The IBM C9002700 certification is an enterprise-level application development certification that focuses on the native technology stack of the IBM i 7.x system.

1. Introduction to the IBM Certified Developer—IBM i 7.x Certification

IBM Certified Developer - IBM i 7.x (C9002700) is a globally authoritative professional level certification in the field of mid-range computer application development launched by IBM, belonging to the core development sequence of the IBM Power Systems Certification Program.

The C9002700 certification focuses on verifying the enterprise level application development, database operation, system integration, and performance optimization capabilities of practitioners based on the IBM i 7.x operating system. It aims to cultivate professional talents who can independently lead the development and maintenance of key business applications on the IBM i platform, and is a key step in the transformation from "IBM i basic developers" to "enterprise level IBM i application development experts."

In key business scenarios in industries such as finance and manufacturing, the IBM i operating system is renowned for its high stability, security, and availability, carrying critical tasks such as enterprise core data processing, transaction settlement, and business process automation.

The core of C9002700 certification is to cultivate "enterprise level key business application development and implementation experts on IBM i platform", not just developers who master basic programming syntax, but those who can deeply understand IBM i 7.x system architecture and proficiently use IBM i native programming language. Simultaneously possessing the integration capability of IBM i applications and modern technology, it becomes the core technical support for connecting IBM i's traditional ecosystem with digital transformation needs.

In the "IBM i Platform ERP System Upgrade" project for large manufacturing enterprises, C9002700 certificate holders will use RPG IV free-form programming to reconstruct the "Production Planning Module" of traditional ERP based on the IBM i 7.5 operating system, optimizing the logic of production order generation and material requirement calculation; integrate the IBM i Access Client Solutions tool to achieve data exchange between Windows client and IBM i server; optimize application performance to ensure daily processing of over 100000 production orders without delay.

2. The Competitive Edge of C9002700 Certification

C9002700 is an officially recognized IBM i application development core qualification by IBM, which has a high degree of recognition in the enterprise market that relies on IBM i. When recruiting for IBM i development positions, it is often listed as a "priority requirement," which is the core distinguishing factor between "basic developers" and "professional level talents." Internationally, in regions where the IBM i ecosystem is mature, the salary premium for certificate holders is about 40%-60%, and career stability is extremely strong.

The C9002700 certification covers core skills such as IBM i native programming language, DB2 for i database, application integration and optimization, proving the ability to lead enterprise level critical business application development and quickly adapt to IBM i enterprise technical standards; at the same time, the high stability of the IBM i platform means that holders can accumulate scarce industry experience such as "zero failure operation" and "high compliance landing," highlighting the irreplaceable nature of their profession.

Holders can join the IBM Developer Community to access the latest technical documentation, product roadmap, and industry solutions for IBM i 7. x; Prioritize participation in IBM offline technology summits and IBM i practical workshops, and connect with core project resources within the IBM ecosystem; with the digital transformation of enterprises, the IBM i platform continues to iterate, and certificate holders can rely on certification to continuously expand their technological boundaries and avoid outdated vocational skills.

After passing the C9002700, one can advance to IBM Certified Expert - IBM i Application Development or switch to architecture design positions, with a clear career development path that adapts to the long-term stable development needs of key business areas.

3. Core Components of the C9002700 Certification

The IBM i Platform Developer Certification Exam is aimed at practitioners who wish to develop and manage enterprise level applications on IBM i (AS/400) systems. Whether you are a professional seeking to validate your skills or a newcomer preparing to enter the industry, this certification provides a comprehensive competency assessment pathway.

The exam strictly benchmarks against the official IBM 7.x version outline, starting with the IBM i 7.x system infrastructure and core concepts, to help you establish a solid understanding of integrated system architecture, core components, and basic operations.

The core development capabilities are focused on RPG IV programming and COBOL for IBM i programming, requiring mastery of the entire development process from basic syntax, file operations to advanced programming skills. CL programming and system automation focus on using control languages to achieve system management automation.

As the data core, DB2 for i database development and optimization account for 20% of the weight, covering key skills from SQL basic operations to stored procedures and performance optimization. Following closely behind are application integration and modernization, as well as application debugging and performance optimization, which focus on how to integrate traditional applications with modern technology and ensure their efficient and stable operation.

Finally, the best practices for enterprise level application development guide you to focus on key elements of production environments such as architecture design, compliance, and high availability.

4. What are the requirements to be an IBM Certified Developer—IBM i 7.x?

(1) Qualification prerequisites:

There is no mandatory pre-certification requirement for the C9002700 exam, but we recommend that you have obtained IBM Certified Associate - IBM i or have equivalent basic operating experience in IBM i.

Having 1-2 years of experience in IBM i platform application development, proficient in at least one IBM i native programming language; Understand TCP/IP protocol, SQL basic syntax, and be familiar with basic operations of IBM i system.

IBM recommends that you complete the official designated training courses or accumulate programming and database practical experience through the IBM i official practice environment.

(2) Training and examinations:

The C9002700 exam consists of approximately 65-75 questions, including multiple-choice questions and situational analysis questions. The exam lasts for 120 minutes. Full score of 1000 points, reaching 700 points or above to pass.

The exam fee is approximately $200 globally, with slight differences in tax fees in different regions. 

(3) Qualification maintenance:

The validity period of the C9002700 certificate is 3 years. Before the expiration of the validity period, one must pass the IBM i 7.x free recertification exam or automatically renew the IBM i expert level certification at a higher level; after renewal, the validity period of the certificate will be recalculated for 3 years.

5. Comparable Certifications to IBM Certified Developer - IBM i 7. x Certification

• CompTIA Server+
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
• IBM Certified Developer - z/OS
• IBM Certified DBA - DB2 for i