10 Best IT Certifications Java Developers Should Aim in 2024
From Java and Spring to AWS and Azure, these are the best IT certifications Java developers can aim for in 2024
Hello Java programmers, if you are looking for best IT Certification to grow in your career or find a new career path then you are not alone. Constant learning is part and parcel of being a programmer, and IT certification has a crucial role in your career as an IT professional.
There are many tangible and intangible benefits of certifications. First, they encourage you to learn more and become an expert in your fields, and second, they provide recognition for your skill and knowledge.
If you are a Java developer and wondering which IT certification you can do to take your career to the next level, then you have come to the right place.
In this article, I will share the best IT certifications for Java developers, which include different areas like Java, Spring, Cloud, Linux, Project management, and others. You can choose the certification which aligns with your career goal.
For example, suppose you want to become a Senior Java Developer. In that case, you should aim for Java SE certifications and Spring professional certifications. If you want to go towards Cloud Computing, you should aim for AWS and Cloud certifications, and if you want to become a Project Manager, you can apply for PMP certifications.
Many programmers make a goal to learn a new programming language, a new framework, a new library, a new tool, or to get some certifications under the belt to make themselves more valuable. I have shared some of them in the updated The 2024 Java Developer RoadMap, just in case if you need some inspiration.
Coming back to this article, I recently received an email from one of my readers asking about which Java certification he should do this year? I asked him which Java certifications he has done and how much experience he has in the Java field?
He answered that he hasn’t done any certification yet and working in Java for 2 years now. Like many of us, he worked as a Java Web Developer using standard web stacks like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React on the front end and Spring Boot, Hibernate, and Java on the backend.
Since he hasn’t done any certification so far, I suggested he start with the OCAJP, Oracle Certified Java Programmer Associate, and then go for other Java certifications in the hierarchy.
That email also encourages me to write about which certifications Java developers can take in 2024. The answer depends upon your experience, what you are working on, your goals, and what other Java certifications you have done so far.
10 Best Certifications for Java Programmers in 2024
Without further ado, here is my list of top 10 certifications Java developers can take in 2024.
The list includes mandatory Java certifications like Java SE 11 Developer Certification and other popular IT certifications on Java-related technologies like Spring, Scala, Apache Spark, Docker, Kubernetes.
As well as certifications to master other essential skills expected from experienced Java programmers like Agile, Scrum, Project Management, and Architect level exams.
The certifications are listed in no particular order, but I recommend that Java developers pass Java SE Developer Certification and move to other certifications.
But, that’s not a hard and fast rule; for example, if you think you are good at Spring, you can go to straight Spring certification, but it looks better in your resume if you have a core Java certification.
1. Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE 11 Developer (OCPJD)
This Java certification is focused on core Java, and you can take this to distinguish yourself from several other Java professionals who are not certified.
If you want to become a certified Java developer then this certification is perfect to start with. You need to be familiar with core Java concepts up to Java SE 11 but most of the topics are from Java SE 8, except modules and a couple of minor enhancements in Java 9, 10, and 11 versions.
Unlike Java SE 8 exams, where you need to pass both OCAJP and OCPJP to become a certified Java Professionals, this time you only need to pass one single 1Z0–819 exam and become a certified Java professional. Alternatively you can also go for 1Z0–829, the Java SE 17 certification exam.
Here are some useful links to learn more about this certification:
And, if you are serious about this exam, I highly recommend you to suggest Java SE 11 Developer 1Z0–819 OCP Course — Part 1 and Part 2 courses on Udemy.
2. Spring Professional Certification by VMware
The Spring Professional certification exam is designed to test and validate your understanding of and familiarity with the Spring Framework.
If you are a Java Web developer working on Spring technology, you can take this certification to distinguish yourself as an experienced and capable Spring professional in the Java web development space.
If you decide to give Spring certification in 2024, then the Spring Professional Certification Exam Tutorial — Module 01 to Module 08 course from Udemy is the right place to start. You can get this course for just $10.99 currently on Udemy’s flash sales, which happens now and then.
Here are some useful links to learn more about this certification:
If you need more help, you can also see my blog post about how to crack Spring v5.0 certification in 2024.
3. Java Certified Foundations Associate
This should be the first certification a Java developer should take if he is new to the Java world. Earlier known as OCAJP or just OCA, and now it got a new name, Java Foundations with exam Number: 1Z0–811.
This is a foundational level exam. Passing this exam gives the certification credential demonstrating your understanding of the Java programming language and concepts.
It validates your concepts and skills on how to write and execute a Java program, work with the Java Development Kit (JDK) and the Java Runtime Environment (JRE).
If you are working towards OCAJP 11 this year, I suggest you first look at the official exam guide. This will help you to master the foundations of Java
Here are some useful links to learn more about this certification:
4. Java EE 7 Application Developer (1Z0–900)
The Java EE 7 Application Developer (1Z0–900) is for Java Web developers working in Java EE and specializing in the application of Java Server Pages, Java Persistence, EJB, and Servlet Technologies like Servlet 3.0 to develop Web services and dynamic Web content.
You can for this certification once you become a certified Java developer after passing both OCAJP and OCPJP. You can also take this certification along with Spring because Spring MVC internally relies on Servlet, JSP, and JSF.
If you want to start learning Java web technology, like JSF, then Java Server Faces for Beginners is a good course, to begin with.
Important Details:
- Format: Multiple Choice
- Duration: 110 Minutes
- Exam Price: $339
- Number of Questions: 70
- Passing score: 66%
- Validation: The exam has been validated against Java EE 7.
And, here are some useful links to learn more about this certification:
5. Apache Spark Developer Certification — HDPCD
Hortonworks University has announced a new hands-on, performance-based certification for Apache Spark on the Hortonworks Data Platform.
This Spark certification exam is designed for developers responsible for developing Spark Core and Spark SQL applications in Scala or Python. Java developers who know Scala can take this exam to distinguish themselves as experienced and capable professionals in the big data workplace.
It’s perfect for Java developers looking to jump into the Big Data world and want to become Data scientists in 2024. If you decide to go for this certification, then Apache Spark and Scala Certification Training is an excellent place to start with.
Here are some useful links to learn more about this certification:
6. Professional Scrum Master Certification — PSM I
The Professional Scrum Master (PSM) Certification is universally accepted as one of the most popular Agile certifications that makes you the expertise of Scrum and its application.
It’s the right certification for experienced Java professionals who want to become Scrum Master as demands of Scrum masters are going fast, and it’s quickly replacing many project management jobs.
Many large organizations and Investment banks are now looking for Scrum Masters, also a strong Java developer.
Here are some useful links to learn more about this certification:
7. Project Management Professional Certification — PMP
The Project Management Professional (PMP) is one of the most reputed, globally recognized professional management courses offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
This course is based on PMBOK Guide Sixth Edition and focuses on 5 processes and 47 knowledge areas, thus enables you to meet the latest business requirements.
If you are an experienced Java developer who wants to move on to the project management space, this is the right certification.
Here are some useful links to learn more about this certification:
8. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
As application developers, the most critical challenge for us is to keep ourselves up-to-date, but at the same time, all of us can’t be up-to-date on every piece of new technology out there. Still, cloud computing is not one of them.
Cloud-hosting has changed the way all applications are developed, from websites to web applications to mobile apps and traditional backend applications.
The rapid adoption of the cloud has touched everything, and that’s why I also recommend Java developers learn about cloud technologies like Amazon Web Service (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), or Microsoft Azure, and if you choose Azure then there is no better certification to start with this one.
The AZ-900 or Microsoft Azure fundamentals is a good stepping stone for both technical people who want to learn how exactly cloud works and how to use different Azure services to run their application in Cloud, as well as for non-technical people like BA, Project Managers, the Sales guy who are involved in purchasing Cloud-based solution and services.
Here are some useful links to learn more about this certification:
This certification will give you the necessary foundation you need to develop for clouds, particularly Microsoft Azure.
If you decide to go for this certification, then Microsoft Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 Exam Prep Specialization on Coursera is also a good starting point. This program is offered by none other than Microsoft itself so you will learn from the source.
You can either join this Specialization individually or you can take the Coursera Plus subscription which offers you unlimited Coursera certification access for $399 per year.
9. AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate exam is intended for individuals with experience designing distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform.
If you are an experienced Java developer looking to become a solution architect or software architect, then knowledge of the cloud-based application is a must.
Here are some useful resources to learn more and prepare for this certification
This certification will help you to master the art of designing and deploying scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems on AWS. If you decide to go for this certification in 2024, I suggest you check the Ultimate AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate 2024 by Stephane Maarek on Udemy to prepare well.
10. Docker Certified Associate examination
And finally, one of the most useful certifications for cloud-native Java developers who rely on Docker to deploy their Java Microservices.
The Docker Certified Associate examination is designed to validate the docker skillsets of an IT professional like DevOps and Developers on core real-world questions.
Questions s are designed by experienced docker practitioners. If you clear this examination, then you will be eligible for any Docker position as this examination is highly placed in the job interviews. You can also use this to showcase your Docker skills as a Java developer.
Here are some useful resources to learn more and prepare for this certification
If you are a senior Java developer and want to become a software architect or solution architect in your career, this certification can help you to get there. If you need a course for preparation, I suggest you join Docker Certified Associate 2024 course by Zeal Vora on Udemy.
That’s all about some of the best IT certifications for Java developers. You can aim for these certifications in 2024 to give your career a new boost and find a better job if you are looking for a change.
They will not only make you a valuable candidate on a resume but also improve your knowledge and understanding of Java and Spring, the two most essential technologies for Java developers. If you decide to go for any certification, here are some of the useful resources for you
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Thanks for reading this article so far. If you find these best IT certifications for Java Programmers useful and valuables, then please share them with your friends and colleagues. If you have any questions or feedback, please drop a note, and if you passed any of these certifications, you could also share your experience with us.
