for the books, software, kits the best place is SCBCD LINKS . please find the links at
http://faq.javaranch.com/java/ScbcdLinks
also you can check SCBCD HALL OF FAME to find out people who have cleared and scored good in the certification and follow their footsteps. some of the storied which I recommend is of Piotr nowacki , frits walraven. other are also there.