James Little @ NZfusion.com

I have 3 days to prepare for the Java 6 programmer certification exam. Really it doesn’t seem that difficult:

It is designed to have a fairly detailed test of basic knowledge of the essentials of the Java programming language. It tests looping constructs and variables, and does not cover specific technologies such as GUI creation, Web or network programming.

It is assessed through an automatically administered multiple-choice test system and consists of 72 questions which the candidate has 210 minutes to answer ^[1]. At least 47 questions are needed to be correct to pass (around 65%)^[1]. (from Wikipedia)

But it would be better to do very very well, instead of just passing. That would carry much weight with my work colleagues. Admittedly, my colleagues thought that Java passed Objects by reference! I need to do well so they stop not hiring developers that tell them Java is only pass by value.

I have been developing in J2SE 1.3, 1.4 and more recently, 1.5; though we haven’t been actively employing many of the new features of 1.5. This is why I chose to take the 1.6 exam; it will test my knowledge of the latest testable release, developing my knowledge of new features and have longer lasting significance in the industry.

How is the SCJP 1.5 exam different from the SCJP 1.4?

• Exam objectives: Several important new language features have been added, including enums, generics, static imports, and autoboxing/unboxing. API features added to the exam include java.lang.StringBuilder, java.util.Locale, java.util.Formater, java.util.Scanner. java.util.regex.Pattern, and java.util.regex.Matcher. Java IO features have been added, including File, BufferedReader, BufferedWriter, FileReader, FileWriter and PrintWriter. Concepts such as loose coupling and high cohesion have been added, as well as greater emphasis on encapsulation as it relates to JavaBean conventions. Bit manipulation (e.g., shifting) has been dropped.
• Number of questions: 72 (increased from 61)
• Time: 175 minutes (increased from 120 minutes)
• Passing score: 59% (increased from 52%)
• Level of difficulty: The concensus is that it is more difficult.
• Format of questions: As before, you will always be told how many options to choose. No credit is given for partial answers. Drag-and-drop questions were also introduced for this version of the exam.

How is the SCJP 1.6 exam different from the SCJP 1.5?

• Exam objectives: Several new API classes/interfaces have been added: java.io.Console, java.util.NavigableSet, java.util.NavigableMap. Explicit garbage collector calls (i.e. System.gc()) will no longer be tested, but candidates will still be expected to understand garbage collection and the finalize() method. Also, the following topics will be tested in greater depth: exception handling, collections, assertions, threads, and flow control. See the SCJP forum for more details.
• Number of questions: 72 (no change)
• Time: 210 minutes (increased from 175 minutes)
• Passing score: 65% (increased from 59%)

- From JavaRanch

Presuming I pass, I’ll also do the next certification in the Java pathway. Java developer.

Some useful online resources for the programmer certification:

• Exam Objectives - you need to scroll down.
• Tutorials: Preparation for Java Programmer Language Certification
• JavaRanch: SCJP FAQ - very good general resource for general Java and Certification information
• Java pathway
• JavaRanch certification forum - where you can post questions
• Java 6 API
• Java Tiger study guide (1.5)

Ok, I had better start studying.

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