Some tips on Java certification exams Q: I recently became a Sun Certified Java Programmer. I’m now interested in taking my developer exams, and I’m looking for some guidance. As someone who has completed the developer certification, what books and Websites do you suggest using to prepare for the exam? A: First, I should present some background information. Sun Microsystems offers three Java certifications: ProgrammerDeveloperArchitectProgrammer The programmer’s exam tests basic Java knowledge. The questions are multiple-choice, true or false, and fill-in-the-blank. Don’t let the format fool you; the exam is difficult. It covers every tricky, esoteric Java nuance. Some people may be able to pass without studying, but I don’t recommend trying it. The best ways to prepare for the programmer’s exam are to grab a good book and take as many mock tests online as you can. It also doesn’t hurt to have Java programming experience. You should complete at least one real-world Java project before taking the exam, although I have known Java novices who studied, took the test, and passed. However, they were seasoned developers! Developer The developer’s exam tests your ability to use Java to design and implement a solution to a real-world problem. Developer certification has two parts. The first is an assignment: Sun sends you a problem statement and some code to get you started. You must design and implement a solution. Once you submit the assignment for grading, you may complete the second part of the certification: the exam. The exam is administered to confirm that you actually completed the assignment on your own; it consists of essay questions and some multiple-choice questions. The essay questions focus on the assignment. You may have to describe a certain architectural decision you made, or describe and justify your design. You may be asked how your design would have changed had the problem been stated in another way. Remember, these questions are designed to determine whether you were the person who completed the exam. The questions also try to make sure that there was some rhyme and reason to your design. Hacking together a solution is not looked upon kindly. The best advice I can give is to know your solution inside and out. There’s not much else you can do to prepare for the exam portion; either you wrote your code or you didn’t. However, be sure to remember the Java 2 Programmer material. It may find its way onto the developer’s exam. (It was on mine!) Architect The architect certification consists of three exams that test your knowledge of various Java technologies. I haven’t completed this certification and don’t plan to anytime soon. Conclusion You must decide whether you really need to be certified. Some feel it makes them look better when competing for a job. I have to review résumés from time to time; I don’t check for certification, I check for experience. That notwithstanding, a certification may help you get noticed, but you still have to get through the interview! I’ve compiled a list of Websites and books that may help you prepare for certification. (See Resources for links.) Tony Sintes is a principal consultant at BroadVision. Tony, a Sun-certified Java 1.1 programmer and Java 2 developer, has worked with Java since 1997. Certifications