Java is ranked among the most used programming languages worldwide. There is a high demand among employers for different types of Java certifications, which you can find at beginner through advanced levels. A professional-level certification can help you show employers that you are willing to go the extra mile.
Java certifications assess the level of knowledge, skills, and professional experience of a Java professional through an exam, and a Java certification is considered an effective way to land the best Java jobs. In this article, we’ll cover the highest paying Java certifications, certification courses to prepare for the exam, and jobs you can get after earning your Java certification.
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What Is a Professional Certification?
A professional certification is a credential awarded by an association or a non-governmental organization to a person who demonstrates the desired level of knowledge and skill in a field of study. Professional certifications are not mandatory to get a job, but they can increase career growth opportunities. The most common way to earn a certification is to pass an exam.
What’s the Difference Between a Certification and a Certificate?
The difference between a certification and a certificate is that a certificate shows the completion of an academic program, whereas a certification is awarded as a result of an assessment process. A certificate might or might not require an assessment, but a certification requires you to pass an exam, usually based on multiple-choice questions.
Why Is Certification in Java Important?
Certification in Java is important because it shows that you know how to use Java, even if you don’t have an impressive academic record. A 2018 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that at all levels of education, people with professional certifications participate in the workforce at a higher rate than those without a professional certification.
Best Java Certifications by Salary
| Certification | Provider | Average Salary | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 7 Application Developer | Oracle University | $103,000 | $245 |
| Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer | Oracle University | $103,000 | $245 |
| Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer | Oracle University | $90,000 | $245 |
| Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java | Oracle University | $90,000 | $95 |
| Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE 11 Developer | Oracle University | $79,079 | $245 |
| Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 17 Developer | Oracle University | $79,079 | $245 |
Best Java Certifications to Further Your Career
This is an advanced credential that evaluates the abilities of professionals to develop, maintain, and manage applications in Java Enterprise Edition 7. The candidate must pass the exam with a minimum of 66 percent score to get the certificate.
Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 7 Application Developer Overview
- Average Salary: $103,000
- Cost: $245
- Requirements: Advanced knowledge and skills of Java EE 7
- Valid For: Doesn’t expire
- Exam Length: 110 minutes for 70 multiple-choice questions
- Best Suited For: Full stack Java developer seeking career advancement by learning Java EE 7
Potential Careers With Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 7 Application Developer
This is the more advanced credential that Java programmer can earn after getting their Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer certification. You’ll need a minimum score of 65 percent to pass the exam and get the certification.
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer Overview
- Average Salary: $103,000
- Cost: $245
- Requirements: Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer
- Valid For: Doesn’t expire
- Exam Length: 150 minutes for 85 multiple-choice questions
- Best Suited For: Java programmers who are ready to move into higher-level positions
Potential Careers With Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer
The Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer certification is one of the best credentials for beginners. It helps you develop strong foundational knowledge in Java programming and its applications. You can prepare for the exam using resources offered by Oracle University Training Center.
Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer Overview
- Average Salary: $90,000
- Cost: $245
- Requirements: Hands-on experience in Java programming
- Valid For: Doesn’t expire
- Exam Length: 150 minutes for 70 multiple-choice questions
- Best Suited For: People who want to start their careers as Java programmers
Potential Careers With Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer
Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java is a certification best suited for beginners who want to start their careers as Java professionals. It’s designed for undergraduate students who have taken courses in programming, but who don’t yet have any work experience with Java.
Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java Overview
- Average Salary: $90,000
- Cost: $95
- Requirements: Basic understanding of Java
- Valid For: Doesn’t expire
- Exam Length: 150 minutes for 75 multiple-choice questions
- Best Suited For: Undergraduate computer science students
Potential Careers With Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 11 Developer certification is for proficient Java developers who are skilled in using Java SE 11 for software and application development. The minimum passing marks requirement is 68 percent.
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 11 Developer Overview
- Average Salary: $79,079
- Cost: $245
- Requirements: Fluency and expertise in Java SE 11
- Valid For: Doesn’t expire
- Exam Length: 90 minutes for 50 multiple-choice questions
- Best Suited For: Java programmers seeking advanced skills and knowledge
Potential Careers With Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 11 Developer
This advanced credential is awarded to Java professionals who are proficient in Java software development. They must also have strong knowledge about core Java concepts, coding, programming, and the latest features of Java SE 17. It requires a minimum score of 68 percent score to pass the exam and earn the certification.
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 17 Developer Overview
- Average Salary: $79,079
- Cost: $245
- Requirements: Proficiency in Java SE 17 programming
- Valid For: Doesn’t expire
- Exam Length: 90 minutes for 50 multiple-choice questions
- Best Suited For: Java professionals who want to work as senior software developers
Potential Careers With Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 17 Developer
How to Choose the Best Java Certification for Your Career
To choose the best Java certification for your career, you need to consider some important factors. While certifications are not as intensive as certificates or degrees, it is still an investment of time and money. Below are some tips to help you choose the right Java certificate for your career.
Define Your Career Goals
You must first define your career goals to determine what you want to achieve by getting a certification. Read up on who uses Java to make sure a Java certification will be useful for you. Read some job descriptions or reach out to hiring managers to see which versions of Java are most widely used.
Talk To You Peers
Join a professional organization to connect with software developers and programmers who use Java. Ask them which level exam is the most useful to prove that you have the essential skills in Java that employers are looking for.
Consider Your Budget
Considering your budget is yet another useful tip that you must keep in mind. Define how much money you plan to invest in getting your certification. Usually, the cost of Java certifications ranges between $200-$500; however, there might be a higher deviation from this defined range. Make sure that the program is affordable for you.
Which Java Certifications Pay the Most?
The Java certifications that pay the most are Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 7 Application Developer, Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer, and Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer. These credentials demonstrate that you have the proper training, advanced knowledge, and Java programming skills needed to excel as a Java programmer.
Highest-Paying Java Certifications
- Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 7 Application Developer: $103,000
- Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer: $103,000
- Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer: $90,000
- Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java: $90,000
- Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE 11 Developer: $79,079
Which Java Certifications Are the Best for Beginners?
The Java certifications that are best for beginners are Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer and Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java. These certifications cover Java programming basics. You need to get an Associate level certification before you move on to an Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer certification.
Best College Certificate Programs
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How to Prepare for Your Java Certification Exam
There are many free and paid Java exam prep resources available online to help you learn Java easily and pass the certification exam. They offer high-quality, self-paced, e-learning content for various Java certification exams. In the next section, we’ll cover some of the best Java exam prep resources, including courses with exam-specific tips and official exam guides.
Best Courses to Prepare for Java Certification Exams
To prepare for Java certification exams, you can enroll in t Java prep courses offered through different online platforms. These courses help you learn key Java concepts and give you mock tests with sample exam questions. Here are some of the best Java prep courses:
- Cost: $124.99
- Duration: 18 hours
- Best Suited For: Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java
This course is for complete beginners who have never programmed using Java. By the end of this course, you will be prepared for associate-level Java certifications, and you’ll be able to pass an interview for a Java Programmer position.
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 8 hours
- Best Suited For: Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java
This is another beginner course for programmers who are new to using Java. It is offered by Oracle, the makers of Java, so you can be sure you are getting good content. This course will prepare you for real exam questions so you can pass your first Java certification.
- Cost: $29.90
- Duration: 5 hours plus practice exams
- Best Suited For: Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer Certification
This course offered by Whizlab includes online modules and more than 600 practice questions. You can try out a free practice test consisting of 25 practice questions before buying the whole course. The course covers Java foundations and prepares you to tackle the tricky exam questions.
- Cost: $99.99
- Duration: 21 hours
- Best Suited For: Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer Certification
This Java certification exam prep course offered by Udemy is a comprehensive course that covers the core Java concepts you need to know. It includes video lectures and downloadable resources. The course includes 134 on-demand video lectures that cover all fundamental topics in detail.
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- Cost: $2,650
- Duration: 3 days
- Best Suited For: Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 7 Application Developer
This is an instructor-led course for people who want to learn how to use Java for web application development. Participants must have basic knowledge of Java models, APIs, XML, HTML, and Java EE. The learning outcomes include the ability to create web applications, and web pages and manage their performance.
Other Resources to Prepare for Your Java Certification Exams
Besides online courses, there are other resources available to enhance your Java exam prep. You can choose one or a combination of different resources that aligns with your learning needs. Here are some resources that can help you prepare for your Java certification exam:
OCP Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 11 Developer Complete Study Guide
This comprehensive study guide was written by Jeanne Boyarsky and Scott Selikoff. This study book covers Java arrays, objects and classes, and string APIs in detail. You can purchase an online or physical copy.
OCP Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 11 Developer Complete Study Guide Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $48.00 to 80.00
- Ideal For: People of all skill levels who want in-depth explanations of Java foundations
Java Discord Servers
Java Discord servers provide an open platform for all java programmers, developers, and learners to interact. Professionals share their practical experience in the field to teach others. Some public discord servers for Java include Java Community, The Coding Den, and Code Support.
Java Discord Servers Overview
- Type of Resource: Online Community
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: People who want to communicate with other Java professionals
OCA Java SE 8 Programmer I Study Guide (Exam 1Z0-808)
This official exam guide, written by Edward Finegan and Robert Liguori, is available in paperback and e-learning formats. This book is ideal for preparing beginners for their Java certification exam, and Java developers can use it later on as a reference once they land a job.
OCA Java SE 8 Programmer I Study Guide (Exam 1Z0-808) Overview
- Type of Resource: Book
- Cost: $29.99 – $50.00
- Ideal For: Beginners who are pursuing a Java SE 8 certification
Java Tutorials
You can learn Java online for free through Java tutorials. These tutorials include content for beginners as well as advanced professionals. In these tutorials, industry professionals pass on theoretical knowledge and tips and tricks that can help you in your Java certification exam.
Java Tutorials Overview
- Type of Resource: Video tutorials
- Cost: Free
- Ideal For: People who want to explore specific topics in detail
Java SE11 Programmer 1 (1Z0-815) – Practice Tests | Udemy
- Type of Resource: Mock exams
- Cost: $24.99
- Ideal For: People preparing for the Java SE 11 Certification exam
These mock exams are offered by Udemy. The package includes five practice tests consisting of 80 questions each. The practice tests help you evaluate your performance to check whether or not you are ready to take the certification exam. The course is designed especially for people preparing for the Java SE 11 Certification exam.
Best Online Courses
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Java Job Outlook and Average Salary
Java is a popular computer language among software developers, who have an overall positive job outlook in the future. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the average growth rate for software developers will be 22 percent from 2020 to 2030. This is higher than the average growth rate for all occupations combined.
The average annual salary for popular Java jobs listed in the next section ranges from $77,200 to $157,019. A Java professional can increase their earning potential through Java certifications and project management experience.
Best Java Jobs After Certification
Earning a Java certification will help you unlock access to some great jobs. Most of the jobs require a bachelor’s degree as the minimum education requirement, and having a certification can make you a more competitive candidate for these positions. Below are some of the best jobs you can get with a Java certification.
A software developer uses Java to create new software applications to meet the needs of users. They also resolve any errors in the programs and monitor their performance. You will need a computer science bachelor’s degree for this job.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE 17 Developer. The certification demonstrates advanced proficiency in Java SE for software development.
Java software architects use Jave to write and develop software applications. They cater to the needs of small and large organizations, using their technical and analytical skills. Java certification helps a lot in developing the expertise required for this competitive field.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 17 Developer. This certification shows professional excellence in Java programming that is required for this position.
A Java software engineer works on projects in Java application development, training junior engineers, and collaborating with the larger software development team. These professionals need good communication skills, strong programming skills, problem-solving skills, and creativity.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 11 Developer. This certification demonstrates the professional level expertise of a Java developer to work in this job role.
Web developers are responsible for developing and overseeing the maintenance of a website. A web developer with proficiency in Java uses this programming language to perform various web development and upgrading functions.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer. This credential demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in Java SE 8 to develop and maintain web applications.
Java software programmers work with a team of software engineers and project managers to design, develop, upgrade, modify, maintain, and debug software programs. They write the code to bring an application to life.
Best Certification for the Job Role
Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java. This certification provides the knowledge and skills required for performing job duties as a Java software programmer.
Best Java Associations
The best Java associations are organizations made up of Java professionals and learners to provide them with a platform to interact, network, and learn new skills. These associations sometimes offer certifications, exam preparation resources, and career advancement opportunities to their members.
Association of Java Developers
The Association of Java Developers aims to connect Java developers around the world. The association offers free memberships, discussion platforms, and an active job board. It is a great way to meet other Java developers at any level of experience.
WebProfessionals.org
WebProfessionals.org is an association established to support website designers, developers, marketers, and experts. It is also known as the World Organization of Webmasters (WOW). The association offers certifications, training resources, and education opportunities. Java experts can join this organization to build a strong network and unlock new career opportunities.
Association for Computing Machinery
The Association for Computing Machinery connects computing experts, students, and trainers. It helps members access learning and career development resources. Members can join any of the 37 Special Interest Groups according to their fields of interest, including programming languages, software security, software engineering, and computer graphics.
Are Java Certifications Worth It?
Yes, Java certifications are worth it because they add credibility and value to your resume and help you find a high-paying job. There are several reasons to learn Java and earn Java certifications. Java certifications give you a competitive edge in the job market, an overall higher earning potential, and a pathway to career growth.
Additional Reading About Java
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Java Certifications FAQ
Yes, it is easy to get a job with Java certification because it is such a widely-used programming language. You can use a Java certification to become a Java programmer, developer, or software architect. Some employers will look for Java certifications when they conduct a resume review on a pool of applicants.
There aren’t really Java degrees. You can earn a computer science degree, and some programs may offer a specialization or concentration in Java programming. Getting a Java certification after completing a bachelor’s degree is a great way to showcase your skills in Java.
Yes, Java programming and software development are both good careers. Java is one of the most popular programming languages with a wide range of applications. Professional web developers, software engineers, and software developers use Java to create dynamic web content to meet the needs of users.
Yes, Java certifications are widely accepted, recognized, and respected by employers. This type of certification, along with any required degree, will help you get a job in tech. Any certification level is helpful, but experienced professionals will need higher-level certifications to continue to move up the career ladder.
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