Java certification is the result of successfully passing a certification test on the Java programming language. These tests are not easy and passing them is visible proof that the test taker knows Java inside and out. The Java certification exam was introduced by Sun to be an analog to the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) exams that Microsoft developers could take to prove they had a deep understanding of Microsoft programming languages.

The popularity of Java language certification has waxed and waned over the years. It took a while to catch on, but five years after its release, it started to become an important cornerstone of many programmers' resumes. It is also something that software development managers can point to when evaluating the skill level of their staff. A company with a high number of programmers who have received Java programmer certification has more prestige and can bill more on projects.

If you are seeking to become a Java certified programmer or if you want your staff to take their Sun Certified Java Developer test, you have a number of ways to prep for the test:

1. Java certification training with third party training companies
2. Java certification books
3. Online classes for Java certification

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find free online sources of information on certification in Java

Because Java certification has existed for as long as it has, there are websites and communities geared toward helping programmers pass their Java certification test. Some of these resources cover parts of the tests as well as a professional Java certification course. They include anything from a Java certification practice test to actual questions that previous test takers post.

I recommend: Java Ranch, despite being humorous, is probably the premier way to learn Java. They have a section on getting your Java certification. IBM also has a test prep page.

Find online Java certification courses

Despite their best efforts, those who post practice tests are not generally professionals, nor do they always reflect the latest versions of the Java certification exam. Before going to a training company, an intermediate option is to look for an online Java certification course.

I recommend: TrainingCamp has an extensive list of Java certification resources. They reflect the most current exams and are reasonably priced. Whizlabs also has a highly recommended downloadable Java certification course.

Hire a company to teach Java certification classes

Some learners need a classroom environment, which is usually the most expensive option. Still, having a Java certification will often more than justify the additional expense. Also, many training companies guarantee certification.

I recommend: Sun, the maker of Java, has a number of training locations across the United States. If these locations are not convenient, try a company like Hands On Technology Transfer, Inc., which administers training in 75 cities in North America.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are eight levels of Sun Java programmer certification, starting with the Sun Certified Java Associate and ending with the Sun Certified Enterprise Architect. Some certifications require multiple choice tests while others require you to submit programming code.
• •  Taking the test for any level of Java certification costs at least $300. Unless you or your employees know Java very well, they should spend some time studying for the test.
• •  Sun offers web-based and CD-ROM-based options for taking the tests if you cannot make it to a testing center. This is a convenient way to take a Java certification exam.