Java certifications: the ultimate guide
By Jamie Mercer
“Do I really need a Java certification?” As a Java developer, it’s a question you may ask yourself at some point in your career.
Despite the fact that most Java professionals learn as they earn, without the need of accomplishing higher education or undergoing professional certifications, some employers do value certifications.
Many Java professionals gain valuable experience from working on projects across a range of industries, meaning they learn about the needs of different sectors as well as how they work with developers. While some employers might value their employee more if they have a Java certification, because it adds value to the company, some employers may only value the number of years of experience a Java professional has.
With that being said, a Java certification included in your portfolio of skills certainly does not diminish your chances of getting hired. We have put together all you need to know for every Java certification which outlines the Java certification course and exam, each Java certification cost, and discuss whether a Java certification, in general, is necessary.
Oracle Java Certifications
There are four types of certification levels structured under the Oracle’s Java certification path. They are:
- Oracle Certified Associate (OCA)
- Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)
- Oracle Certified Expert (OCE)
- Oracle Certified Master (OCM)
The purpose of the Oracle Java Certification exams is to test your knowledge and capabilities on prospective jobs in the Java industry. To prepare and successfully pass the Java certification exams, you would require a satisfactory level of understanding of Java technologies. Nevertheless, you would also need to understand the exam pattern, type of questions you are going to be tested on and gain enough practice.
In this article, you will find relevant details of the different Java certifications under each level on the Java certification path. Each Java certification would have a multiple version of the same certification corresponding to the different Java SE or Java EE version.
Java SE Associate
Java Foundations Certified Junior Associate (novice-level certification)
Exam Number: 1Z0-811
Exam Title: Java Foundations (novice-level exam)
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Java Foundations
Exam Details
Duration: 150 minutes
Number of Questions: 75
Passing Score: 65%
Validated Against: JDK 1.8
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: £60
Passing the Java Foundations Certified Junior Associate exam equips you with the fundamentals of Java, demonstrating an understanding of Java knowledge and skills. An early stage certification, those who complete this exam typically go on to study for OCA or OCP certification.
The Junior Associate route is aimed at students in secondary schools, colleges, or universities who have taken part in the Oracle Academy training or for those who are studying computer science.
For this exam, you will need a basic understanding of the Java language and be able to use logic and mathematics to in problem-solving situations. You should also know how to work with the Java Development Kit and the Java Runtime Environment.
Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 7 Programmer
Exam Number: 1Z0-803
Exam Title: Java SE 7 Programmer I
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Java SE 7 Fundamentals
Exam Details
Duration: 150 minutes
Number of Questions: 70
Passing Score: 63%
Validated Against: SE 7
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: £198
With three billion devices running Java worldwide, companies ranging from startups to enterprise level businesses rely on experienced Java programmers to build and maintain their applications and keep the business running smoothly.
Oracle’s Java Programmer Certificate is completed by over 30,000 each year, and many of those who gain certification report improvements to their job prospects including promotions, pay rises, or compensation increases.
Topics covered in this exam include: Java basics, working with Java data types, using operators and decision constructs, creating and using arrays, using loop constructs, working with methods and encapsulation, working with inheritance, and handling expectations.
Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer
Exam Number: 1Z0-808
Exam Title: Java SE 8 Programmer I
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Java SE 8 Fundamentals Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer Certification Discount Package (On Demand)
Exam Details
Duration: 150 minutes
Number of Questions: 70
Passing Score: 65%
Validated Against: SE 8
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: £198
The launch of Java SE 8 changed the way that Java was written by programmers. Earning a certification in Java SE 8 equips you with the tools needed to make the most of the new features and helps to build and develop a foundational understanding of Java.
When preparing for this exam, you will learn to creative command-line applications, understand and apply object-oriented concepts, use Java types, create conditional statements and loops, manipulate arrays and collections, handle exceptions, and take advantage of new Java SE 8 features such as Lambda expressions.
The typical audience for this exam has a technical background and is looking to advance their knowledge of Java, or they are new to object-oriented programming.
Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 5/SE 6
Exam Number: 1Z0-850
Exam Title: Java SE 6 and 6, Certified Associate
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Fundamentals of the Java Programming Language, Java SE 6 (self-study)
Exam Details
Duration: 115 minutes
Number of Questions: 51
Passing Score: 68%
Validated Against: SE 6
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: £198
This certification replaces the old Sun Certified Java Associate (SCJA) certification. It provides an ideal entry into app development or project management roles that rely on Java technologies. In preparation for this exam, you will explore object-oriented concepts, UML representation of object-oriented concepts, the Java language and build a general knowledge of Java technologies and platforms.
This exam is aimed at entry-level programmers, students wishing to become Java programmers, and project managers who work with Java technology in software development.
Java SE Professional
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer
Exam Number: 1Z0-809
Exam Title: Java SE 8 Programmer II
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Java SE 8 Programming Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer Certification Discount Package (On Demand)
Exam Details
Duration: 150 minutes
Number of Questions: 70
Passing Score: 65%
Validated Against: SE 8
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: £198
With over nine million Java developers worldwide and 97% of enterprise desktops running Java, it’s safe to say that the language is not going anywhere anytime fast.
The Java SE 8 Programmer certification is for those with an advanced level of ability with the Java programming language and who are in a position to take full advantage of the new features in Java SE 8.
This certification aims to improve your code clarity and increases performance when using lambda and parallel streams. By preparing for the examination, you will also learn to reduce development time and become more flexible with your programming.
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer (upgrade from Java SE 6 and all prior versions)
Exam Number: 1Z0-813
Exam Title: Upgrade to Java SE 8 OCP (Java SE 6 and all prior versions)
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Java SE 7 New Features / Java SE 8 New Features
Exam Details
Duration: 130 minutes
Number of Questions: 60
Passing Score: 63%
Validated Against: SE 8
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: £198
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Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer (upgrade from Java SE 7)
Exam Number: 1Z0-810
Exam Title: Upgrade Java SE 7 to Java SE 8 OCP Programmer
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Java SE 8 New Features
Exam Details
Duration: 150 minutes
Number of Questions: 60
Passing Score: 65%
Validated Against: N/A
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: £198
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 7 Programmer
Exam Number: 1Z0-804
Exam Title: Java SE 7 Programmer II
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Java SE 7 Programming
Exam Details
Duration: 150 minutes
Number of Questions: 65
Passing Score: 65%
Validated Against: SE 7
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: £198
The Java SE 7 Programmer II certification is mainly aimed at candidates who already have some experience as a Java programmer but who want to advance their careers and develop their knowledge and ability with Java.
The topics covered in the Java SE 7 Programmer II examination include: Java class design, advanced class design, object-oriented design principles, generics and collections, string processing, exceptions and assertions, Java I/O fundamentals, Java file I/O (NIO.2), building database applications with JDBC, threads, concurrency, and localisation.
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 7 Programmer (upgrade)
Exam Number: 1Z0-805
Exam Title: Upgrade to Java SE 7 Programmer
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Java SE 7 New Features
Exam Details
Duration: 150 minutes
Number of Questions: 70
Passing Score: 60%
Validated Against: SE 7
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: £198
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 6 Programmer
Exam Number: 1Z0-851
Exam Title: Java SE 6 Programmer Certified Professional
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Java Programming Language, Java SE 6 (self-study) Fundamentals of the Java Programming Language, Java SE 6 (self-study)
Exam Details
Duration: 150 minutes
Number of Questions: 60
Passing Score: 61%
Validated Against: SE 5 and SE 6
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: £198
This certification is aimed at experienced programmers who are used to using the Java programming language. Attaining this qualification demonstrates that you understand the basic syntax and structure of Java and can create applications that run on server and desktop systems using J2SE 5.0. This replaces the Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) certification.
The exam covers topics including: declarations, initialisation and scoping; flow control; API contents; concurrency; object-oriented concepts; collections/generics; and fundamentals.
It is not necessary to be a Certified Java Associate before taking this exam.
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 6 Programmer (upgrade)
Exam Number: 1Z0-852
Exam Title: Java SE 6 Programmer Certified Professional Upgrade
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Java Programming Language / Java SE 6 Fundamentals of the Java Programming Language, Java SE 6
Exam Details
Duration: 150 minutes
Number of Questions: 46
Passing Score: 58%
Validated Against: SE 6
Format: Multiple Choice
Java SE Master
Oracle Certified Master, Java SE 6 Developer
The Oracle Certified Master (OCM) is the new name for the old Sun Certified Java Developer (SCJD) exam. Before taking the exams for the Oracle Certified Master, Java SE 6 Developer certification, there are some prerequisites.
Candidates must either complete one of the listed Java certification courses or submit one of the archived courses they may have already completed.
Candidates may choose one of the listed Java certification courses to complete:
- Developing Applications with Java EE 6 on WebLogic Server 12c
- Java SE 7 New Features
- Java SE 7 Programming
- Java SE 7 Fundamentals
- Object-Oriented Analysis and Design Using UML
- Java SE 7: Develop Rich Client Applications
- Java Performance Tuning with Mission Control & Flight Recorder
- Java SE 8 Fundamentals
- Java SE 8: Programming
- Java SE 8 New Features
When you decide which course you want to complete, it is worth noting that the courses can be instructor-led in-class (ILT), a live virtual class (LVC), training on demand (TOD), or Unlimited Learning Subscription.
The training course must be delivered by Oracle University Training Center, Oracle Authorized Education Center, Oracle Authorized Partner Oracle Academy or Oracle Workforce Development Program.
Alternatively, you can submit one of the following courses that you may have already completed:
- Developing Applications With the Java SE 6 Platform
- Java SE Performance Tuning
- Developing Architectures for Enterprise Java Applications
- Java Programming Language, Java SE 6
- Fundamentals of the Java Programming Language, Java SE 6
- Java Performance Tuning and Optimization
Once you have completed the above, the following two exam requirements must be completed to officially obtain your Java certification:
Java SE 6 Developer Certified Master Assignment
Exam Number: 1Z0-855
Exam Title: Java SE 6 Developer Certified Master Assignment
Cost: $245
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Object-Oriented Analysis and Design Using UML
Java SE 6 Developer Certified Master Essay
Exam Number: 1Z0-856
Exam Title: Java SE 6 Developer Certified Master Essay
Cost: $245
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Object-Oriented Analysis and Design Using UML
How long does this take to complete? The OCM’s two parts are estimated to require 120 hours of work to complete.
The Assignment component is validated against Java SE 6. Once you register for the exam, you’re given specific instructions on how to download your assignment document. The document is approximately nine or 10 pages and comes complete with instructions on how to complete the project, including a specification brief and requirements for the implementation and delivery. Also included are notes on how the application will ultimately be marked.
The essay component is also validated against Java SE 6 and comes after you have completed your assignment. As soon as you submit your assignment, you should register for the essay test. This part of the certification process takes place in a Prometric testing centre, and you have two hours to complete the essay.
Java EE Master
Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect
To become an Oracle Certified Master Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect, candidates must either complete one Java certification course or submit one of the archived courses they have already completed.
- Architect Enterprise applications with Java EE
- Developing Applications for the Java EE 6 Platform
- Java Design Patterns
- Java EE 6: Develop Business Components with JMS & EJBs
- Java EE 6: Develop Database Applications with JPA
- Java SE 7 Fundamentals
- Java SE 7 Programming
- Web Component Development with Servlets & JSPs, Java EE 6
- Java EE 6: Develop Web Services with JAX-WS & JAX-RS
- Java EE 7: New Features
- Object-Oriented Analysis and Design Using UML
- Java SE 8 Fundamentals
- Java SE 8: Programming
- Developing Applications with Java EE 6 on WebLogic Server 12c
Similar to the Oracle Certified Master, Java SE 6 Developer, this course can be completed in a variety of ways.
Alternatively, you can submit an archived course from the following list (please note, self-study courses do not fulfil the training requirement for a Java certification):
- Java Programming Language, Java SE 6
- Developing Web Applications using JSF Technologies
- Developing Secure Java Web Services, Java EE
Once you have completed either of the courses, you are then able to proceed with the exams to complete the certification.
Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect Certified Master
Exam Number: 1Z0-807
Exam Title: Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect Certified Master
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Architect Enterprise Applications with Java EE, Java Design Patterns, Object-Oriented Analysis and Design Using UML, Developing Applications for the Java EE 6 Platform.
Exam Details
Duration: 150 minutes
Number of Questions: 60
Passing Score: 71%
Validated Against: Java EE 6
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: $150
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Java (EE) Enterprise Architect Certified Master Assignment
Exam Number: 1Z0-865
Exam Title: Java (EE) Enterprise Architect Certified Master Assignment
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Architect Enterprise Applications with Java EE, Object-Oriented Analysis and Design Using UML
Exam Details
Duration: Six months from assignment purchase
Number of Questions: 60
Passing Score: Subject to validation of assignment.
Validated Against: Validated against EE 5 and EE 6
Format: Performance-based
Exam Price: $150
How do you know if you’re ready for the exam?
If you are comfortable with three of the following elements of Java then you should be ready to download the assignment:
- Database searching and record locking.
- Object-oriented design and development.
- Sockets and RMI.
- Writing clear and maintainable code.
- Swing and GUI design.
Java EE Certified Expert
Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 JavaServer Faces Developer
Exam Number: 1Z0-896
Exam Title: Java EE 6 JavaServer Faces Developer
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Java EE 6: Develop Web Applications with JSF
Exam Details
Duration: 150 minutes
Number of Questions: 87
Passing Score: 70%
Validated Against: EE 6
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: £198
This certificate is for those who already have experience working with the Java Enterprise Edition front end and who, ideally, also has experience with developing web applications. If you’re an Application Development Framework developer, you will also have the skills to make the jump to getting certified in this technology.
Earning this certification makes it possible to create feature-rich and cohesive user interfaces and removes the need for collaboration with web designers and developers. Earning this certificate not only expands your skills repertoire, but it also can give you a competitive edge over others in the job market and opens the door to a variety of career opportunities.
The exam covers the following topics: Essentials of JSF2.0, JSF navigation model, Data conversion and validation model, event handling, data table and composite components, custom components, security, and test, package and deploy a web application.
Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Component Developer
Exam Number: 1Z0-899
Exam Title: Java EE 6 Web Component Developer Certified Expert
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Java EE 6: Develop Web Components with Servlets & JSPs / Web Component Development with Servlets & JSPs, Java EE 6
Exam Details
Duration: 140 minutes
Number of Questions: 57
Passing Score: 64%
Validated Against: Java EE 6
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: £198
This certification is designed for experienced Java technology application developers. Those seeking certification should already have the skills and understanding of how to efficiently build web applications suited to any Java EE 6 application server using JSP and servlet technologies.
Candidates should be familiar with the most up to date methods for analysing, designing, creating, and deploying web applications using Java technologies. Experience with small-to-medium scale web applications found in intranet and low-volume commercial sites is also advantageous.
The exam covers the following topics: introduction to Java Servlets, introduction to Java Server Pages, implementing an MVC design, the servlet’s environment, container facilities for servlets and JSPs, more view facilities, developing JSP pages, developing JSP pages using custom tags, more Controller facilities, more options for the Model, asynchronous web applications, and web application security.
Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Web Services Developer
Exam Number: 1Z0-897
Exam Title: Java EE 6 Web Services Developer Certified Expert
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Java EE 6: Developer Web Services with JAX-WS & JAX-RS
Exam Details
Duration: 90 minutes
Number of Questions: 55
Passing Score: 65%
Validated Against: N/A
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: £198
This certification gives candidates the information they need to create, implement, and deploy web services using Java technology components and the Java Platform Enterprise Edition 6 software development kit.
Candidates looking to take this exam should already be familiar with web services as a realisation of Service Oriented Architecture and how to use Java EE best practices when designing web services.
The examination includes the following topics: create an SOAP web service in a servlet container, create a RESTful web service in a servlet container, create an SOAP-based web service implemented by an EJB component, create a RESTful web service implemented by an EJB component, configure Java EE security for an SOAP web service, create a web service client for an SOAP-based web service, create a web service client for a RESTful web service, create a SOAP-based web service using Java SE platform, create handlers for SOAP web services, create low-level SOAP web services, use MTOM and MIME in an SOAP web service, use WS-Addressing with an SOAP web service, configure Message Level security for an SOAP web service, and applying best practices to design and implement web services.
Oracle Certified Expert, EE 6 Java Persistence API Developer
Exam Number: 1Z0-898
Exam Title: Java EE 6 Java Persistence API Developer Certified Expert
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Java EE 6: Developer Database Applications with JPA
Exam Details
Duration: 135 minutes
Number of Questions: 64
Passing Score: 61%
Validated Against: Java EE 6
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: £198
Before taking this exam, you should already have the knowledge needed to build robust back-end functionality using Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) technology. You should also be familiar with the EJB technology coding experience of session beans and message driven-beans.
You should have completed an Oracle or Sun certified Java programmer certification (any version is fine) before taking this exam.
The topics covered in the exam are: overview of the Java Persistence API, introducing the Auction Application, Java Persistence API Entities, understanding the Entity Manager, modeling Entity Relationships, Entity inheritance and object-relational mapping, persisting enums and collections, introduction to querying, using the Java Persistence API Query language, using the Java Persistence API Criteria API, using the Java Persistence API in a container, implementing transactions and locking, and advanced Java persistence API concepts.
Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 Enterprise JavaBeans Developer
Exam Number: 1Z0-895
Exam Title: Java EE 6 Enterprise JavaBeans Developer Certified Expert
Recommended Training Course (Optional): Java EE 6: Develop Business Components with JMS & EJBS
Exam Details
Duration: 110 minutes
Number of Questions: 60
Passing Score: 73%
Validated Against: Java EE 6
Format: Multiple Choice
Exam Price: £198
The Java EE 6 Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) Developer certification requires the knowledge and understanding to create thorough back-end functionality using the most up to date Enterprise JavaBeans technology.
Those seeking certification should also be familiar with EJB design, best practices, and security.
The examination covers topics including: introduction to Java EE, implementing session beans, accessing session beans, advanced session bean concepts, singleton session bean, developing Java EE applications using messaging, developing message-driven beans, using timer ServicesObjectives, implementing interceptor classes and methods, implementing transactions, implementing security, using EJB technology best practices, package and deploy EJB applications, and perform EJB exception handling.
How to prepare for a Java certification exam
Gaining a Java certification will require some time and preparation depending on your current circumstance. If you are a beginner and looking to improve your Java programming skills, then it is recommended that you spend at least three months preparing for the exam.
However, if your situation involves your employer requiring you to pass the exam quickly, then it is possible to pass the exam within a month—with the proper planning and preparation, of course.
It is best to plan and work out a structure that is best for you and your working capabilities. To focus on the Java certification exam, it is best to clear your calendar for the next few months to allow you to focus.
Next, you should consider purchasing a good book (or two) to do some background reading for the first few weeks. Most accredited Java certification books will include practice questions, and it is worth making notes while reading the book. Writing down the important points is a tried and testing revision tool and will help you remember the concepts. These can then be used for revising quickly just before the exam.
Here is a list of top rated books you should consider helping you prepare for your Java certification exam.
- Head First Java by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates
- OCA Java SE 7 Programmer I Study Guide (Exam 1Z0-803) (Oracle Press) by Edward Finegan and Robert Liguori
- SCJP Sun Certified Programmer for Java 6 Exam 310-065 by Katherine Sierra and Bert Bates
- Head First Servlets and JSP: Passing the Sun Certified Web Component Developer Exam by Bryan Basham, Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates
- OCP Java SE 6 Programmer Practice Exams (Exam 310-065) (Certification Press) by Bert Bates and Katherine Sierra
- Head First EJB (Brain-Friendly Study Guides; Enterprise JavaBeans) by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates
- Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for Java EE Study Guide (2nd Edition) by Mark Cade and Humphrey Sheil
- Oracle Fusion Developer Guide: Building Rich Internet Applications with Oracle ADF Business Components and Oracle ADF Faces (Oracle Press) by Frank Nimphius and Lynn Munsinger
- Java Network Programming, Third Edition by Elliotte Rusty Harold
- Java Examples in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition by David Flanagan
After spending time reading, it’s time to test your knowledge with real exam questions. There are a few popular online practice exam simulators that will allow you to test the real exam questions.
Two exam simulators, WhizLabs and Enthuware, are both dependable in the Java community. They are both up-to-date and high-quality test simulators you can purchase, and will both guarantee that you do well on the actual exams.
| Whizlabs | Enthuware | |
| Price | £19.95 – £129.95 / exam license | $9.95 – $189 / exam license |
| No. of questions | 628+ questions and 7 mock tests | 600+ questions and 8 mock tests |
| Question quality | Higher average test score in Whizlabs | Enthuware’s questions are tougher |
| Convenience | Web-based so can slow depending on your connection but means you can use on your mobile or tablet | Java-based and runs in JRE |
| Is it up to date? | Most of the syllabus will be covered for OCAJP, OCPJP, OCMJEA and OCEJWCD | Most of the syllabus will be covered for OCAJP, OCPJP, OCMJEA and OCEJWCD |
| Usability | Flash-based GUI which requires a mouse | Allows common keyboard and mouse bindings for GUIs |
| Cross-platform support | Browser-based so runs well on most platforms | Can run on any platform that JRE is on |
You can also purchase a mock simulator from Oracle Study, as well as try out the free mock exams.
You will know how prepared you are once you see the mock exam result, and if you are not scoring well enough, then you will have to improve your studying. If you can score more than 80% in the mock exam simulator, then you should be ready to take the Java certification exam.
How valuable is a Java certification and is it needed for a job?
According to the latest Pearson VUE survey, 88% of IT professionals recommend certification to a colleague when discussing a career or advancement in IT. While some IT professionals do an IT certification to keep up to date with the constant developments in the IT industry, other professionals do certifications to enhance their career prospects.
Oracle is situated in the top five certification programs, and 74% of these respondents would like to earn more specialised certifications. Some of the greatest certifications available are those that focus on a very specific technology or a subset of technologies, such as the Oracle Java certifications. By obtaining a niche IT certification and becoming skilled at one or two specific technologies, you will stand out in the marketplace against your peers.
Holding a Java certification could benefit your job prospects in the following ways:
- A recruiter may select you for an interview among 100’s of other candidates of the same level of experience.
- A Java certification is valid proof and recognition of your technical abilities.
- While preparing for a Java certification exam, you truly understand learn Java concepts, therefore, it will support any technical tests you may have to do in a job interview.
- You will have a great confidence boost knowing you have qualified Java skills.
- The likelihood of better pay and better job prospect in the near future.
All in all, a Java certification will give you some credit (especially if you’re a junior who is just starting out). On the other hand, your professional value will not necessarily be favoured with or without a Java certification on its own. It is worth bearing in mind that a Java certification does not replace the need for a good personality, a strong mindset, and your physical ability to do the job.
Is a Java certification worth it, then?
As long as Java programming exists, a Java certification is not obsolete. It may be the case that there are some companies that are not looking for Java certified professionals, but the demand for IT professionals is on the rise, therefore, a Java certification may offer you that competitive edge.
Gaining a Java certification from Oracle adds credibility to your CV/Resume, despite it not being exclusively necessary for some companies. Nevertheless, there is a lot to learn when preparing for a Java certification. As well, a Java certification takes a lot of time (and money) and should be thoroughly considered before deciding to complete one.
If you are starting out as a Java developer beginner, then having a Java certification may be very worthy and is something you can emphasise when applying for a job, since you will not have much work experience. Also, if you have a personal project and a Java certification, this gives a potential employer much more confidence in your abilities as opposed to having a personal but no Java certification.
Providing you have a strong technical ability to code, solve problems willingly, and have worked on significant Java product code bases before, a Java certification will simply validate your experience.
What is your experience with Java certifications? Do you think they’re worth it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Looking for your dream Java job? FRG Technology Consulting can help make this happen, from finding the best roles suited to your skills and coach you through your interview. Get started today, and browse our latest Java jobs.
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