you have to give time and hard work to achieve the final outcome. Here are some of the steps that you need to follow to prepare for your next Java certification are mentioned below:
- Code Every Day: There is no substitute to practice coding regularly. Code on a daily basis to develop a coding sense and read code in the real examination.
- Start a Good Course: You can start with a good online course to prepare for Java certification. It is an amazing option to learn new technology in a short span of time. You can also refer Java tutorial for more details.
- Read Good Books: You must have heard about this common saying that books are your best companion. So it is really important to choose the right books if you are preparing for Java certification.
- Solve Practice Tests: Practice makes you perfect so solve as many practice questions as you can. This will help you develop the speed and accuracy required for the exam.
- Regularly Practice on Forums: To keep yourself up to date about the exam it is important to participate on forums.
Top Java Certifications For Developers
Certifications from a recognized body are considered proof of knowledge. There are a plethora of Java certifications that candidates can avail of in order to validate their skills in the Java development domain. Some of the best Java certifications for developers are mentioned below:
1. Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmer OCAJP
The first Java certification that Java developers must take is Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmer commonly known as OCAJP. It is the most basic certification provided by Oracle for Java. There are two subcategories in this certification namely OCAJP Java Standard Edition 8 (OCAJP 8) and OCAJP Java Standard Edition 11 (OCAJP 11).
OCAJP 8 covers important topics like Java basics, creating and using Arrays, handling Exceptions, loop constructs, Inheritance and Encapsulation concepts, Java Data types, and information about Java API. OCAJP11 comprises topics like Encapsulation, using methods, creating java Programs, handling exceptions, knowledge of modules, using Operators and Decision Constructs, Java arrays, knowledge of primitive data types, and using classes and objects.
Exam Pattern Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmer OCAJP
- Exam Number: 1Z0-808
- Exam Price: 245 USD
- Time Duration: 150 minutes
- Number of Questions: 77
- Passing Score: 65% (50 out of 77)
Benefits of Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmer OCAJP certification
This certification manifests that developer has all the necessary skills required to become a Java developer. It helps you to secure an internship or entry-level job as a Java developer. There are a lot of top tech giants that hire Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmers.
2. Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer OCPJP
Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer OCPJP manifests candidates’ professional-level expertise in Java. It helps the programmers to stand out from the crowd. This exam is preferable for professionals who already have some prior experience working with Java. There are two sub-categories of this exam OCPJP Java Standard Edition 8 (OCPJP 8) and OCPJP Java Standard Edition 11 (OCPJP 11).
Key Highlights:
- Advanced Java Class Design
- Collections and Genetics
- Java Stream API
- Assertions
- Exceptions
- Lambda Built-in Functional Interfaces I
- Java I/O Fundamentals
- Java Concurrency
- Building Database Applications with JDBC
- Localization
Exam Pattern for Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer
- Exam Number: 1Z0-809
- Exam Price: 245 USD
- Exam Format: Multiple Choice
- Duration: 150 minutes
- Number of Questions: 85
- Passing Score: 65% (55 out of 85)
Benefits of Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer OCPJP
Once you complete this certification you can switch to better salary slabs. It also helps you to get internal promotions. Also, it helps you to distinguish yourself from the crowd. Some of the top tech giants that hire Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmers are Oracle, Morgan Stanley, Capgemini, and a lot more. To get more information about how to become Oracle Certified Java Programmer(OCJP) visit How to Become A Certified Java Programmer.
3. Java EE 7 Application Developer (1Z0–900)
This exam validates the programming capabilities of developing applications using the Java platform. You can go for this if you have became a certified Java developer after passing both OCAJP and OCPJP.
Key Highlights:
- Understanding Java EE architecture
- Implement business logic
- Implement SOAP services
- Implement REST services
- Create and develop Java applications
- Develop Web applications using JSF
- Use concurrency API, Batch API, and CDI Beans
Exam Pattern for Java EE 7 Application Developer
- Exam Number: 1Z0–900
- Exam Format: Multiple Choice
- Exam Duration: 120 Minutes
- Number of Questions: 70
- Passing Score: 66%
Benefits of passing the Java EE 7 Application Developer exam
Once you are certified as a Java EE 7 Application Developer you can expect better opportunities as a Java Programmer. Adding this certification to your resume will help you secure positions in mobile and online development domains that are in high demand currently. Further, you can earn more money that will benefit you throughout your career.
4. Oracle Certified Master Java Enterprise Architect (OCMJEA)
It is one of the most prestigious certifications that a Java developer can achieve. Currently, there are a lot of large-scale organizations that require specialized professionals with proven skills. So these organizations require experienced professionals who can develop these applications as per the requirement.
Key Highlights:
- Architect Enterprise Applications through Java EE
- Developing Applications with Java EE 6 on WebLogic Server 12c
- Developing Applications for the Java EE 7
- Object-Oriented Analysis
- Java Design Patterns
- Business Components with JMS & EJBs
- Database Applications with JPA
- Develop Web Services with JAX-WS & JAX-RS
- New Features of Java EE 7
- Develop Client Applications
- Programming Fundamentals of Java SE 8
Exam pattern for Oracle Certified Master Java Enterprise Architect (OCMJEA)
- Exam Number: 1Z0-807
- Exam Format: Multiple Choice
- Exam Duration: 150 Minutes
- Number of Questions: 60
- Passing Score: 71%
Benefits of passing Oracle Certified Master Java Enterprise Architect
To enhance your career as a Java developer, you need the credibility that OCMJEA certification can provide. It proves that you have the skills and knowledge required to build Java applications at the enterprise level. This certification will boost your career to a great extent and many Java Enterprise Architect certified works in managerial and senior management positions. Further, it also helps in enhancing your salary and position in your current organization.
5. Spring Professional Certification by VMware
This Spring professional certification by VMware is designed to validate the understanding of the Spring framework. The preparation strategy for spring professional certification is very similar to Java certifications like OCAJP. The passing percentage is higher than Oracle Java certification but the format is quite similar.
Key Highlights:
- Basics of Container
- Aspect Oriented Programming
- Data access and transactions
- Spring model-view-controller
- Transactions
- Security
- JPA spring data
- Boot
- Testing
Exam pattern for Spring Professional Certification by VMware
- Exam Number: VMware EDU-1202
- Exam Format: Multiple Choice
- Exam Duration: 90 Minutes
- Number of Questions: 50
- Passing Score: 76%
Benefits of passing Spring Professional Certification by VMware
This certification validates the candidate’s expertise in Spring boot features. It manifests candidates’ abilities to apply spring features quickly and deliver production-ready applications. This certification will help you distinguish yourself as a capable spring professional in the Java development domain.
6. Red Hat Certified Enterprise Application
This certification is designed to validate your development skills using Rat Hat technologies. It demonstrates your expertise in enterprise application development and your ability to implement secure and scalable applications.
Key Highlights:
- Java EE components,
- Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform
- Using CDI to integrate components
- Using the basics of JPA to create, update, and delete objects
- Web services
- Red Hat JBoss Developer Studio
- Messaging and Security
- Red Hat OpenShift
Exam pattern for Red Hat Certified Enterprise Application
- Exam Number: EX183
- Exam Format: Performance-based
- Exam Duration: 4 hours
- Number of Questions: 300
- Passing Score: 70%
Benefits of Red Hat Certified Enterprise Application
This certification is widely recognized in the Java development domain. It validates your Java proficiency and can lead to increased salaries and recognition.
7. Oracle Certified Professional Java Application Developer (OCPJAD)
It is an advanced-level certification for software developers who want to write different applications using Java. It helps developers to manifest their abilities to develop applications through Java Enterprise application 7.
Key Highlights:
- Knowledge of Concurrency and Batch API
- Java Application Development with Web Sockets
- Implementing business logic and SOAP services
- Java EE 7 system architecture
- Java Message Service API
- Developing Web applications with Servlets and JSFs
- Java EE 7 Security Techniques
Exam pattern for Oracle Certified Professional Java Application Developer (OCPJAD)
- Exam Number: 1Z0-900
- Exam Format: Multiple Choice
- Exam Duration: 2 hours
- Number of Questions: 56
- Passing Score: 65%
Benefits of Oracle Certified Professional Java Application Developer (OCPJAD)
This certification validates that you can work on critical application development and get higher salaries. This certification will provide you exposure to applying security systems, creating messaging services, and providing exposure to API development. Further top tech giants prefer professionals with OCPJAD certification.
Conclusion
Java certification is an excellent way to validate your expertise and enhance your career in the software development domain. These are some of the best certifications for Java developers. These certifications will boost your career, help you find a better job, and enhance your salary. This will not only enhance your resume but also improve your understanding of Java. To get more information about Java and learn this amazing language visit the Java Backend Development.
FAQs on Java Certifications
Q1. What are Java Certifications for Developers in 2023?
Answer:
The best Java Certifications for Developers in 2023 are:
- Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmer OCAJP
- Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer OCPJP
- Java EE 7 Application Developer
- Oracle Certified Master Java Enterprise Architect (OCMJEA)
- Spring Professional Certification by VMware
- Red Hat Certified Enterprise Application
- Oracle Certified Professional Java Application Developer (OCPJAD)
Q2. Which Java certification is best to start with?
Answer:
The first Java certification that a developer must go for is an Oracle-certified associate Java developer. It is the first of two exams that you need to take in order to become an Oracle-certified Java developer.
Q3. Will Java be in demand in 2024?
Answer:
As per the reports, more than 4.7% of websites use Java as a programming language. Currently, top tech giants hire candidates who have expertise in Java. So Java programming language is currently dominating the world and will continue to be in demand in upcoming years.
Q4. How to become a successful Java developer?
Answer:
Some of the steps that you need to follow in order to become a successful Java developer:
- Knowledge of basic concepts like loops, arrays, operators, OOPs concepts, and many more.
- Keep coding and practicing Java as much as possible and also build mini projects on the topics you learn.
- After learning core Java now it’s time to learn Java Enterprise Edition. Learn technologies like Servlet, Java Server Faces, WebSocket, etc.
- After learning all this it’s time to learn Hibernate and Spring Framework.
