Software

Does Java Certifications Matter to You While Hiring?

javaJava is one of the hottest computing technologies these days and is running on a full swing after Oracle embraced it in early 2010. Over the years, Java has attained a prominent position among world's leading software development technologies due to its wide range of languages, frameworks, servers and database support.

Considering these credentials of Java, enterprises as well as developers across the world give more weight-age to Java. A survey has validated that 97% of enterprise desktops, 3 billion mobile devices and 115 million TVs are now running on Java. Due to this huge demand of Java, enterprises look for hiring Java developers. However, when it comes to hiring developers and experts of technology or programming language, the task becomes a bit tricky and rigid.

Ingredients to look for in Java developers

Be it onshore or offshore hiring process, the IT managers of enterprises while hiring Java developers need to make sure that the developer on board has the right skill and knowledge of performing the development work. It has to validate and consider various aspects while examining the candidate such as technology experience, educational background, projects accomplished, commitment levels, communication, etc.

One of the recent ingredients that has been added in this checklist for analyzing the technical and professional capabilities of Java developers is their Certification.

A lot many number of organizations in the zest of delivering quality and robust applications, are contemplating nowadays whether or not they should hire certified Java developers.

Does certification enhance the taste?

This is a debatable question and almost all the recruiters and IT managers are facing this question while hiring Java developers/engineers. Many IT managers consider certification as a seal of excellence and consider it essential while hiring Java developers. While some opine that, experience, track record and accomplishments are the only factors to consider while evaluating candidates.

According to CompTIA survey, in 2011, 86% IT hiring managers considered IT certifications are medium to high priority for hiring while CompTIA also found that 97% of U.S. IT hiring managers consider "Quality of experience" as their top priority for evaluating IT candidates. Looking at this figure it is difficult to judge whether you should really hire certified Java developers or not.

To help you find answers to this question, let us dive deep into the importance of these Java certifications and the role it plays in one's development career.

Seems like separating the wheat from the chaff

Developers in Java get certified under Oracle. These certifications work as the credentials of the developer. It guides the developers to perform the task in a certain standardized way and provides enough knowledge to perform and excel in a particular area.

Industrialist and experts say that Java certifications are the most sought after credibility or expertise in the Information Technology marketplace. These Oracle/Java certification differentiates and separates these IT professionals from their peers or competitors by establishing a standard of competence in specific areas and signifies a proven level of knowledge and skill.

The certification also gives a distinct advantage to Java professionals by raising their visibility and increasing their access to the most challenging opportunities.

The two way benefits

Benefits on Employer's Front

Java/Oracle certification is seen as a part of professional development programs in most of the IT companies where companies encourage their developers to get certified. Another reason behind this is that these certifications ensure return on investment since it helps them stay on a competitive edge. Besides, these certified professionals have a direct impact on company's or employer's bottom line as per the research conducted by International Data Corporation where

  • Certified professionals provided 40% more support per person, per day, than uncertified staff
  • Companies with Java certified professionals reported 49% less downtime
  • The savings from increased effectiveness paid the costs of certification in less than 9 months

Benefits on Developer's Front

On the other hand, according to a study out of thousands of Java certified developers

  • 97% said they have benefited from certification
  • 96% said they would recommend the program to a professional colleague
  • 89% said they gained more confidence in their Oracle expertise after becoming certified

Besides these, Oracle/Java certified developers enjoy these benefits over non-certified Java programmers

  1. Better credibility
  2. Better chances of getting jobs
  3. Better average salary
  4. Better job security
  5. Better chances to address skill gaps

Still two minds

Although Java certification is gaining an edge and becoming one of the essential aspects to look for while hiring Java programmers, many IT strategists and managers still have two minds. They consider, to hire or get hire it's only the experience that counts regardless of whether or not the developers have passed some test.

In a recent meet up with an expert, he shared his experience with me of working with certified as well as non-certified Java developers.

He said - "I have worked with so called developers who had a good amount of certifications under their belt but had no clue about how HTTP POST and HTTP GET worked.

In his opinion, theoretically certification is rational for juniors to enter the industry. It is seen by employers as a college or school degree which decorate the image of fresh face.

What do you prefer?

The perception of hiring certified and non-certified developers are different and works according to the factors a company considers in hiring as even big companies do hire non-certified programmers.

What matters at the end is that developers with or without certifications should walk the talk.

What will you do if you are interviewing a candidate for the post of Java engineer who presents certificate like the one above?

Do share your reactions and opinions below.

If you have any questions, please ask below!