Java Certification FAQs
The Java programming language is used for a variety of different applications, including Web-based applications, applications for mobile devices, business software and games. Java certification can help secure employment in a programming or software engineering role that focuses on use of Java technologies. Sun Microsystems, the developer of Java technologies, provides certification for entry-level to expert Java programmers.
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Types
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Sun Microsystems provides associate level certification, Sun Certified Java Associate (SCJA); professional level certification, Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP); and advanced level certifications, including 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) and Sun Certified Enterprise Architect (SCEA).
Benefits
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Java certification provides employers evidence of certain skills related to Java technology and can help with obtaining employment. Preparation for the exams helps identify areas that need improvement and provides an opportunity to learn new skills related to Java development. Passing certification exams allows for use of a Sun certified logo on business cards and other correspondence, which provides evidence to prospective clients that you possess the necessary skills for completing the programming job.
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Associate
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The SCJA certifies general basic knowledge about software project management and application development using Java. Basic knowledge of object-oriented programming including Java programming, Java platforms and technologies and Unified Modeling Language (UML) representation of object-oriented concepts are required for passing the exam and obtaining the certification. This exam is geared towards project managers and entry-level Java programmers.
Professional
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The SCPJ certifies knowledge of the syntax and structure of the Java programming language. Unlike the SCJA certification, which has a broad focus on Java technology in general, this exam focuses solely on code writing using the Java language. Topics on the exam include declaring, initializing and scoping variables, flow control, application programming interface (API) contents, concurrency and classes. This exam is geared towards intermediate and advanced Java programmers.
Advanced
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In order to obtain advanced level certification, it is necessary to hold a current SCJP certification. The SCJD certification expands upon general programming skills from the SCJP exam and requires building a complete business application, such as a bookkeeping program, and taking an essay exam on the completed application. The SCWCD certification focuses on JavaServer Pages (JSP) and Java technology servlet APIs for developing Web-based applications. The SCBCD certification focuses on using Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) for developing business applications. The SCDJWS exam focuses on developing Web service applications using Java 2 Enterprise Edition APIs and tests knowledge of security and Web service standards. The SCMAD focuses on developing applications for mobile devices such as cell phones using Java 2 Micro Edition.
The SCWCD, SCBCD, SCDJWS and SCMAD exams are multiple choice exams. The SCEA exam is the highest certification and requires advanced knowledge in all of the previous certification areas and requires taking a multiple choice exam, developing a large scale business application using Java 2 Enterprise Edition and taking an essay exam.
Training
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Sun Microsystems offers Web-based, CD-ROM and classroom courses for each exam. Books and other self-study materials are available through Sun Microsystems and other book publishers.
Taking the Exam
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Multiple choice and essay exams must be taken at a Prometric testing center. Programming assignments typically require 40 to 80 hours of work and are submitted online through the Sun Microsystems website. If a multiple choice or essay exam is failed, it cannot be retaken for at least one week.
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References
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