OCAPJ7 vs MTA Software Development Fundamental

[Abrix arslan]

OCAPJ7 vs MTA Software Development Fundamental

Hello there, i am new and i already like this moose java place xo xo.

I am a fresh graduate software engineer, in my university, java is the main programming language so i have studied java for years. Now i want to get certified but as a fresh grad I still lack a lot as i did not develop a lot of application with java but did few projects in the university. Looking at the OCAPJ7 and OCPJ7 exam covered objectives, i have covered up to threading in the university, however, that dose not qualify me to take OCAPJ7 right a way without studying for it.

The Subject

I love Java more than C#, but in my country(KSA) maybe C# is more in demand, not really sure, anyway this bring us to the subject that I want to get a certification asap to support my CV to get a solid job. From my understanding OCAJP7 is pure programming certification while Microsoft MTA Software developer Fundamental cover a lot of software aspect and C# programming is part of it but take only 15-20% of the exam.

1) I just want your opinion guys? for a fresh software engineer grad like me, am I better of with the MTA or the OCAJP7 cert as first cert?
2) I heard Oracle cert exams are not easy, is that true? is it going to be harder than MTA?
3) Which cert might take more time to prepare for ? MTA or OCA?


I am sorry if this topic is not suppose to be talking about other than java but i really need help i am confused. it is like java my love but

[Guillermo Ishi]

I'm not the official door greeter but welcome to KSA from USA.

There might be a third option for you --
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/exam-70-483.aspx

The C# exam gives you a free second chance if you flunk, which takes some pressure off I looked into it some time ago but didn't bite because it's mainly a Microsoft thing. To get a feel for what the OCAJP7 is like try out Enthuware practice exams, which are a real good approximation of what the real test is like or at least was a year ago, from my personal experience. Enthuware is just $10. You'll see it mentioned all over this site. Oh, also there's a coupon code in one of these threads you can use before the end of the year to get a good price discount on Oracle exams.

[Blake Edward]

I can't speak from experience about the MTA, but Microsoft states "MTA is for people new to technology, who need to validate their knowledge of fundamental concepts before moving on to more advanced certifications, such as MCSA and MCSD."

My gut feeling is that you might be beyond this level already. Also, this MTA certificate is not a prerequisite for other Microsoft certs, it's just a stand alone. I'm thinking that your Computer Science degree might say more than this certification would as to what you already know. But, if the certification seems affordable/doable then it certainly can't hurt and it might be able to point you in a new direction and could be a positive sign to a future employer that you are still working hard towards a goal.

I am willing to bet that the Oracle exam is harder but with some college experience with Java and some diligent study you should be ok. I work in a Microsoft oriented workplace but I sit next to some Java developers and I can tell you that either track you take is well respected and highly valued. I know someone that has been programming for twenty years and has never had to use Java, for anything (but he's a good coder so he can still look at it and figure it all out).

I'm like you, I like Java but I come at it from a different angle as I am older, a career changer, I have a BFA, good at design and front end stuff, and finally getting some opportunities at work. I feel I need the Java cert to prove that I am serious and that I have the fundamentals down.

Anyway, not meaning to make a long post. Welcome to the forum - a place of endless inspiration for us Java geeks. You can get lots of help here!

[Roel De Nijs]

Hi Abrix arslan,

First of all, a warm welcome to CodeRanch!

Abrix arslan wrote:1) I just want your opinion guys? for a fresh software engineer grad like me, am I better of with the MTA or the OCAJP7 cert as first cert?
2) I heard Oracle cert exams are not easy, is that true? is it going to be harder than MTA?
3) Which cert might take more time to prepare for ? MTA or OCA?

I have no experience with the Microsoft certification at all, so I don't know which one (OCA or MTA) is the best choice for you. Also I don't have any idea about the job market in your country, so I don't know which programming languages are more in demand and which ones are not. I think you should first decide which programming language you want to do professionally and commit yourself to that choice. So if you are more passionate about Java, I would take that path.

If you want to make a more rational decision, you could/should look through lots of job listings and find out what companies want. Because now you are not sure about which programming language is more in demand. So looking through the job listings will probably answer that question for you. And then it might be easier to make a decision. And if you are a (very) good developer with the right attitude, making a wrong decision is not so bad. Because you still know all OO concepts and can easily switch from one programming language to another one.

Finally I like to share this note about getting certified: a certification (even with a good score) will not get you a programming job (not even an entry-level). But it might make the difference between some equivalent candidates. It shows different positive aspects for a programmer: eager to learn, want to study and improve your knowledge (in your own time), you are up for a challenge, you have an eye for details,... But you probably not get a job just because you are certified. So a certification is never a guarantee for a job, but it may help turn the scale in your favor. I got my first job as a VB6 (yes, I'm already so old )/Java developer without any certification at all and after working for a few months I definitely knew: "Java rocks!" and after one year and a half I took (and passed) my first Java certification.

Hope it helps!
Kind regards,
Roel

[Guillermo Ishi]

In the case of an employer (or front desk) with no knowledge of the certificate, and an employee with no java experience professionally, it should at least distinguish you from the mass quantities of people who will be applying for the same job with no experience and NO certificate Try to stack up every advantage you can.