Top 6 Questions Regards to Java Certification

Oracle's Java platform is one of the most broadly accepted platforms in the IT industry. Businesses use it for developing a whole spectrum of applications from server-side applications serving websites to mobile apps running on cell phones. Oracle offers certifications that certify a certain level of knowledge and expertise in different areas of the Java platform.

Q 1. I am an Experienced Developer. Would You Suggest Me Get Oracle Java Certified?

The answer is sure, as long as you have the motivation and clear expectations. I was an experienced Java Developer when I decided to start preparing to get the Java Programmer certification. My primary motivation was to increase and appraise my knowledge of the Java language. I can tell you that once you start preparing, you quickly get to realize that the time you occupy doing it is by no means wasted, but instead very valuable. I assure you that even if you’re an experienced programmer you’re going to learn new and exciting things, not only about the unique features of the language you still don’t identify but also about some things you consider you, master.

Q 2. What Are the Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) and the Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)?

If you are a beginner in the world of Java certs, this OCA and OCP vocabulary can be a little unclear. I will try to clarify in a few words:

• OCA is the entry-level cert for Java programmers. It is an excellent beginning point to study the very basics of the language. Also some not-so-basic topics.

• OCP is the next-level cert for Java programmers. It’s a fairly more regular exam that deals with topics like generics, design patterns, File I/O (NIO.2), threads, JDBC, and concurrency.

Apparently, to be eligible to do the exam for the OCP, you must first get the OCA, so the certification path is clear. That said, when a new version of Java published (e.g., Java 8), the earlier existing exams and certs are continued and maintained by Oracle for several years. It means that your first step could be to get the Java 8 OCA or to get the Java 7 OCA. At the moment of lettering this, you could even try Java 6.

The following tables show the exams you have to do to get the OCA and OCP for Java 7 and Java 8:

Q 3. Why there are Two Exams?

Earlier Java 7 there was only one exam and cert called Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP, exam CX-310-065) initially and later changed to Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer (OCPJP, exam 1Z0-851). What was the reason to split the certification into two examinations? On the one hand, if you think of the extensive list of topics included in the Java 6 exam, it makes sense. With just one examination, getting the certification was an overwhelming task for many people. Having two tests allows you to establish more achievable goals and also to have a first accreditation (OCA) in less time. On the other hand, now the examinations are more difficult (higher passing score and less time per question) and altogether more expensive:

Q 4. Which one to Choose Java SE 7 or Java SE 8?

The next table list the main add-ons done to the newest releases of Java:

There are many more small additions in Java 7 and eight, but I have collected here only the ones that are involved in Java SE Programmer 1 exam. 

So given the above information, what certification should you choose? I suggest you go for the Java 8 certification, since it’s comparatively new and will keep existence the latest version of the Java Programmer certification for at least three years. The additional content you must study for the Java 8 exam concerning the Java 7 examination is not that much and however worth preparation.

Q 5. At Present, I Have a Java 6 or Java 7 Cert. What Can I Do?

Well, this depends on your aims and condition. My real suggestion is as mentioned below:

• If you have a Java 6 accreditation, I will go for the Java 8 cert. The certification you have is suitable old, and altogether there have been significant add-ons to the Java language in its last two significant announcements.

• If you have a Java 7 certification, I will go for the Java 9 cert. You still have a pretty recent accreditation, and the changes presented to the Java language in Java 8 are not that significant. You should also contemplate that these kinds of exams are comparatively costly and that preparing for them needs time and effort. So what I would do is just learn about Lambda expressions and the new calendar classes to keep your Java knowledge conversant.

Q 6. Do I Need to Pay for Training to Get My Java Cert?

The answer is no. All you need to prepare for the exam is a good book and a simulator to practice exam tests.

I would never suggest you pay for classroom-based training because this kind of training is usually costly. However, if you still feel that you need help, you can always ask your business to pay for it. On the one hand, by letting your company know that you want to get a Java cert, you will show them that you care about your abilities and therefore about your work. On the other hand, if your company salaries for it, it’s not only supporting your professional growth but also bringing value to the organization itself by improving its employees’ skills. So ask your manager or Human Resources. What do you have to lose?

I Still Have More Questions

If you’re still not sure about preparation for Java certification, visit dbexam.com. It provides the potential benefits that are reasonable to expect from achieving this certification and also what you shouldn’t be planning for it. You can also check these testimonials from some people who have gone through the process of getting the certification, talking about the good and the bad of it.