Java Certifications Available in 2024
As of 2024, several Java certifications are available to validate your expertise and enhance your career prospects. These certifications, primarily offered by Oracle, cater to various proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced professionals. Below is a detailed summary of the prominent Java certifications:
1. Oracle Certified Foundations Associate, Java SE
This entry-level certification is designed for individuals new to Java programming. It covers fundamental concepts, including basic Java programming skills, mathematical and logical reasoning, and the ability to write and execute simple Java programs.
- Exam Details: 60 multiple-choice questions, 2-hour duration, passing score of 65%
- Cost: Approximately $245
2. Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer
Aimed at those with a foundational understanding of Java, this certification validates core Java skills. It covers topics such as Java basics, working with data types, operators, decision constructs, arrays, and loop constructs.
- Exam Details: 56 multiple-choice questions, 2-hour duration, passing score of 65%
- Cost: Approximately $245
3. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer
Building upon the associate level, this certification is intended for experienced Java developers. It delves into advanced topics like class design, generics and collections, lambda expressions, streams, and concurrency.
- Exam Details: 68 multiple-choice questions, 2-hour duration, passing score of 65%
- Cost: Approximately $245
4. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 11 Developer
This certification focuses on Java SE 11, assessing proficiency in modern Java features and best practices. It covers modules, new APIs, and language enhancements introduced in Java 11.
- Exam Details: 50 multiple-choice questions, 90-minute duration, passing score of 68%
- Cost: Approximately $245
5. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 17 Developer
Targeting professionals working with Java SE 17, this certification validates expertise in the latest Java features, including text blocks and records.
- Exam Details: 50 multiple-choice questions, 90-minute duration, passing score of 68%
- Cost: Approximately $245
6. Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 7 Application Developer
This certification is designed for developers specializing in Java Enterprise Edition 7. It covers key topics such as servlets, JavaServer Pages (JSP), Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB), and web services.
- Exam Details: 70 multiple-choice questions, 2-hour duration, passing score of 66%
- Cost: Approximately $245
7. Broadcom Spring Certified Professional
Formerly known as the VMware Spring Professional Certification, this credential is now offered by Broadcom. It is recommended for candidates with 6-12 months of experience with Spring and Spring Boot.
- Exam Details: 60 questions, 130-minute duration, passing score of 300 out of 500
- Cost: $250
Choosing the Right Certification
Selecting the appropriate certification depends on your current skill level and career objectives. Beginners may start with the Oracle Certified Foundations Associate or the Oracle Certified Associate certifications to build a solid foundation. Experienced developers can pursue professional-level certifications to demonstrate advanced expertise. Specialized certifications like the Java EE 7 Application Developer or the Spring Certified Professional are suitable for those focusing on enterprise applications or specific frameworks.
Earning a Java certification not only validates your skills but also enhances your credibility in the industry, potentially leading to better job opportunities and career advancement.