The Java Certification Exams,

and Which Java Certification Should I Choose?

Becoming certified in Sun Java can help your career in a couple of ways: It creates a greater opportunity for you, it increases your versality and desireability, which can also result in a salary increase, and it also gives you a sense of achievement while boosting your career.

Before taking any of the certification exams Sun recommends the appropriate training and six to twelve months of on the job experience. While they don't guarantee passing the Java Certification Exams, Sun does state that the training is an important step in the preperation for those same exams.

Which only makes sense.

The following article briefly introduces some of the available Java Certifications.

Article by Seema Manivannan:

Sun Java Certification exams are the best way to demonstrate your skills in Java technologies. These certifications are industry recognized and worldwide programs that focus on critical job roles in software application development and enterprise architecture. Sun's philosophy is that certification is central to the learning process as it provides validation of skill sets required for the specific job roles.

Which certifications are available?

Sun offers the following certifications for professionals in Java technology:

• Sun Certified Java Associate (SCJA) 
• Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) 
• Sun Certified Java Developer (SCJD) 
• Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD) 
• Sun Certified Business Component Developer (SCBCD) 
• Sun Certified Developer for Java Web Services (SCDJWS) 
• Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer (SCMAD) 
• Sun Certified Enterprise Architect (SCEA)

The SCJA certification has only one exam that covers basic knowledge of OO concepts, the Java programming language, and general knowledge of Java platforms and technologies. For more information, you can refer to SCJA exam details.

The SCJP certification, which is the most popular of all certification exams, is for programmers experienced in the Java programming language. It has one exam that covers the fundamentals of the Java programming language. For more information, you can refer to SCJP exam details.

To achieve the SCJD certification, a candidate must successfully complete two elements: a programming assignment and an essay exam. This certification covers advanced Java concepts and APIs. For more information, you can refer to SCJD exam details.

The SCWCD certification is for developers specializing in the application of Java Server Pages and Servlet technologies used to present Web services and dynamic Web content. For more information, you can refer to SCBCD exam details.

The SCBCD certification is for Enterprise JavaBeans developers who are responsible for designing, developing, testing, deploying, and integrating EJB applications. For more information, you can refer to SCBCD exam exam details.

The SCEA certification is an advanced certification for professionals aspiring to be J2EE enterprise architects, who are responsible for designing and architecting J2EE compliant applications. For more information, you can refer to SCEA exam details.

The SCDJWS certification is for developers who create Web services for applications using Java technology components and the SCMAD certification is for developers who create mobile applications using Java technologies for cell phones or 'smart' devices. You can find more information about these exams at SCDJWS exam and SCMAD exam . Top Which certification is right for me?

If you are planning to enter a career in application development or software project management using Java technology, SCJA would be the best choice.

Achieving the SCJP certification provides clear evidence that a programmer understands the basic syntax and structure of the Java programming language. If your aim is to demonstrate superior programming skills in J2SE, this certification would be right for you.

Once you have the basic certifications, you can pursue advanced certifications that help enable career growth into more specific job roles like Mobile Application Developer or Business Component Developer according to your area of interest. All the specialized certifications (other than the Enterprise Architect, which is an advanced certification) mandate you to be a Sun Certified Java Programmer as a pre-requisite. Deciding to go for a Sun certification is a big step that demands dedication and effort.

To prepare for any of these certification exams, the candidate is recommended to have six to twelve months of work experience in the particular technology. Even for an experienced professional, an intensive study plan that focuses on the certification exam objectives is often necessary for success. Good Luck to all the Sun certification aspirants!

Seema Manivannan has a Bachelor of Technology degree in Electrical and Electronics and a PG in Advanced Computing. Her work experience of over eight years includes software development, teaching, and content development in Java and related technologies. She holds SCJA, SCJP, SCWCD, SCBCD, and IBM 484 (J2EE) certifications.

She has been with Whizlabs for over four years, where she has authored different exam simulators based on Sun certifications.

Resources:

• Java Programmer Certification Exam And Training - this one's a little dated, from 2002, but has a ton of info.

Sun Java Certification Exam Study Guides on Amazon:

SCJP Exam for J2SE 5: A Concise and Comprehensive Study Guide for The Sun Certified Java Programmer Exam

SCJA - Sun Certified Java Associate Certification Study Guide for Java 5, J2EE and J2ME Technology from ExamScam.com - The Pre SCJP, Programmers Certification