Introduced in 1995 by Sun Microsystems, Java is one of the top, evergreen programming language even today. Java is a robust, high-level programming language that is highly adopted across large organizations for web application development, desktop application development, and Android application development extensively. 

If the question was – Is the Java certification exam essential? Then, the answer would have been probably – ‘No’. However, the Java certification exam does hold its berth. People with a resume that shows Java certification are more likely to get shortlisted than those without.

Let’s see in this blog what are the important certification exams in Java. How they can help the certified professional? How one can prepare for the certification exam, and so on.

What is the importance of Java Certification Exams?

The certifications have their worth and they have the recognition worldwide as they are from a standard body. Furthermore, they are a written confirmation concerning your skills in the programming language.

Below are the advantages of getting a certification in Java:

  • Certified professionals are the first to get chosen and their pay is also higher, relatively.
  • They boost their skills which can subsequently help in the business perspective.
  • They can help one hone the networking skills
  • Academics apart, the certification receives eyeballs first.
  • Certified professionals get preference over the non-certified developers.
  • Increased job performance.
  • Addresses your knowledge gaps
  • Boosts your confidence levels.

What are the different Java certification exams?

While there are many certification exams in Java, the ones that have immense value are the Java certifications conducted by Oracle. 

Listed below are all the Java certification exams organized by Oracle:

Entry Level Exam: OCA (Oracle Certified Associate) – This is an entry-level exam that will test your knowledge in Java basics. Those without experience can attend this exam.

Second Level Exam: OCP (Oracle Certified Professional) – This exam is a little tougher than the OCA exam. This is ideally for those who are already working as a Java developer and hence, will test the knowledge in actual job scenarios. However, the prerequisite for this exam is you should have cleared the OCA.

Expert Level Exams: OCE (Oracle Certified Expert) – These are the specialized exams for each technology used in the J2EE. Expertise in each technology is a must for clearing these exams. OCA certifications are a must for appearing for these exams.

The various exams in this category are:

  • Java EE Web Component Developer -OCEJWCD
  • Java EE Java Persistence API Developer – OCEJPAD
  • Java EE Web Series Developer – OCEJWSD
  • Java EE Enterprise JavaBeans Developer – OCEEJBD
  • Java EE Java Server Faces Developer (OCEJSFD)

Masters Level Exams: OCM (Oracle Certified Master) – These are the final exams in the Oracle Java certification exams. This exam certifies you that you are eligible for handling any type of Java projects. This essentially tests the candidates’ real-time knowledge. There are two exams in this category:

  • Java EE Enterprise Architect -OCMJEA
  • Java SE Developer – OCMJD

In case, you have any questions regarding the Java Certifications, do message us in the comments below.

How to prepare for these Oracle Java certification exams?

Oracle themselves provide the books like – Java Complete Reference Book, Java OCA-OCP certification book, and so on. You can opt for these.

 Or, enroll for real-time, project-based training to get hands-on exposure on Java concepts which can help you clear the exams in flying colors.

Conclusion:

Yes, in case you are starting your career as a Java Developer, or, looking to climb up the success ladder and settle down as a Java Architect, Java certifications from Oracle can help you achieve your target soon.