What is Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) Certification?

If you are looking to advance your career or want to get further into Java programming, getting a Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) certification can help expedite the process by giving you official recognition that you have what it takes to understand the Java language. Although you may already be a programmer, acquiring SCJP certification can still help identity you amongst other programmers with similar qualifications by keeping you competitive.

This certification process will test your knowledge of key Java concepts including understanding of: Declarations and Access Control, Flow Control and Exception Handling, Garbage Collection, Language Fundamentals, Operations and Assignments, Overloading and Object Orientation and Threads. Besides having a good understanding of Java language and syntax, there is no prerequisite to taking the certification exam.

The exam has three components: multiple-choice questions with a single-correct answer, multiple-choice questions with multiple-correct answers and fill-In questions requiring your typed response. Once you pass the exam, you will be given a temporary certificate with your grade of pass or fail, your score, and feedback on your performance. The results will then be uploaded onto Sun’s central database where your permanent certificate will be issued and sent to you.

Java language is becoming the "de facto" language of the Internet. Its language concepts have entered mainstream and are now being utilized by a good majority of Fortune 500 companies in their applications development. Leaders in the IT industry are recognizing the usability of Java language and making it the standard to follow. The demand for qualified Java programmers is growing steadily as the demand for Java language applications on the Web goes up.

In a conducted survey, 70.8 percent of employers view certification as a criteria for promotion while 85 percent of managers found these employees more productive. Some companies will not hire you if you are not SCJP certified because the certification is viewed as such a standard means to measure qualifications. Getting certified also affords you with a sense of confidence and validation that you have the knowledge and skills that it takes. Overall, getting SCJP certification proves that you have a critical understanding of Java technology because you are exposed to more obscure concepts of Java that are not necessarily taught at the job site and during formal education.

For candidates seeking a programming position without much previous work experience, obtaining SCJP certification may help open doors to get an interview. For those already working as programmers, attaining SCJP certification allows candidates to remain competitive for promotion.

For those already in the IT field and are looking for new roles in their companies, getting a certification can be the catalyst for this change. More and more, IT field job listings are putting "Java Certified" as one of their desired qualifications. If you have IT experience but no specific Java experience, the certification can get your foot in the door to interview for new Java positions. Getting SCJP certified gives you the credibility to maneuver technically in and around major software companies’ platforms, giving you the versatility to remain viable and competitive.

Source: http://www.certmag.com/issues/jul00/feature_hecksel-green.cfm

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