SCJP exam preparation

[Priya Rajesh]

Hi,
I am new to Java. I am planning to take the SCJP exam so that I can apply for jobs. I can see that the version 1.4 has many mock exams and books but for SCJP 5.0 I am not sure of the materials except the "SCJP Sun Certified Programmer for Java 5 Study Guide" by Katherine Sierra, Bert Bates. Please let me know if sufficient free practise exams are available and if any other materials or books can help me do a good job i.e. above 90% in the exam. I need to take the exam in less than 1 month time as my university will start in less than a month's time.

I have read (no extensive coding experience) the Khalid A. Mughal and Rolf W. Rasmussen (A Programmer's guide to Java Certification 2nd edition).

1. In this time frame, is it better to attempt for 1.4 or 1.5 ?
2. It would help me greatly if people who had attempted the exam can suggest me on time frame for preparation and the mode of preparation.
3. Can you please let me know how long it took for you to prepare for the exam version 1.4 and version 1.5 and which version is preferred as per the job market in US ?

Any help to achieve my goal is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Priya.

[Sandeep Krish]

Basics are same in all mock exams and not of much differences. I would suggest to go for 1.5.

[Priya Rajesh]

Thanks a lot.

Can you please update me on the materials to look out for ?

Thanks,
Priya

[marc weber]

"Mr unshakable,"

Welcome to JavaRanch!

Please revise your display name to meet the JavaRanch Naming Policy. To maintain the friendly atmosphere here at the ranch, we like folks to use real (or at least real-looking) names.

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-Marc

[marc weber]

Originally posted by Priya Rajesh:
... Can you please update me on the materials to look out for ?...

You might find our SCJP FAQ helpful.