Taking the SCJD exam

Question

I asked the same question about SCJP. What about the Sun Certified Java Developer exam (SCJD)? I haven't taken it, but am thinking about doing so. Is it worth the effort?

Answer 1

Same answer as last time really.

The question of is it worth the effort comes down to what you want to get out of it. An exam is just a test of your knowledge of the exam material. It doesn't give you anything other than a certification.

Perhaps if you told us what you want to get back for your effort?

A better job? Bragging rights? Self belief?

I wouldn't expect the first, you shouldn't need the second, and there are better ways of achieving the last.

Answer 2

SCJD is a much more practical exam because you actually have to write some software. It's a pretty simple application but you might learn a few things, especially if you are a junior programmer. I think all the different variants have you writing a simple database using a RandomAccessFile, which is a pretty handy class you will probably see in the real world. You also have to write a networking layer which can help you with your Socket/RMI skills.

I think it's worth it, even if employers don't see the value in certifications. You get to learn a few new APIs, you get to write a small real world app from start to finish, and it can't hurt to put it on your resume.

Andrew Monkhouse is the co-author of a pretty good study guide. I read it and passed the SCJD easily. You can find it on Amazon.

Answer 3

If you like where you work and they value certification then it may be in your best interest to get certified. I work in such an environment. There are two career paths at my employer. The first involves continuing education and degrees. The second, the one I have chosen, is certification and specialization.

I have felt the same about certification. It doesn't necessarily mean you can write great code. I personally failed the SCJP once before passing. I was the only un-certified dev and it honestly felt good to be one of many.