Sun’s Java certifications: Are they worth the effort?

Sun’s Java certification track

Sun’s Java certifications are designed to be focused on particular roles in the software development cycle and, therefore, are more useful than all-in-one certifications such as IBM’s XML certification.

Sun currently offers eight Java certifications, which are classified by level and specialization. Most of the certifications require you to pass a multiple choice exam, but some also require you to write an essay. It is recommended to have six to twelve months of actual job experience before attempting to pass any exam.

• Sun Certified Java Associate (SCJA): This entry-level exam certifies only knowledge of basic Java language concepts and general knowledge of Sun platforms.
• Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP): At the “foundation” level, there are exams for Java 1.4 and Java 5.0. These exams certify solid knowledge of the Java language. (Note: It is not required to have SCJA to get SCJP, which makes me wonder why SCJA certification is needed at all.)
• Sun Certified Java Developer (SCJD): Many employers may focus on this level of certification for two reasons: You need to be an SCJP (any version) before you can try to become an SCJD. Also, the SCJD requires candidates to develop a small business system according to the problem and write an essay defending the solution and explaining the design and programming decisions.
• Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD): This exam can be of interest for Web developers who specialize in using Java technologies such as Java Server Pages (JSP) and servlets. SCJP is a prerequisite for taking this exam.
• Sun Certified Business Component Developer (SCBCD): This certification, which consists of only one exam, is the kernel of J2EE certification — as long as it certifies your knowledge of Enterprise Java Beans (EJB). The exam is pretty hard to pass if you do not have any Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) project experience. SCJP is a mandatory prerequisite. This certification can be of interest to employers who use EJB for project development.
• Sun Certified Developer for Java Web Services (SCDJWS): This certification is for Java developers who build Web services. You have to take one exam for this certification, and SCJP is a prerequisite.
• Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer (SCMAD): This is a certification for developers of Java applications for cell phones or any other devices containing J2ME onboard. You have to take one exam for this certification, and SCJP is a prerequisite.
• Sun Certified Enterprise Architect (SCEA): This is what the Sun certification program is all about. This certifies enterprise architects responsible for architecting and designing J2EE-compliant applications from scratch. There are no prerequisite requirements even though it is the most advanced certification. In fact, if you cannot pass any of the previously listed certifications, you will never succeed with this one. To achieve this certification, candidates must complete three steps: a multiple choice exam, a development assignment similar to SCJD (but on a much larger scale), and a final essay exam where you will defend your solution.

See the Sun Microsystems Web site for more information about Java certifications, including the cost of the exams.

Is the effort you expend worth the result?

I have two Java certificates: SCJP and SCWCD. I earned the first certification while I was student at university; my professor awarded students with vouchers for attempting to take the SCJP exam. With the second certification, Sun contacted me about its new certification program and invited me to assess my skills for free (and take the actual exam) in exchange for my feedback about the questions and about the certification itself.

I think both of my certifications are pretty much useless pieces of paper. The main reason why I got these certifications was to prove to myself that I am proficient in Java. While preparing for these exams, I learned a lot; also, since I was engaged in real production projects at that time, I immediately started applying my newfound knowledge. This is the only reason why I would recommend that Java developers pass the entry- and mid-level exams. None of my employers showed interest in looking at my certifications.

The SCEA certification, however, is a completely different story. If you peruse career sites, there are lot of vacancies for which SCEA is considered highly desirable. Developers can only earn this certification after having a lot of experience in software architectural design and working with J2EE, i.e., with a broad range of Java technologies. SCEA is the most attractive certification for developers who are seriously thinking about becoming a software architect. I don’t think the other certifications offer much value.

It’s been my experience that most employers will overlook your certifications unless your resume shows that you have hands-on experience working with a particular technology. At the other end of the spectrum, I have seen examples of successful career building on the base of certifications. In my opinion, this is more a question of a particular certification program and particular holder’s attitude to the certification. Most IT pros take certification exams more for self-learning than for their employer.

courtesy @TechRepublic

The ten hottest certs for 2008

The list is based on job growth, sales of certification training material, and “a little guess work.”

1. MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional)

2. CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)

Trapp reasons that most network administrator jobs right now are IP related and they are in more demand at a higher professional level as compared to Microsoft Certifications.

3. MCPD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer)

Demand for these developers is up over 80% compared to last year. Trapp says there are only a little over 3,000 currently with the certification.

4. SCJP (SUN Certified Java Programmer)

Trapp says that a Java credential is one of the most valuable credentials that a programmer or developer can have, since about 70% of business entities’ development projects are done through J2EE.

5. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)

With CISSPs earning $94,070 a year on average, it’s easy to see why Trapp puts this one on the list. (Note that the exam costs $500, lasts up to six hours, and includes 250 multiple choice questions.

6. Comptia A+

By far the most popular entry level certification.

7. Comptia Network +

A good cert to have since the network systems and data communications analyst is ranked Number 2 on the most in demand jobs list.

8. MCTS SQL Server 2005 (The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist)

Trapp thinks SQL Server 2005 is going to be hot next year since many companies are switching to SQL Server 2005.

9. RHCE (Red Hat Certified Engineer)

RHCE is called the “crown jewel of Linux certifications.” According to a survey by Saugatuck Technology and BusinessWeek Researce Services, about 25% of enterprises will be running mission-critical business applications on the Linux open source operating system by 2009.

10. Comptia Security+

Growth in Security+, which covers topics like communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, access control and authentication, shows no signs of slowing down. According to Trapp, “Comptia’s Security+ Credential is must have in today’s world.”

What happened to the good old-fashioned MCSE?

Windows Server 2008 will be released early next year. That’s right…I said it, another major server OS will be released with undoubtedly more to learn! However, with this release, Microsoft is also rolling out major changes to its certification program. All of us old MCSEs are in for some big changes.

For example, the MCSE we’re all familiar with is going away. Yep, you heard it, completely going away! Instead, new certification titles, like MCTS, or Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Active Directory Configuration or Application Platform Configuration, will be the certification de jour.

Here’s an overview of the new Windows Server 2008 certification program. Specifically, it will address:

• New changes in the Windows Server 2008 certification program
• What you need to do to transition your Windows Server 2003 MCSE skills to 2008
• What you need to do to go from Windows 2000 MCSE to 2008
• Learn practical tips on what you can do now to start planning

The world’s most popular certification is going through a major remodel-are you ready?

[Note: The MCP and MCSA have been excluded from this article with the focus being only on the MCSE.]

First look: What’s changed?

After years of complaints about the MCSE being far too ordinary and too generic, Microsoft is taking a new approach to its certifications. Instead of offering a more generically themed program (like the traditional MCSE), Microsoft is creating certifications that are more tightly focused on specific roles and skill sets. These changes are part of a larger effort to revamp the entire certification program (which includes more than Windows Server 2008). However, for traditional MCSEs, Windows Server 2008 is where we’ll see the most changes.

These new tracks are referred to as the Technology Series and the Professional Series.

Technology Series–Microsoft wants to provide a means for cert holders to demonstrate proficiency in a specific technology area, like configuring the Active Directory or Vista. These certifications are known as Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS) and are very technologically focused.

Professional Series-Here, there are two focus areas: IT Professional and Professional Developer. I’ve excluded the Developer series from this article, as most traditional MCSEs will likely not be on the Developer track. Professional certifications allow a person to demonstrate they can perform a job like Server Administrator. A person who earns a Professional certification will be known as a Microsoft Certified IT Professional, or MCITP.

They also require earning the equivalent technology certification (MCTS) in the corresponding Microsoft product. Each focus area has generally one to three exams. For most MCSEs, there are two Professional Certifications that will likely be right in your wheelhouse. I list them below, and include the necessary exams. The “TS” next to each exam number denotes an MCTS exam, while the “Pro” denotes an MCITP exam.

Server Administrator

• 70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuring
• 70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
• 70-646: Pro: Windows Server 2008 Administrator

Enterprise Administrator

• 70-620: TS: Configuring Microsoft Windows Vista Client or 70-624: TS: Deploying and Maintaining Windows Vista Client and 2007 Microsoft Office System Desktops
• 70-643: TS: Windows Server 2008 Applications Platform, Configuring
• 70-642: TS: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Configuring
• 70-640: TS: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuring
• 70-647: Pro: Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Administrator

The theory with these new programs is that they allow for more specificity by creating very tightly focused certifications and emphasizing actual real world job roles, thus making it easier for prospective employers to judge abilities and talents. I’m already having nightmares about the alphabet soup that the already lengthy signature blocks will become. We may be seeing something like this:

John Smith, Network Engineer, MCSE (NT 4.0), MCSE+I (Windows Server 2000 and Windows Server 2003), MCSA (Windows Server 2000 and Windows Server 2003), MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Active Directory Configuration, MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Network Infrastructure Configuration, MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Application Platform Configuration, MCITP: Enterprise Administrator…and so on…

Good Grief!

And finally, in a move that not only keeps technologists current, but, coincidentally, also generates consistent revenue for Microsoft, the new MCTS certifications expire. In fact, they expire when the specific technology expires. The MCITP also requires re-certification-every three years! However, in most cases, MCITP re-up will be a single exam, and it will probably be the latest MCTS exam.

Transition your Windows Server 2003 MCSE to 2008

If you’re a Windows Server 2003 MCSE (W2k3MCSE), the path to achieve certification depends on what your goals are. Because the MCSE doesn’t exist in Windows Server 2008 you have to “transfer” your certification skills, as a Microsoft calls it, to the new MCTS track (and then if you’d like, tack on the applicable MCITP certification).

Microsoft has created a new exam entitled “70-649: TS: Upgrading your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 to MCTS on Windows Server 2008.” When you pass it, you will earn three MCTS qualifications in one swoop:

• MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Active Directory Configuration
• MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Network Infrastructure Configuration
• MCTS: Windows Server 2008 - Application Platform Configuration

A W2k3MCSE who isn’t interested in such a large exam could take individual MCTS exams in each of the aforementioned technology areas. However, if you’re looking for a less circuitous route and you don’t mind taking the daunting single exam, the 70-649 is probably the better approach.

It’s important to note that Microsoft is transitioning folks to the TS level, but there’s no transition plan to move people directly to the Professional level. You can still get there, but you have to transition to the TS level first, and then take the remaining exams at whatever professional level you are seeking, just like any other MCITP seeker.

For example, if you’re a W2k3MCSE and you want to be a MCITP Enterprise Administrator you’d have to:

1. Take 70-649 to transition your skills to the new MCTS
2. Select a desktop MCTS (70-620 or 70-624)
3. Take the 70-647 Enterprise Administrator Professional Exam

If you only wanted to obtain the MCITP Server Administrator, you’d have to:

1. Take 70-649 to transition your skills to the new MCTS certifications
2. Take the 70-646 Server Administrator Professional Exam

As I mentioned before, I’ve left the MCSA out of the discussion here, but you will find a similar, if slightly less difficult, path to upgrade a Windows Server 2003 MCSA to Windows Server 2008. Check out the following link for more information on MCSAs: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcsa/windowsserver2008/default.mspx.

Going from Windows 2000 MCSE to 2008?

If you’re a Windows 2000 MCSE or, for that matter, any non-W2k3MCSE (NT 4.0), you’re out of luck. There’s no transition path from Windows 2000 (or anything earlier) to Windows Server 2008. Instead, depending on how far along you are with your Windows Server 2003 MCSE, you have two choices:

1. Complete your upgrade to Windows Server 2003 (thus making your transition to Windows Server 2008 a bit shorter), or
2. Start fresh with Windows Server 2008

It actually may be easier to upgrade to Windows Server 2003 MCSE in order to make for an easier transition to Windows Server 2008.

[REMINDER: The two exams a Windows 2000 MCSE needs to take to upgrade to Windows Server 2003 (without taking the long route), 70-292 and 70-296 are currently scheduled for discontinuation on March 31, 2008.]

Start planning now!

The time to get your plans in order is now, what with the W2k3MCSE upgrade exams set to expire in March 2008. If you’re a Windows 2000 MCSE, consider the upgrade path to W2k3MCSE first-it may make your Windows Server 2008 transition much easier.

If you’re already a W2k3MCSE, start looking at the new Windows Server 2008 technology. There are already some beta examinations available. Microsoft has also indicated that final versions of the exams will be released shortly after the technology’s Release-To-Market date:

• TS Exam Goals Release Date: 30 days post RTM
• Pro Exam Goals Release Date: 60 days post RTM