When you feel you are ready for Java certification, you will need to do some investigation and make some decisions on what path you plan to tread. Do you want to focus on web development? Do you want to prove to the world that you understand the core concepts of Java programming? Maybe you want to tell future employers that you have the knowledge and practical experience to create full client-server applications. Your answers to these questions will profoundly impact the certifications you choose to pursue (and how much of your social life you are willing to sacrifice).
1. SCJA- Sun Certified Java Associate
This certification is intended for those who are new to programming or who are project managers with little Java expertise. It focuses on UML (unifed modeling language), Object-oriented concepts, Java Technology and terminology, and the basics of the Java language. Studying for this certification will help you to understand the Java Platform even if you never decide to take the certification exam.Prerequisite: None
2. SCJP-Sun Certified Java Programmer
If you are comfortable and familiar with creating programs and applets in Java, then this certification will let you tell the world that you know your inner classes from your outer classes, instance variables from static variables, and mutators from accessors. And it covers much more. You will be creating flashcards, taking practice tests, and reading, reading, reading for this one. Once you have achieved SCJP, sit back, relax, and have a drink or two before moving on to your next certification.Prerequisite: None
3. SCJD- Sun Certified Java Developer
Sun Certified Java Developer The developer certification is the next step beyond being a programmer. At this point, you should already know and understand language syntax. Now you get to flex your development muscle by creating a real business application in Java. This is not a typical exam with multiple choice questions. You are expected to create an application that uses Java Swing, Java IO, and either Remote Method Invocation (RMI)or socket-based networking. After you submit your completed application, you will need to write an essay at an authorized testing center explaining why you chose to develop the way that you did.Prerequisite: Sun Certified Java Programmer
4. SCWCD- Sun Certified Web Component Developer
The SCBCD is all about the Beans. If creating and manipulating Beans, as in Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs), is where you really shine, then give this certification a shot. If you are ready for 61 questions about developing, testing and deploying Enterprise JavaBeans 3.0 edition, then by all means, give it a go. This is not for the faint-of-heart, though. You should have actual experience creating beans in a business environment before pursuing the SCBCD certification. Strangely, though, there are no prerequisites for this exam.Prerequisite: None
5. SCBCD- Sun Certified Business Component Developer
The SCBCD is all about the Beans. If creating and manipulating Beans, as in Enterprise JavaBeans (EJBs), is where you really shine, then give this certification a shot. If you are ready for 61 questions about developing, testing and deploying Enterprise JavaBeans 3.0 edition, then by all means, give it a go. This is not for the faint-of-heart, though. You should have actual experience creating beans in a business environment before pursuing the SCBCD certification. Strangely, though, there are no prerequisites for this exam.Prerequisite: None
6. SCDJWS- Sun Certified Developer for Java Web Services
Don’t drop the SOAP! No, I am not talking about the anti-bacterial goop you find in the corner of your shower. Web services, SOAP messages, WSDL, and UDDI are the core concepts you will need to know to become an SCDJWS (wow, that’s a long acronym!). The certification is all about understanding web services. To become certified you will need to pass the 69-question exam with a score of 68%.Prerequisite: Sun Certified Java Programmer
7. SCEA- Sun Certified Enterprise Architect
This certification is for the advanced only. It comes in three parts:An Exam
A J2EE Application thatt you create
An Essay
It is expected that you will have already achieved Sun Certified Java Programmer and Sun Certified Java Developer status, but "Developer" is not required. If you achieve this certification, then you are ready to take on the world. You can officially call yourself an architect and charge loads of dough for your consulting services.
Prerequisite: Sun Certified Java Programmer
8. SCMAD- Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer
Those fun little games and tools on your cell phone and PDA didn’t just appear out of thin air. Someone, such as a Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer, developed them using the right tools and know-how. You will need to study up on MIDlets, MIDP Game API, and a variety of technology specifications associated with micro devices. You will also need to be a Sun Certified Java Programmer before pursuing this certification.Prerequisite: Sun Certified Java Programmer
As you can see, it appears that the core certification is the Sun Certified Java Programmer. From there, you can determine what your Java path will be and where you want to focus your studying.