How do i choose the correct java certification path for my carrier

One of the most common questions we get in mind when we plan for Java certification exam is, "Which certification should I take?". Oracle spilt the Java certifications into 4 different levels based on the exam topics covered in each certification.

The four levels of certifications are,

Oracle Certified Associate Level Java CertificationsOracle Certified Professional Level Java CertificationsOracle Certified Master Level Java CertificationsOracle Certified Expert Level Java Certifications

The following figure explains the certification path, you can choose the correct exam path for your carrier from this.

OCA Level Java Certifications

The OCA credential is typically the first step toward achieving the OCP certification. The OCA credential ensures that the individual is equipped with fundamental skills, providing a strong foundation for supporting Oracle products.

OCP Level Java Certifications

The OCP credential is the benchmark of professional skill and technical expertise required to manage, develop or implement applications. IT managers use the OCP credential to evaluate the qualifications of employees and job candidates.

OCM Level Java Certifications

The OCM credential recognizes the ultimate advanced level of skills, proven ability, and knowledge. These professionals are qualified to answer the most difficult questions and solve the most complex problems.

OCE Level Java Certifications

The OCE Level is a part of Oracle’s Certification Program which grants credentials that recognize competency in specific technologies, architectures or domains not currently covered in the path-based Certified Associate and Certified Professional certifications. Successful candidates will be awarded a special Expert Certification designation.

Currently available Associate level Certifications are,

Java SE 5 and 6, Certified Associate Exam
Java SE 7 Programmer I

Currently available Professional level Certifications are,

Java Mobile Edition 1 Mobile Application Developer Certified Professional Exam
Java SE 5 Programmer Certified Professional Exam
Java SE 6 Programmer Certified Professional Exam
Java SE 7 Programmer II
Upgrade to Java SE 7 Programmer
Java EE 5 Web Component Developer Certified Professional Exam
Java EE 5 Business Component Developer Certified Professional Exam
Java EE 5 Web Services Developer Certified Professional Exam

Currently available Master level Certifications are,

Java SE 6 Developer Certified Master Assignment and Essay
Java EE 5 Enterprise Architect Exam
Java EE 5 Enterprise Architect Assignment and Essay
Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect Exam
Java EE 6 Enterprise Architect Assignment and Essay

Currently available Expert level Certifications are,

Java EE 6 Enterprise JavaBeans Developer Certified Expert Exam
Java EE 6 Web Services Developer Certified Expert Exam
Java EE 6 Java Persistence API Developer Certified Expert Exam
Java EE 6 Web Component Developer Certified Expert Exam
Java EE 6 JavaServer Faces Developer (BETA Version)

OCA (Oracle Certified Associate) Level Java Certifications

Java SE 7 Programmer I – Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 7 Programmer provides basic knowledge required to program Java code.

OCP (Oracle Certified Professional) Level Java Certifications

Java SE 7 Programmer II – Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 7 Programmer provides programming knowledge required to develop a Java SE 7 application.

Upgrade to Java SE 7 Programmer – Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 7 Programmer Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 7 Programmer provides programming knowledge required to develop a Java SE 7 application.

Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 6 Programmer provides programming knowledge required to develop a Java SE 6 application.

Java Mobile Edition 1 Mobile Application Developer Certified Professional Exam
Oracle Certified Professional, Java ME 1 Mobile Application Developer provides knowledge required to develop mobile applications using Java ME.

OCM (Oracle Certified Master) Level Java Certifications

Java Standard Edition 6 Developer Certified Master Downloadable Project (Step 1 of 2)
Oracle Certified Master, Java SE6 Developer provides knowledge required to develop Java SE 6 Swing applications using RMI and Sockets (client-server model).

Java Standard Edition 6 Developer Certified Master Essay Exam (Step 2 of 2)
Oracle Certified Master, Java SE6 Developer provides knowledge required to develop Java SE 6 Swing applications using RMI and Sockets (client-server model).

Java Enterprise Edition 5 Enterprise Architect Certified Master Exam (Step 1 of 3)
Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 5 Enterprise Architect provides architecture knowledge required to design Java EE 5 applications using best practices and patterns.

Java Enterprise Edition 5 Enterprise Architect Certified Master Downloadable Project (Step 2 of 3)
Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 5 Enterprise Architect provides architecture knowledge required to design Java EE 5 applications using best practices and patterns.

Java Enterprise Edition 5 Enterprise Architect Certified Master Essay Exam (Step 3 of 3)
Oracle Certified Master, Java EE 5 Enterprise Architect provides architecture knowledge required to design Java EE 5 applications using best practices and patterns.

OCE (Oracle Certified Expert) Level Java Certifications

Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 Web Component Developer Certified Expert Exam
Oracle Certified Expert Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 JavaServer Pages and Servlet Developer provides knowledge required to develop Java EE 6 Enterprise applications using JSP and Servlet.

Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 Enterprise JavaBeans Developer Certified Expert Exam Oracle Certified Expert, Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 Enterprise JavaBeans Developer provides knowledge required to develop Java EE 6 Enterprise applications using EJB.

Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 Java Persistence API Developer Certified Expert Exam
Oracle Certified Expert, Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 Java Persistence API Developer provides knowledge required to develop Java EE 6 Enterprise applications using JPA.

Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 Web Services Developer Certified Expert Exam
Oracle Certified Expert, Java Platform, Enterprise Edition 6 Web Services Developer provides knowledge required to develop Java EE 6 Web service applications using JAX-WS, JAX-RS and XML processing APIs.

For recommended Java certification study materials look at this Java certification exam guide link.