Java certifications are a valuable asset for any software developer looking to advance their career and showcase their skills in the Java programming language. These certifications are offered by Oracle, the company behind Java, and are recognized globally by employers.

So, if you're considering a career in Java or looking to boost your current Java skills, here's a breakdown of the Java certifications available and their respective levels and areas.

Levels of Java Certifications

There are two levels of Java certifications: Associate and Professional. These levels cater to both entry-level programmers and experienced developers.

Associate Level Certifications

1. Java Certified Foundations Associate

This entry-level certification is suitable for Java beginners, college or school students, and anyone looking to start a career in Java programming. It covers the fundamentals of Java programming, including object-oriented concepts, data types, control structures, and error handling. The 1Z0-811 exam is two hours long and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, with a passing score of 65%.

2. Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer

This certification is designed for Java professionals who want to work with Java SE 8. It requires a strong understanding of core Java concepts such as inheritance, polymorphism, and exception handling, as well as knowledge of the Java API. The 1Z0-808 exam is also two hours long and has 56 multiple-choice questions with a passing score of 65%.

Professional Level Certifications

1. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer

This certification is suitable for experienced Java developers who want to showcase their skills in Java SE 8. It tests in-depth knowledge of advanced Java concepts and features, such as concurrency, generics, and lambda expressions. The 1Z0-809 exam is also two hours long, but has 68 multiple-choice questions, and a passing score of 65%.

2. Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE 11 Developer

This certification is designed for Java experts who work with Java SE 11. It covers the latest features and updates in Java, including modules, new APIs, and language enhancements. The 1Z0-819 exam is 90 minutes long, with 50 multiple-choice questions and a passing score of 68%.

3. Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE 17 Developer

For those working with the latest version of Java, this certification is a must-have. It demonstrates your expertise in Java SE 17, including knowledge of new features like text blocks and records. The 1Z0-829 exam is also 90 minutes long, with 50 multiple-choice questions and a passing score of 68%.

4. Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE 21 Developer

This certification is the highest level of Java certification and has the most rigorous exam. It is designed for experienced Java experts who want to showcase their skills in the latest technologies and features in Java SE 21. The 1Z0-830 Java 21 exam is two hours long, with 50 multiple-choice questions, and a passing score of 68%.

Areas of Java Certifications

Oracle offers certifications in two main areas of Java: Java EE and Web Services, and Java SE. Depending on your interests and career goals, you can choose to specialize in one or both of these areas.

Java EE and Web Services Certifications

1. Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 7 Application Developer

This certification is designed for experienced Java EE developers who want to showcase their skills in Java EE 7. It covers key topics in Java EE, such as servlets, JSP, and Web Services, and requires a deep understanding of Java EE architecture and design patterns. The 1Z0-900 exam is two hours long, with 70 multiple-choice questions, and a passing score of 66%.

Java SE Certifications

1. Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer
2. Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer
3. Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE 11 Developer
4. Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE 17 Developer
5. Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE 21 Developer

These certifications are specifically for Java SE and cover different versions of the language, from SE 8 to SE 21. They require a strong understanding of core Java concepts and APIs, as well as knowledge of the latest features and updates in each version.

In conclusion, earning a Java certification demonstrates your expertise and dedication to the Java programming language. It can open up new job opportunities and help you advance in your career. So, if you're serious about your Java skills, consider getting one of these certifications to stand out in the competitive field of software development.

This article was originally published in MyExamCloud Blog