But here's the rub. My employer asked (nay, told) everyone writing
Java on a particular project that they had to take the exam within 2 weeks. Now, the Java programmers on the project ranged in experience from a few years down to no experience whatsoever (which included myself). The scores ranged from 80% down to 46%, but the majority lay in the 60's and 70's.
So given the short period of time in which to study for this exam, plus the lack of experience, I consider my 62% somewhat of an achievement. No doubt with the 6-12 months experience (as suggested before the exam is taken), I would score better.
Also a
word of thanks for the Rules Roundup Questions at JavaRanch; they helped me a lot.
My study book was Sun Certified Programmer & Developer for Java 2 Study Guide By Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates, which I would wholeheartedly recommend as the book to use to pass the exam.