Java certifications?

I have been programming in Java for the last 5 years (J2SE, not J2EE)

I would like to obtain my SCJP and SCJD, and eventually the SCWCD.

My question is, which cert should I begin with?  I am leaning towards the
SCJP first, since this validates core Java skills.  Is the SCJD worthwhile?
Since most jobs today in Java seem to be J2EE, which of the J2EE certs are
the best at validating skills to a prospective  employer?

Does anyone know of any good websites (free or low cost), that are good
preps for the exams?

"Stuart Leonard" <suncds@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:u8h4d.35$Jj4.28@trnddc06...
> I have been programming in Java for the last 5 years (J2SE, not J2EE)
>
> I would like to obtain my SCJP and SCJD, and eventually the SCWCD.
>
> My question is, which cert should I begin with?

You do not have a choice in the matter.
You must do SCJP first.

> I am leaning towards the
> SCJP first, since this validates core Java skills.  Is the SCJD
worthwhile?

SCJD is much more involved and consequently is undoubtably the most
respected of those you mention.
SCJD involves an assignment and essay exam, the others are all multi choice
exam.

> Since most jobs today in Java seem to be J2EE, which of the J2EE certs are
> the best at validating skills to a prospective  employer?

SCBCD (Business Component Developer - EJB)
SCWCD - jsp/servlet/jdbc
SCDJWS - web services - SOAP etc

these are all exam based and cover J2EE

then there is SCEA which does all the J2EE but at a higher level - not so
much programming more system design - UML, enterprise patterns etc

that isn't strictly true - SCEA covers EJB,jsp,servlets,jdbc but the new
exam will cover web services.

>
> Does anyone know of any good websites (free or low cost), that are good
> preps for the exams?

javaranch.com for all your cert needs :-)


Unless you get stuck straight into SCEA you must do SCJP 1st.

--
Mike W

If you have 5 years of Java, you do not need any cerifications at all.
Learn J2EE on your own and it's good to hae a real-world experience.

Regards,
Yakov