Top 10 Oracle Certifications and How to Earn Them

Updated February 2023

As the job market settles into 2023, we take this opportunity to reflect on the past year's certifcation trends and how they correlate with shifts in the IT industry. 

One of the first things to jump out in this list is that 4 out of the top 10 are Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) certifications. This is the fourth year in a row that Oracle University is offering free free access to OCI training courses, as well as a free OCI Foundations exam that can be accessed through this learning path. As part of Oracle University's efforts to help bridge the IT skills gap, and offer job seekers an opportunity at upskilling in a growing cloud market, we are committed to helping the IT industry build and sharpen skills of the future.  

Not surprisingly, the always-popular SQL and Autonomous Database certifications also made it into the top 10. These are ever-growing in-demand skills that database professionals are constantly polishing and upgrading through courses and recertification. If you're interested in getting into the DBA world but not sure it's the right fit for you - take one of our free entry-level Learning Explorer courses. You'll even earn a badge once you pass. 

Other notable certifications in our top 10 are the Java certifications. Java remains one of the top 5 programming languages and continues to be a must-have skill in the developer's tool-box. Java gains even more popularity as the Internet of Things and AI increasingly increases its market share. Makers and robotics specialists depend on Java for their everyday research and inventions. As such, it maintains its perpetual popularity among programmers everywhere. 

Last, but far from least, are the Cloud Apps exams. Both HCM's HR Cloud implementations Essentials and ERP's Payables Implementation Essentials rank in the top 10 Oracle certification exams and there is a reason for that as Oracle’s Cloud HCM and Fusion Cloud ERP were both were named leaders in Gartner’s 2022 Magic Quadrant. Getting certified in either HCM or ERP area qualifies you as a motivated professional wanting to make an impact at work.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 Oracle certifications. Click to access the path to each exam: 

Top 10 Oracle Certifications in 2022

1. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Foundations Associate

2. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Architect Associate

3. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Architect Professional

4. Oracle Cloud Data Management Foundations Associate

5. Java SE 8 Programmer

6. Oracle Autonomous Database Cloud Professional

7. Java SE 11 Developer

8. Oracle Database SQL

9. Oracle Global Human Resources Cloud Implementation Professional

10. Oracle Financials Cloud: Payables Implementation Professionals

Why Invest in Oracle Certification

Simply put, Oracle certifications can open doors. By gaining formal recognition of your skills, you can often save time and resources when it is time to market yourself to potential employers. Sometimes even an Oracle badge on your LinkedIn profile can make a difference.  

• Increase your hireability and career potential – employers look for candidates with higher than average skills and technical know-how
• Stay ahead of the curve – getting Oracle certified means you’ll be in-the-know about the latest releases, iterations and changes, so you can stay up-to-date with the newest technology
• Gain a competitive edge – differentiate yourself in the workplace with formal Oracle recognition in your skills

Click to view full infographic

Recommended Resources to Prepare for an Oracle Certification Exam

• Get access to free OCI and Autonomous Database learning resources, as preparation for OCI and Autonomous certification exams
• Catch up on latest Java 17 learning resources and certification paths 
• Access our entire portfolio of SaaS Learning Subscriptions for one year with our Unlimited Cloud Learning Subscription
• We have recently added a variety of exam preparation options to the Cloud Learning Subscription program, including instructor-led sessions, live sessions, exam prep sessions and more. Read more about Oracle certification exam preparation.