Indeed, any certificaiton looks good on a resume. It shows initiative and self-motivation. People that get certifications typically do it on their own, with a large degree of self-study, along with the responsibility of scheduling their own learning timeline and exam date. That's quite a bit different from typical learning environments, and it demonstrates a great degree of gumption.
The SCJA is the new entry level certificaiton from Sun. It doesn't require the same degree of syntax knowlege of
SCJP, so you don't have to be a master of the GridBagLayout to pass with a good score. However, the SCJA exam tests you on a wider array of subjects than any other Java exam. No other exam tests you on EJBs, JNDI, syntax,
Servlets, JSPs and RMI, all at the same time. The certification demonstrates a very well rounded knowledge of Java, and Java related technologies, which makes it a great certification for people who will not only program, but will look to manage Java projects, or business IT infrastructures.
As for good resources? Well, please check out my signature links. I've written two Sun Java Certification Study Guides for SCJA, one which takes you through all the objectives, and the other which just nails you with one question after another until you've been tested into submission. Together, the two guides have helped hundreds of people get SCJA certified.
Also, the Java SCJA faq has plenty of links as well to Java mock exams and to both free and pay-for-use SCJA exam simulators.
Happy Java!
-Cameron McKenzie
[ February 26, 2007: Message edited by: Cameron W. McKenzie ]