Monday, April 8, 2024

How to Prepare for Java 8 Certifications - Oracle Java SE 8 Programmer 1 (1Z0-808) and II (1Z0-809)

Today one of my readers asked about what is the latest OCPJP or Oracle Java exams available and is there a Java certification available for Java SE 19 and Java SE 17?. This prompted me to browse through Oracle's certification website. During my casual browsing, I noticed that even though it's almost a year since Java SE 9 was released and 6 months since Java SE 20was released the latest Java certification is still the Java SE 17 certification. I know, you might be thinking about Java SE 11 certification, which is the latest Java certification available, but still many programmers are going for Java 8 because that's what they use in their production environment. 

Anyway, I said great, as programmers are still digesting changes from Java 8 now have a chance to be certified the on latest Java 8.

The certification is called, "Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer - 1Z0-808" and has written for the Java SE 8 release. The format of the exam is similar to the previous certification, e.g., Java SE 7 Associate and Professional exams (1Z0-803 and 1Z0-804).

If you compare this with Java SE 7 exam, many questions are higher and difficult compared to, and you will get 2.5-3.5 hours to answer all questions. Given this exam is available, I am sure programmers will start getting confused that whether should they go for Java SE 8 or wait for the more latest Java SE 9, 10, or 11 exams.

My suggestion to all of them is that it depends on, if you are a fresh graduate from college and looking for a job, do Java SE 8 certification as soon as possible, it will help you to get a job faster.

On the other hand, If you already have a job and settling there, you can wait for some time until more updated Java SE certification exam is released. But, If you are not sure about the importance of Java certification itself, I suggest you read my article about why you should do Java certification.

Update: The latest version of Java SE certification is now OCAJP 17 (1Z0-829) and OCPJP 11 (1Z0-819) which is based upon Java 17 and Java 11 version. You can take these two exams to become a certified Java 17 or Java 11 developer, but if you already have an Oracle Certified Professional Java Programmer for the Java 6, 7, or 8 versions, then you can take the upgrade OCP Java 6, 7, and 8 to Java SE 11 Developer exam (Exam Code 1Z0-817). I don't have much detail, so I still keep this post as it is, but once I have got more information. I will also update this post. 





What is there from Java 8?

Well, Oracle's Java certification exams don't vary a lot from one version to another, but given path-breaking changes in Java 8, e.g. lambda expressions, method references, new Date and Time API, Stream API for bulk data operations, I was hoping for some changes.

The one I found under "Working with Selected classes from the Java API."
  1.     Creating and manipulating Strings (May use Java 8 String joining functionality)

  2.     Create and manipulate calendar data using classes from
        java.time.LocalDateTime,  java.time.LocalDate, java.time.LocalTime,
        java.time.format.DateTimeFormatter, java.time.Period 

  3.     Write a simple Lambda expression that consumes a Lambda Predicate expression

So you can see that they have included some topic from new Date and Time API and Lambda expressions and functional interface. I am also expecting a lot of questions due to default methods, which has completely evolved some interfaces like java.util.Map.

In the first point about creating and manipulating Strings, you can also expect new String joining functionality from Java 8 release.

There will be no content from Java SE 9 and Java SE 10 will be tested even though they are out in the middle. It means no questions from Java Module system or new features of Java 10, though if you want to know about it, you can join The Complete Java Masterclass, which is recently updated for Java 10.

latest Java certfication



How to prepare for Java SE 8 Certification?

Oracle recommends Java SE 8 Fundamentals training, which is quite costly around 3750 USD for 5 days onsite training or virtual Live classes. Until you are entirely new to Java, you can learn this stuff by yourself, but if you are in urgency and have money, you can think of joining those training classes.

Instead of opting for that training, my suggestion is to join for online courses which are much cheaper and allow you to learn at your own pace and time. And, when it comes to Oracle's Java certification like OCAJP and OCPJP, Whizlab's OCAJP training course is my favorite. 

It provides the most comprehensive coverage and given their experience in the area, you can rest assured of quality.  There is also more than 50% discount available on this course for you.


OCAJP 8 Online Training course


If you are looking for one more option then Oracle Java Certification - Pass the Associate 1Z0-808 Exam! from Udemy is also a good option and you can get it within $10 on flash sale which happens every month.


And, if you are a book lover like me and thinking about any books to prepare Oracle Java SE 8 Programmer 1 (1Z1-808)? I think one book which I recommend you is  "OCA/OCP: Oracle Certified Java SE 8 Programmer I and II Study Guide" by Jeanne Boyarsky and Scott Selikoff (Mar 30, 2015)", as shown below:

Java SE 8 Certification Preparation OCAJP8 and OCPJP8


This is a remarkable book and has been updated a couple of times to remove any error and from the feedback of candidates. If you need more books, then I suggest you just read a couple of good Java 8 books, and you will be ready for examination.


What is more important is practice some mock questions.

Fortunately, there are a couple of good Java SE 8 certification practice simulators available from Whizlabs and others.

Since I had used Whizlabs in the past, I know their quality, and you can use these test to prepare 75 to 80% of your exam topics. The questions mimic what you get in the real exam and difficulty level is even harder than actual exams. This means if you score over 80% on Whizlabs practice test, you will certainly do really well on real Java 8 exams.

Another good thing is that Whizlabs's is offering a 25% discount to Javarevisited readers if you buy both OCAJP and OCPJP simulator together. Which make sense because you have to pass both of these exams to become a certified Java developer. All you need to do is just use the coupon "JAVACOMBO2" while purchasing Java 8 simulator on Whizlabs.

Java 8 Certification - Oracle Java SE 8 Programmer 1 (1Z0-808) - Latest OCAJP Exam

If you like to prepare with free resources, then I have also collected a lot of free Java SE 8 questions from leading test providers like Entuware, Whizlabs, Certification-questions, and others. You can go through them to get an idea of the format and difficulty level of the actual exam.



A Brief Overview of Java Certification from Oracle

If you are a new Java developer and not very familiar with various Java certification offered by Oracle, here is a handy certification path. Basically, you start with Oracle Certified associate programmer, then you go for Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), remember you need to pass an associate exam before you go for OCP.

Both of these exams are based on core Java and recommended for every Java developer. In the same space, you have Mobile application developer and Business Component Developer for Java guys who work on Java ME and Java EE.

Once you are a certified professional, you can consider preparing for Oracle Certified Expert exams. There are four of those, Enterprise JavaBeans developer, Java Persistence Developer, Web Service Developer, and Web Component developer, with the respective area of expertise. For example, a Java Web Service Developer should be expert in both SOAP and REST web services in Java application.


The Last set is for Oracle Certified Master, you can choose either to become Enterprise Architect or Java Developer focused on core Java, which you can directly give after becoming Oracle Certified Java professional.

For Java EE programmers, you can choose any order, but following is the recommended from fellow developers:
  •     Oracle Certified Associate Java SE 8
  •     Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8
  •     Web Components Developer
  •     Enterprise Java Beans (EJB) Developer
  •     Java Persistence(JPA) Developer (or EJB Developer)
  •     Web Services Developer
Java 8 Certification from Oracle


If you are interested, you can register for the exam at education.oracle.com and locate a test center near to you.

You can also think of joining  The Complete Java Masterclass, which covers the core language features and Application Programming Interfaces (API) and you will learn used to design object-oriented applications with Java Standard Edition 10 (Java SE10) Platform.

You can use this course to further develop your skills with the Java and more importantly, to prepare for the Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer Exam.


I will keep posted about Java SE 8 and any updated Core Java certification here. If any of you take this exam, please share your experience, that would be immensely helpful for the fellow developer who is thinking to take this exam.


If you are confused between Java SE 7 and Java SE 8 certification,  think of your need, version does not matter as much you are certified or not. As I said, if you are looking for Job then better get certified with OCA or OCP for Java SE 8, rather than waiting for more up-to-date Java certification like Java 9 or Java 10 certification.

If you are not in a hurry, then wait until more updated Java certifications come to like something which is based upon Java 10, but there is no guarantee when they will be released, as I have heard no news about them yet.


If you decide to get Java 8 certification here are a couple of more useful links which will help you in your preparation.

1. Syllabus and Complete detail of Java SE 8 Certification
2. Link to Register for Java 8 Exam
3. Recommended Instructor-led Java SE 8 training from Oracle
4. Top 5 Java Certification Courses
5. 1Z0-808 books and Practice test
6. OCAJP8 and OCPJP8 Practice Questions - 1Z0-808 dumps PDF download

Though training is not mandatory for appearing in Java SE 8 Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) certification, it will give you a head start on how to use Java SE 8 features in your day-to-day programming. If you are not a regular programmer and haven't touched Java for more than six months, you can really benefit from this training.

All the best Guys

P.S.: If you are looking for a course to prepare Java SE 8 certification then Oracle Java Certification - Pass the Associate 1Z0-808 Exam! from Udemy is the right place to start it. It explains about new features of Java 8 required for OCAJP 8 exam.

62 comments:

  1. What about JavaServer Faces Developer?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello @Istv`an, then can go for Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 JavaServer Faces Developer with exam code 1Z0-896 - Java EE 6 JavaServer Faces Developer Certified Expert Exam. This certification is based upon JSF 2.0, contains 87 questions to be solved in 120 minutes. It's a good certification for JSF developer because It will give recognition on that slightly niche technology. here is what Oracle has to say about this

    "The Oracle Certified Expert, Java EE 6 JavaServer Faces Developer certification is designed for those who have experience working with the Java Enterprise Edition front end. The ideal candidate is also experienced with developing web applications. If you're an Application Development Framework developer you will also have the skills to make the short jump to getting certified on this technology. "

    See this link for more details http://education.oracle.com/pls/web_prod-plq-dad/db_pages.getpage?page_id=5001&get_params=p_exam_id:1Z0-896

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Paul,

    I am reading your blogs(both javrevisted & java67) regularly. Becos of that i have known many things daily.

    I need some guidelines from you,

    Could you please give me some suggestions to write JavaSE 7 OCA exam.

    Thanks in Advance...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello AlexPandiyan. C, Thanks for being a regular reader and supporting my blog. Let me know how exactly I can help you with Java 7 OCA Exam? If you are looking for books, I have already shared couple of them in this blog, and if you are looking for mock exam, I would suggest using Whizlabs Simulator for Java SE 7, that would be more than enough to get a good score.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for your reply paul. Please share link of that article about books. I want to know if there any free websites conducting mock exam for OCA?

    ReplyDelete
  6. I just the registration website, the exam duration is only 150 minutes.

    ReplyDelete
  7. willing to face SE 8 beta on 15Nov2014.

    ReplyDelete
  8. If I,clear OCJA SE 8 (1Z1-808 beta),then can I go for OR eligible for SCJ Programmer/Professional SE 7/SE8?,please guide me.Thanks in advance.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think if you already clear OCAJP SE 8 (1Z1-808 beta), then you are already Java certified, what's the point of doing another certification for a version lower than you just did I mean OCPJP 7.

    ReplyDelete
  10. @Hemant, Yes you would have been eligible for OCAJP SE8 once you clear 1Z1-808
    Java SE 8 Programmer I exam. Unfortunately the beta is closed from 15th November and you need to wait for 10 weeks to give this exam, once production version is available. which also means that you need to spend more money around 360 USD. As I said before, if you don't hold any previous SCJP exam then you need to first clear associate level and then professional level.

    Also passing any Oracle beta exam is the same as passing a production exam. As said in Oracle site, if you were to pass all the beta versions of the exams required within an Oracle Certification path, you will earn your Oracle Certification credential. Since beta exams has more questions than production exam they allow more time to complete it, it's more of a feedback gathering process, but you will only be judged on the questions which make to production exam, that's why scoring of beta exam and production exam is same.

    ReplyDelete
  11. If I take the exam and get "Oracle Certified Associate Java SE 8", can I take the exam for "Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 7"?

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  12. For OCAJP and OCPJP certification dumps contact me at completeexamcollection@gmail.com, I cna provide latest and updated dumps in pdf format

    ReplyDelete
  13. For everyone who wants to take 1Z0-810 Upgrade to Java 8 Programmer: I am working on study guide - http://java.boot.by/ocpjp8-upgrade-guide/

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi!! what about the exam scheduling ???

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi, Have you completed your certification? Please share your experience and highlight about the difficulty level of exam.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Check out these notes on the 1Z0-810 exam at http://rahulsh1.github.io/ocp-java8/

    ReplyDelete
  17. Which books you recommend to prepare for Java SE 8 examination?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi , May I know what is difference in exam 1Z0-809 and 1Z0-808 ? what is programmer 1 and programmer 2 ? and do I have to complete both of those exams to give OCP for SE 8 ?

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello @nk, In order to pass new Java SE 8 certification from Oracle, you need to pass two exams, 1Z0-808 and 1Z0-809. First is associate level exam also known as OCAJP8 and second is programmer level OCPJP8. 1Z0-808 is available now and you can take it anytime but 1Z0-809 is not yet available, which means you need to wait couple of months to become a fully Java 8 Certified programmer, even if you clear 1Z0-808 or Java SE 8 associate exam.

    ReplyDelete
  20. @Anonymous, You can see this article for my recommend books for Java SE 8 certification. They are essentially the books which you will use to learn Java 8. Exam topics are not much difference then content covered on those books.

    ReplyDelete
  21. @nk, just to add on what I said, Oracle also provides upgrades exams for Java developers who are already certified. So if you are a certified Java developer you can take 1Z0-810 exam to become Java 8 certified Professional. This is similar to 1Z0-805 upgrade exam for Java 7 Professional.

    ReplyDelete
  22. @Anonymous, thanks for sharing your 1Z0-810 exam notes. For those who doesn't know 1Z0-810 is exam to upgrade your Java certification for Java SE 8. If you are already certified you are eligible for this exam, but if you first timer then you need to pass two exams OCAJP and OCPJP, both has different code for Java 7 and Java 8.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Paul,
    Is 1Z1-808 exam the beta exam you mentioned in your blog?

    ReplyDelete
  24. @FYS, 1Z1-808 (Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer) was in beta when I wrote this post. It's now available as full exam. BTW, 1Z1-809 (Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer) is not yet released so expect it to enter beta soon.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hello guys,
    apologies for the my rather naive post , but I am getting quite lost about the 1Z1-808.
    Is it me , or there are just not so many available books to study?
    In comparison to SE7 exams, seems that the SE8 is not "there" yet. Correct?

    However, if you have "the" book for 1Z1-808 to recommend please do.
    Thanks,
    Alex

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Paul,

    I am really confused whether I should go for Java 7 or 8 OCJP Exam. Please suggest I should go for 7 or 8 and why? I am 3+ years experienced Java Developer. I have recently changed job and looking to get some certifications to upgrade my profile for future.

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  27. @Anonymous, If you are curious to learn Java 8 then you can for OCAJP 8, OCPJP 8 is not yet out but if you are looking for certification for Job purpose then you should go for OCAJP7. You can also take a loot at my another article on same topic.

    ReplyDelete
  28. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  29. @David thanks for update. Indeed 1Z0-808 has come out of Beta from long time but 1ZO-809 which is Oracle Java 8 Professional exam is not yet out. One more thing I would like to add that Oracle is now offering 20% discount on all Java certification on account of 20 years of Java celebration. I would say good time to get certified for what you know :). To learn more about discount offer see here

    ReplyDelete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi Paul, I have passed OCP java 6 1Z0-851 and now I am thinking to appear in Java8 certification exam. I have read your blog and all comments then I got to know that 1Z0-810 is certificate upgrade exam.

    Could you please tell me in which certification exam I need to appear 1Z0-808 or 1Z0-810.

    -Manoj Pathak

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hello Manoj, If you have already passed OCP Java SE 6 and want to upgrade to Java 8 OCP exam, then consider giving 1Z0-813 (Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer). 1Z0-810 is for programmers who have Java SE 7 certification and wants to upgrade to Java 8

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi,
    I have done the SCJP(1.5) in 2009. I like to know that I am eligible to gice Java 8 Certification or not

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hello , apart from pass OCP Java 8 who i need to submit a coursework or something to oracle before i will have the certification ?

    ReplyDelete
  35. @Hema, Yes you can go for Java 8 certification, since you already hold a SCJP certificate you can directly appear for Java SE 8 Programmer certification i.e. OCPJP8

    ReplyDelete
  36. To clear the confusion, there are three Java 8 certification available in Oracle's site

    1) Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer OCAJP8, exam code 1Z0-808
    2) Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer OCPJP8, exam code 1Z0-809
    3) Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer (upgrade) , exam code 1Z0-810

    First is your associate level exam, while second and third is the programmer certification. Only difference between 1Z0-809 and 1Z0-810 is that later is an upgrade exam and you must have a Java SE 6 or prior certification to appear on it.

    All certifications are now available, they have come out of beta long ago.

    ReplyDelete
  37. @Isac, If you pass the OCP then you don't need submit any course work.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi,
    I haven't done done any java certification. But i'm confused whether to go directly for OCPJP8 or should i go for OCAJP8 first. what will happen if directly go for OCPJP8.

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  39. @anu You can take OCPJP8 directly, but even if you pass you will qualify for getting the certification only if you pass OCAJP8 as well. So it is better to go with OCAJP8 first and then OCPJP8.

    Thanks
    http://ocpjava.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete
  40. I am an average student. Can u please tell me Approximately how many days of preparation is required for OCAJP8 ?

    ReplyDelete
  41. @Anonymous, if you are completely new to Java and you are not on programming job than you should at-least take 4 to 6 months to practice daily. read books, participate on forums and code daily.

    ReplyDelete
  42. i am preparing for ocajp8 exam and i am not able to decide which one is better whether it is enthuware sample paper or whizlabs???????

    ReplyDelete
  43. hi i am planing to take the exam on java 8 what is the cost of the exam

    ReplyDelete
  44. OCAJP exam price is Rs 9604 and for OCPJP it is of the same price.

    Exam cost, duration, topics etc for 1z0-808(OCAJP) can be found here https://education.oracle.com/pls/web_prod-plq-dad/db_pages.getpage?page_id=5001&get_params=p_exam_id:1Z0-808

    For 1z0-809(OCPJP) can be found here https://education.oracle.com/pls/web_prod-plq-dad/db_pages.getpage?page_id=5001&get_params=p_exam_id:1Z0-809

    For exam preparation you will find useful links here http://ocpjava.wordpress.com/

    ReplyDelete
  45. @Hari, Thanks for your price but not sure Unknown ask in terms of Indian rupees. @Unknown, price of Java 8 certification varies depending upon which country you belong or where you intent to give exam. In India, as Hari said its around 10K, in USA its around 360 USD. You can check the price in Official Oracle certification site mentioned in this article.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hello Everyone,Iam really confused which i have to opt (OCAJP 7 or 8) Iam a
    fresher and had done core java and advanced java course and looking for a job.
    Could anyone please advice me which one to opt?
    Thanks in Advance
    Syed

    ReplyDelete
  47. @Unknown, to remain competent and relevant, I suggest to opt for OCP 8 exams. Java 8 has new features such as lambda expressions which represents a move to bring more functional programming abilities into Java, streams (and parallel streams): Excellent example of applying functional programming in practice, and Java date and time API.

    As these are new topics, to get acquainted with these you can start going through these useful links at https://ocpjava.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I am 5th semister Software engineering student,should i go for OCAJP7 or OCAJP8 certification?
    How much average time will be required for its preparation??

    ReplyDelete
  49. @Anonymous, you should go for OCAJP8 certification. On average you need atleast 3 good month of preparation to score anywhere between 80 to 100.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Thanks Javin Paul, and what books would you suggest? OR Learning from kethy sierra and bert bates OCAJP7 and then learning additional features of SE8 from internet would be a good option or not?

    ReplyDelete
  51. @You can use the Study guide for Java 8 and if you really want to learn Java 8, you can choose couple of books from my Java 8 book list. I personally like Java SE 8 for Really Impatient though.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hello sir,
    is ocajp 8 exam is compulsory for ocpjp 8 certification? If so then how i register for it?
    thank you

    ReplyDelete
  53. @Tanvi, No it's not compulsory, if you are taking 1Z0-809 exam, but if you want to upgrade 1Z0-810 (Upgrade Java SE 7 to Java SE 8 OCP Programmer) you need a previous certification.

    ReplyDelete
  54. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Can any one tell me the theme of java se6,7or 8 exam is it mcq or program development??

    ReplyDelete
  56. Can any one tell me the theme of java se6,7or 8 exam is it mcq or program development??

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hello @Paul

    I am new in Java world. Am I eligible for OCAJP (Java 8 Certification)? Which book I should refer for preparation?

    Thanks,
    Rohit

    ReplyDelete
  58. I am Java 5 certified. I want to appear for Java 8. Shall i appear for OCP 8 directly or i need to go for OCA 8 too?

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  59. For the Java5 OCP available just only one upgrade exam 1z0-813.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Are there any dumps available for ocajp 8 ? I have read some books.. but I still feel anxious to give it. Any kind of help will be appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hi can u plz send some PDF and dumps for ocajp 8 ..I'm gonna to prepare on this..
    Thanks in advance

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hello @Unknown, there is PDF dump included in the resource (links) section, you can download 1Z0-808 pdf dump from there:
    OCAJP8 and OCPJP8 Practice Questions - 1Z0-808 dumps PDF download

    ReplyDelete