Even Sheriffs can fail

[Angela Poynton]

I've been keeping my build-up to taking the exam pretty quiet for a number of reasons.
1. Too many people probably think I've already passed.
2. I knew that my preparation would be bad because as soon as I set the date my work-load at my real job doubled so I didn't have the time I needed.
I had to take the exam today because my voucher expires on Sunday, I knew I wasn't nearly prepared enough and I was proved right when I came out with just 50%.
So let this be a lesson to those of you who think you can swing it with just a couple of days preparation. It more than likely won't be enough.
It would have been useful if I had to deal with stuff like java.awt , threads and the Math apis at work, but I don't so these were too much for me to absorb in the few days I had off work before the exam.
I've not decided if I'm going to try again. I want to go for the SCEA asap so may just decide to leave SCJP for now. I'll think about over the next few days.

[George Brown]

Thanks for posting the advice Angela, when I get to the stage of taking my SCJP (I've been meaning to do the exam for ages, honest!) I'll make sure I've secured the time to prepare beforehand...
...and probably not tell anyone when I'm going for it either
Don't lose heart, I'm sure next time you go for it you'll get it with flying colours.

[Jim Petersen]

Hi Angela
I'm sorry to hear this
Don't get discouraged. Just consider this one as a 'mock' (admittedly a 100 quid mock) exam on the cretification trail. Let the dust settle (don't think about damn exams) for a week or so before making the next move. At least you now what to expect if you decide to sit it again.
All the best Jim

[anurag dwivedi]

Dont worry Angela you will go fine next time.
Good Luck!
Anurag

[Theodore Casser]

Don't let the score shake you.
I have to agree with Jim - use it as a diagnostic. I was in much the same boat (didn't use AWT or a good number of the other JSEE features at work because we mostly used servlets, coupled with my company not giving me time to study). Failing is not the end of the world - it just gives you a good indicator of what you do know and what you don't know, so you can improve and beat it next time.
Keep your chin up!

[Manish Hatwalne]

Better luck next time Angela,
Also, sincerely thanks for the post. I agree with you 100%, (I thought) I knew java, and I have some professional experience of the same, but when last weekend (22 sep) I started considering seriously abt. taking exam and discovered Javaranch, after visiting various forums here, I realized that it won't be a few days job to study with work, I'll need to give it some more time, especially, because of IO, awt and threads, taking an exam is entirely diffrent from programming in real life.
After reading your post, I am sure that I am going to give myself more time. (I could not make up my mind before I read this). I have started my preparation today.
Just one question, you mentioned that your voucher was expiring on Sunday, but I believe that though you must register before your voucher expires, the actual date of exam may be deferred for up to one year after registration (as printed on my voucher).
Pl. correct me if I am wrong.
Regards,
- Manish

[Peter Tran]

Angela,
Take heart...I'm probably going to be in the same boat as you. I bought my voucher at the beginning of the year hoping that it would force me to study (1 year time line). In the US, you're allowed to schedule the exam 6 weeks in advance. Needless to say, I've been pushing the date back every 6 weeks. Sylvan got so sick of me that they told me that they're not going to schedule me until I'm sure I'm ready to take the test. They're not going to send me any further notice, but I only have a few months left to put it off.
I was really gung-ho studying the first couple of weeks, but work picked up and I've never gone back.
I better hit the book soon.
-Peter

[Ashik Uzzaman]

Dear Angella, c my case!
I scored 91% last month and i wish i could get ur position by securing a real life programmer post and scoring 50% in the SCJP exam...
U r working with Java, while i m studying Java...
I must admit that certification is a mere recognition and i got many offers with good remuneration after the exam (currently i m n instructor in n IT institute)....but all offers r as a faculty member... ....i want to work with Java not talk only with java.... ....may b i'll get a simiplar position like u one day.
Teaching is a noble profession but i have enjoyed it one year....and now seriously thinking to switch. So scoring low in SCJP....no matter for one like u....
Share ur SCJEA experience with us....
------------------
Muhammad Ashikuzzaman (Fahim)
Sun Certified Programmer for the Java� 2 Platform
--When you learn something, learn it by heart!

[Anonymous]

Hello Angela!
No regret, you have the experience. You have your own hurdles. Overcome. Never say die.
all the best
chandra!

[Andre Moo]

Erm, I thought SCJP was a pre-requsite for SCEA. Don't they enforce this?

[leena rane]

No Andre,SCJP is not a pre-requsite for SCEA

[Padmaja Balaji]

Dear Angela,
Nothing can match a real life experience. As Ashik said, we are studying java, while you are working on it. How nice it is if we fit into your shoes.
Padmaja

[Puneet Narang7]

Angela, Your Advice very well noted.
Its not so easy for everyone to be as frank as you.
Wishing You the BEST,
Puneet

[Richa Sachdev]

I am sure you will come up with flying colors now.
God helps both who help others and themselves
regards
richa

[Dave Vick]

Angela
Just like everyone else has said already, you cant give up!! sure you can delay it and go for something else if thats what you want to do but you cant give up altogether. I know you know your stuff, some of the replys youve posted here are pretty quick - even though you told me once you had to look up stuff too
Actually working with the language should give you the advantage of having a solid foundation, just concentrate on answering questions from your weak areas for a few weeks and you should be ready to go. In fact tell us what those areas are and we'll ge the word out that no-one else is allowed to answer those questions for the entire month of October - of course then you'd be required to answer ALL of them
Seriously, I know you'll get it next time, good luck
Dave

[Jane Griscti]

Hat's off Angela, it was great of you to post publicly.
The SCJP is nice to have as it lets prospective employers know you understand the fundamentals of the language. In the end, it can't replace real experience.
Whatever you decide, best wishes for the future
------------------
Jane Griscti
Sun Certified Programmer for the Java� 2 Platform

[Thomas Paul]

This is further proof that the SCJP is not an easy test.
Sorry, Angela!