Danny Markman wrote:Do I really need certificate or just some portfolio enough to get a proper job? I just don't like to spend my money.
The real value probably depends on your current Java knowledge and level. If you are a Java greenhorn, you'll definitely benefit from preparing for this certification. Your Java knowledge will definitely increase and you'll get a solid understanding of Java and OO basics. If you already have (some) Java experience, you might learn a few new things but the biggest value will be (as Jeanne already mentioned) taking the OCPJP certification exam and becoming Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer. And this certification lets you take any other Java certification (from Oracle).
One of my former colleagues was an experienced developer (+15 years as a VB6 and .Net developer) but had very limited Java experience. So after she prepared and passed the OCAJP7 certification exam, her Java knowledge had drastically improved.
Regarding a possible job position: a certification could definitely be useful if you are looking for a Java developer position, but it's certainly not a guarantee. Even with an OCPJP8 certification under your belt, it's still not a guarantee. 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. In
this thread and
this one you'll find some advice to increase your chances to get an entry-level job as a Java developer.
All my certifications are on my resume, but I rarely get questions about them. And not even a technical question to verify if I really passed that certification. That might be because there are a bunch on that list. Or maybe because the employer finds experience much more important. But the main reason why I take/took the certifications is to improve my Java knowledge and to keep up-to-date with the latest improvements of the Java language and syntax, not to have some eyecandy on my resume.
Hope it helps!
Kind regards,
Roel
