inf on java certification.. please help !!

[shalu sharma]

Hi all,
I have recently purchased a java certification voucher against cash payment, but the centre from where I had purchased it didn't gave me any receipt for that. Now I am wondering if this is ok or I may face some problem afterwards when I go to the prometric center for getting registered.
I am absolute novice so please tell me what should I do? Also suggest me which certification should i opt for : the scjp for java 2 platform or the scjp for java 2 platform(v1.4).
Thanks in advance,

Rgds
Pradeep

[Pradeep Sahoo]

Shalu/Pradeep,
Answer to part of your question.
I must say that you should take the 1.4 version. My opinion is based on the fact that it is the latest in Java Technology. So why even think of going for the 1.2 version unless you have a compelling reason like need to program GUI components. In that case 1.2 version tests for knowledge in AWT( and also I/O).
Cheers

[Peter Tran]

Hello Shalu,
You can call Prometric phone number on the Test and give them the voucher id. They can tell you that the voucher is valid or not. Make sure to find out when it expired.

[chao-long liao]

Which exam can be passed easily,
1.2 or 1.4?
I have failed the 1.2 exam a year before,I am really afraid I will fail again.Please give me some advice about 1.2 and 1.4.
All I know is 1.4 has less scope than 1.2,will 1.4 be more difficult than 1.2?
Thank you so much.

[JOSEPH BIH]

Hi Shalu/Chao-long:
As one of our Java educator pointed out, 1.4 has lower passing score 52% than 1.2 (61%), fewer questions, but by no means easier than 1.2. For most people, it's much harder for the reason to lower the passing score. Again, all depends on what direction you are heading towards, SCJD or SCWCD both require SCJP2 (no matter 1.2 or 1.4). Lots of people have prepared for 1.2 and have passed 1.4. If you have the level of depth, AND familiarize yourself with new objectives (make sure you do understand thoroughly) for 1.4, you can choose to take 1.4. But again, it's harder than 1.2 for most people (especially when you are not coding heavily).
Hope it helps,
Joseph Bih
SCJP for Java 2 Platform
[ December 09, 2002: Message edited by: JOSEPH BIH ]