Wednesday, November 24, 2021

OCPJP 11, OCP 17, or OCAJP 8? Which Java Certification should You Take in 2024?

Java certification is a great way to learn and master the Java programming language, do well on the interview and get recognition in the job, but the most common reason for doing Java certification is to find a job. After Oracle's acquisition and dividing the old SCJP exam into two exams OCAJP and OCPJP, it had become really confusing for many developers to decide which Java certification exam they should take, but thankfully that has changed now and now you can become an Oracle certified Java professional by passing just one exam, OCPJP 11 or Java SE 11 Developer 1Z0-819 certification, or Java SE 17 Developer 1Z0-829 certification in 2024. 

This exam has replaced  Java SE 11 Programmer I (1Z0-815) and Java SE 11 Programmer II (1Z0-816) certification and gives you a chance to pass just one exam and become a certified professional. 

Since technologies change fast and Java is no exception, it seems like yesterday when Java 8 was released, and now people are talking about Java 16 already. In general, it is better to go with the latest version of a certification, which is currently available, I mean Java SE 11 version, but in the case of Java or Spring certifications, it's not that simple.

Many of my readers emailed me about my advice to decide between Java SE 8 and Java SE 11 exams before zeroing one and one of the most common patterns was which exam is easier to pass or which exam is better for career growth. 

After answering their emails, I realize it's better to jot down important points for everyone's benefit. Here are things you should consider before buying a Java certification voucher and starting your preparation.




OCPJP 11 , OCP 17, or OCAJP 8 (1Z0-819 vs 1Z0-829 or 1Z0-808) in 2024

The most important thing to know is that from Java 7 onward, Oracle had split the Java Professional certification into two exams - Java Associate level and Professional level. To become a Java 8 certified professional, you need to first pass OCAJP before taking OCPJP, which means you need to pass two exams to become an Oracle certified Java professional. 

To acquire the latest Java 8 Professional Certification (OCPJP8), you need to first pass the Java 8 Associate Certification (OCAJP8). In other words, you have to take two exams - 1Z0-808 (Java SE 8 Programmer I) and 1Z0-809 (Java SE 8 Programmer II).

This has changed for the good and now you can become an Oracle certified Java professional by passing just one exam,  Java SE 11 Developer, OCPJP 11, or 1Z0-819. This is the main reason I am asking Java developers to go for Java SE 11, combined with its also the latest Java certification available in the market. 

Though, if you hold any older Java certification like Java SE 5, 6, or 7 then you can also take an upgrade exam for Java SE 8 and Java SE 11 and can eventually become a certified Java developer by passing one exam.

Another reason to go for Java SE 11 certification is that it's the most up-to-date certification. I highly recommend this exam to new developers who are trying to get Java certification, because Java 11 certification covers several new features in the language and will provide a competitive advantage to you on Interviews. It's also better to learn the future way of using Java sooner than later.

If you already made your mind and preparing for Java SE 11 certification then I highly recommend you to check out Java SE 11 Developer 1Z0-819 OCP Course - Part 1 and 2 courses by Tim Buchalaka on Udemy. It's a great course to pass this in-demand Java certification on the first attempt. 

OCPJP 11 or OCAJP 8? Which Java Certification should You Take in 2021?



What about existing Certified Java Developers?

Things are a little better for existing certified Java developers. Oracle provides upgrade exams for them so that you can update your knowledge and certification to a newer version of Java. Since Java 8 is a significant release and in the coming days will be sought after skill, Java guys should take an appropriate upgrade exam such as 1Z0-810 for Java 8 Professional. 

For those who want to upgrade to Java 11 certification, they can take either Upgrade OCP Java 6, 7 & 8 to Java SE 11 Developer 1Z0-817 or Java SE 11 Developer with code 1Z0-819 to become an Oracle Certified Java SE 11 Professional. 

Now, you may ask is there any scenario when going for Java SE 8 certification over Java SE 11 certification makes sense? Well, If you are giving Java certification to get a job or improve your chances over other candidates, then it's essential to have a certification under your belt, even if it's not the latest one.

Many developers make the mistake of going after OCPJP 11 to get certified in one attempt, but it's a difficult exam to crack, especially compared to OCAJP 8 and OCPJP 8. It's one of the most stringent Java certifications out there, and many experienced developers were not able to clear it one shot.

I don't recommend this to freshers and junior Java developers who are looking for a job. Beginners and freshers are better off with preparing Java SE 8 certification because then they will at least have one Java certification, which might help them to land a job. 

If you want to go for Java SE 8 certification and need a resource then I highly recommend Complete Java SE 8 Developer Bootcamp - OCA Prep Included course on Udemy. You can also combine some practice tests like David Mayer's exam dump to pass this Java certification in the first attempt. 

which Java certification programmer should take

Never underestimate the power of Java certification, there are many Java job positions where consultants are only looking for Oracle certified Java developers.

That's all about OCAJP 8 , OCP 17 or OCPJP 11? which Java certification exam you should take in 2024. In short, if you are a beginner looking for a job, then take OCAJP 8; if you are a working Java developer, then take OCPJP 11 and if you are already a certified Java developer looking to upgrade to Java 11 then take 1Z0-829. If you are an experienced developer, probably taking the latest Java Certification I mean Java SE 17 1Z0-829 is the best certificate to go for in 2024. 


Other Java Certification Articles and resources. 

Thanks for reading this article so far. all the best for your certification, whether you chose for Java 8 Certification or Java SE 11 certification, you need to prepare hard to get the top scores, which you can put on your resume. 

Btw, there is no point just passing the OCAJP 8 or OCPJP 11 because anybody can do that, scoring at least 80% on the exam will really set you apart from average Java developers of the same level of experience.

P. S. - This is also an excellent time to get Java certified because Oracle is offering a Java certification for just $25 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Java. If you want to become an Oracle Certified Professional in 2024 then go buy the voucher now. 

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