Selecting between SCJP 5 / SCJP 6

Question

I want to take an SCJP exam, but I am unable to decide which one should I take - SCJP 5(Java 1.5) or SCJP 6(Java 1.6). It would be great if anyone could help me in this regard.

Thanks, Rakesh.

Answer 1

It seems that the difference between SCJP 5 and 6 is not big at all. Check out these:

• http://java2go.blogspot.com/2008/08/scjp-5-and-6.html
• http://faq.javaranch.com/java/ScjpFaq#16diff15
• http://ejavaguru.com/scjp6-vs-scjp5.php

Why not just take the latest version of the exam? It will be relatively quick to learn about the API stuff added in SCJP 6, like java.io.Console, java.util.NavigableSet and java.util.NavigableMap.

Also note this (quoting from the first link above):

Advice: If you aren't feeling confident to take the SCJP 6 exam just because you don't know what is new in this version, don't take the SCJP 5. I did it and I am a little regretful. There is no "SCJP 5 to 6" exam, there is only one "upgrade" exam to version 6 called "Exam 310-056". In this exam you have to prove your Java 5 knowledge again. Well, soon I will take the 310-056 and then I will post about it.

Answer 2

As far as SCJP is concerned, the difference in 5 and 6 is not much. Read Here.

If you feel comfortable with the version 1.6, I personally would advise you to go for SCJP6.