• Post Reply Bookmark Topic Watch Topic
  • New Topic
programming forums Java Mobile Certification Databases Caching Books Engineering Micro Controllers OS Languages Paradigms IDEs Build Tools Frameworks Application Servers Open Source This Site Careers Other Pie Elite all forums
this forum made possible by our volunteer staff, including ...
Marshals:
  • Campbell Ritchie
  • Jeanne Boyarsky
  • Ron McLeod
  • Paul Clapham
  • Liutauras Vilda
Sheriffs:
  • paul wheaton
  • Rob Spoor
  • Devaka Cooray
Saloon Keepers:
  • Stephan van Hulst
  • Tim Holloway
  • Carey Brown
  • Frits Walraven
  • Tim Moores
Bartenders:
  • Mikalai Zaikin

Value of JCert Certifications

 
Greenhorn
Posts: 2
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Hi,
A couple of months ago, I got the level 2 certification (IBM certified Solution developer VA4J). I am an experienced C/C++ developer trying to make a move to Java. Since my certification I have applied for 83 jobs and have generated about 2 replies. I am not sure what is going on here, is it the market, is it my age (40) or my current salary about 90K. However, I am begining to feel that this whole business is a scam.
 
Ranch Hand
Posts: 147
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
I would say that it is because you do not have real Java experience since you are making the switch from another language. There are alot of idle Java workers with alot more experience, and who also have the certifications. If Java programmers were hard to find, then you would get more calls.
 
Greenhorn
Posts: 3
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Hi Todd,
I can understand your frustration. I am also jCert Level 2 (IBM VA4J) and I'm the same age as you.
I have felt for some time that perhaps the jCert certifications are under valued, as I have never seen any of the big sponsor companies asking for any jCert qualification as a requirement. What needs to happen is for the sponsor companies (IBM, BEA, HP etc.) to really get behind the initiative, and make the market aware of the value it has.
I can only say that those of us who have actually done any of the recognised java certifications know of their value, and those of us who are in a position to influence recruiters should consider it our duty to pass this on.
I wish you the best of luck.
Chris Jones
 
Todd Davenport
Greenhorn
Posts: 2
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Thanks guys. So basically as I understand the Java certification can only add value if you have some experience in Java development. Which is really not much value added. I agree with Chris, the push must come from the developers themselves and the companies that have signed on the JCert initiative. Take care.
 
Ranch Hand
Posts: 69
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
I think SCEA should help make them notice you.
Some people claim that the reason is SCJP does not prove that you are a good developer. But then on what basis do they decide who is good developer. Look at the kind of questions being asked in the interview. Bags of apples and oranges or graph traversal algorithems ... I never had to tackle these problems during real development. And if i ever have to I m sure there is a good open source code for graph traversal if not at least algorithems are available online.
Saying "certification is useless" is just another way of saying "I am not certified". Knowledge you gained while taking the exam will find its use. So I hope ... as i m looking for job as well
 
arch rival
Posts: 2813
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
About 2 1/2 years ago armed with my SCJP qualification I sent my resume to 900 agencies (yes 900), I got two interviews (one was not really suitable but at least it was an interview). And I got one rather good job. It would have been easier to get a job with experience but no qualification, but since I had yet to get a job that was not an option.
Marcus
 
Ranch Hand
Posts: 365
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Todd-
I am a 47 year-old programmer pretty much in the same boat as yourself. I switched to Java a couple of years ago and let me just say that having the SCJP certification definitely helped me get interviews. I know this for a fact and was told so on two occasions (one which landed me a job). It helps you get over the age barrier, and the problem of wanting to be seen as a senior engineer but not having 5 years Java under your belt, as you are now a proven commodity who has passed a difficult exam--a 'serious' Java developer not just another programmer hacking away in the latest language. I have also drawn upon the knowledge gained from studying for the exam many times in the past couple of years. If two developers submit resumes and one has a Sun certification and one doesn't, I bet the certified one goes at the top of the pile. I say go for the Sun certification.
good luck,
Max
 
Don't get me started about those stupid light bulbs.
reply
    Bookmark Topic Watch Topic
  • New Topic