Java SE 21 Certification: Boost Your Skills by Learning as a Team
Oracle Java SE 21 Developer Professional (1Z0-830)
When it comes to certifications, there are many paths you can take. In this post, I want to focus on one in particular: the Oracle Java SE 21 Developer Professional (1Z0-830) certification.
Is it worth it?
Short answer: Yes—but it depends on where you are in your career and the purpose.
Let me explain.
If You’re a Beginner or Junior Developer
If you’re starting your career, a certification can help you a lot. It shows that you are serious and that you know the basics of Java. It can also increase your chances of getting your first job.
Many companies see certification as a sign of commitment and a good foundation in programming.
For Senior Developers
You may ask: “I already have experience—do I still need a certification?”
In this case, you shouldn’t do it for the certificate. You should do it for the learning.
When you prepare for the exam, you will study deep parts of the Java language. You might learn features that you didn’t know before, even if you’ve been coding for years. You’ll also learn to read long pieces of code quickly and understand what they do. This is a great skill for interviews and real-world coding.
So yes—even for experienced developers, studying for the certification is very useful.
Learn Together – The Power of the Process
More important than the certificate itself is the process of getting there. Studying for the certification gives you the chance to:
Strengthen your knowledge
Practice with code examples
Improve your focus and discipline
Connect with other developers
A great example of this is Ronaldo Tavares, a Brazilian developer who created a study group to help others learn Java 21 and prepare for the exam. Together, the group stayed motivated, shared insights, and encouraged one another through the process.
Even better? Ronaldo invited Jeanne Boyarsky — Java Champion and co-author of the OCP Java SE 21 Developer Study Guide—to join and share her experience with the group. 👏
This kind of collaborative learning not only helps you understand the content better, but it also keeps you consistent and inspired. You're not just preparing for a test, you're building community and confidence.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re at the beginning of your career or already experienced, a certification can be more than just a line on your resume. It can be a structured way to challenge yourself, deepen your understanding, and connect with the Java community.
So, should you do it?
Yes, especially if you focus on the process and make it part of your learning journey. 🧠💻