Doubt on SCJP Versions, Please help!!!

[Tanya Shetty]

Hi Ranchers,

I am new to java programming. I have a fair idea form object oriented programming as i studied it during my engineering in computers. But, i have not been a java programmer since past 3 years. I had taken up JAVA study, complete reference and i have a good hold on concepts in the JAVA language.

Now, i have been preparing for the SCJP exam since past few months.

However, as i am not a JAVA programmer, i am unsure about which version of exam should i give. SCJP 1.5 or SCJP 1.6.

SCJP 1.6 claims that it tests topics like, assertions, threads, flow control , collections, genrics in further detail... plus the new API's.

I am not worried about studying, but just concerned, that at my level, would it be more rational that i give SCJP 1.5 or SCJP 1.6 ???

Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Please help, as i want to buy the voucher before June 19th, 2009 (along with the retake offer, just in case i need it )

Thanks soo much!!!

Tanya.

[P Sathish Kumar]

Hi,
SCJP 1.5 exam is based on Java(JDK) Version 1.5 and SCJP 1.6 exam is based on Java(JDK) Version 1.6
and Java 1.5 is used move when compared to JDK 1.6
it seem that you are not planning to take a carrier in java i would suggest you to take SCJP 1.5

-Sathish
SCJP 1.5, SCWCD 1.5, SCJDWS 1.4 , OCP, IBM XML

[Deepak Bala]

Have a look at our SCJP FAQ. It details differences between SCJP 1.5, 1.6

[Tanya Shetty]

Hi Sathish,

thanks for the reply.

Actually, it is true i am not a java programmer by profession, but i do want to switch into this field of java programming very soon, and hence the first step towards it to get certified by SUN. As i already have experience as a programmer, programming is not new to me.. but java programming is..
Hence, i was concerned about whether to give 1.5 or 1.6 ??? As, 1.6 tests you on deeper on certain areas, which i might not be so comfortable in as a newbie in java...

I know, it would be the best, if i would give the 1.6 exam, but i am trying to get an honest view about the current situation and looking for possible suggestions to make a rational decision...as i know this certi is not a trivial exam..

My goal is to work on java eventually that is for sure..Do you think giving a 1.5 will affect my career options while getting into JAVA ?

Thanks a lot for your help!!!

[Ninad Kulkarni]

Hi Tanya,
You can take any version 1.5 or 1.6. See SCJP FAQ.
You should focus on knowledge of java that will help in practical java programming.

All The Best

[Tanya Shetty]

Hi All,

First i would like to thank heartily for these speedy replies, as i need them urgently!! Thank you guys!

Having no practical knowledge (corporate experience) in java programming is making me nervous, although i do practice a lot while studying...Having some practical knowhow on this language makes the fundamentals and concepts more clearer, i know so, since i have been programming too, but that is not my case when it comes to the java langugage...

I have gone through a lot of posts on this forum, including those who have failed SCJP, i have understood that this exam, requires that you know what you are being tested for completely.

Giving, SCJP 1.5 does not gaurantee that it will easy, no way!!! But will SCJP 1.6 , test you at harder levels on those areas of threads, generics, collections, which i have no confidence on yet..
Please suggest!!

I have looked into the list SCJP1.5 Vs SCJP1.6, but was unable to come to a decision hence, would be grateful to get anymore advice on this matter... thanks.

[P Sathish Kumar]

Hi,
as Ninad Kulkarni focus on java and get the certification with high mark
all that matter is certification nothing else so i would suggest you take SCJP 5 since you will find a lot of study material.

-Sathish
SCJP 1.5, SCWCD 1.5, SCJDWS 1.4 , OCP, IBM XML

[Tanya Shetty]

Thanks for the advice Satish... I have also read Ninad's post in which he explained about how he studied to get such an incredible score. I am in someway reassured. Thanks again...