should I study for 1.2 or 1.4 exam?

I know this has been touched on by others, but I haven't seen a thread dedicated to it: should people who are not certified be studying for the 1.2 or 1.4 exam? will it make any difference to current/future employers? since the goals are changing, what impact does this have on which exam to take? any thoughts/comments are appreciated.
Jon

as 1.4 is the more current exam -- I'd probably start studying for that one -- however any knowledgable employer will realize the two tests aren't really that different from each other.

I've been studying for 1.2 exam and planned to take it in August. Then I found out, from this forum, that 1.4 is coming out in August. So now I switch my gear to 1.4 (and have to postpone my exam so I have more time to study

).
Both versions cover pretty much the same materials, but I personally want to concentrate on 1.4 exam because I know that I will not likely to be using AWT in near future. The new objectives cover the materials that are more practical to me.

Changing gears from 1.2 to 1.4 is fine, if that's what makes the most sense to do. Be aware, however, that the 1.2 exam will still be offered after the 1.4 exam is released. Therefore, you don't need to change to take the new exam if you're all prepared for the old one.
Of course, if it makes more sense to take the new one, by all means, do so.
Corey

Thanks for the advice. I will probably start studying for 1.4 as I am not too far along to "switch gears." I am using the book "Complete Java 2 Certification Study Guide" and assuming that it will cover most of what I need to know for the 1.4 exam as well, but are there any other books out yet that cover 1.4 material?
thanks
Jon

I'm going to stick with 1.2 and take that in the next couple of weeks. I see no reason to switch gears. I seriously doubt that an employer would prefer a 1.4 certified individual over a 1.2 or vice versa. That would be a poor criteria to hire someone on.
IMHO: The cert is the cert.

How about take both? Will employer have any negative impression if I have two similar certificates?
Summer

Well, there's no reason you couldn't take both, but it seems like a waste of $150 to get certified twice in the same thing. :roll:

I would say take the 1.4 exam. No employer/manager would mind you having a 1.4 cert even if you're going to develop in a 1.2/1.3 environment. The reverse is different though; if you're going to do 1.4 work, then the 1.2 cert looks a bit "old" (is it time for me to consider do some 1.4 exam prep?

).
The only case I would see it making sense to take the 1.2 exam, is that you've studied 1.2 stuff already and well and need the cert NOW. If you have 1-2 months of time then it while worthwhile learning the 1.4 stuff anyway.
Hope this helps,
Panagiotis (SCJP2, 91%, Jan '01)

Does anyone have a link to the objectives for 1.4 exam? I'm unable to find it on the Sun site.
Thanks in advance

I found it elsewhere in the forum....
http://suned.sun.com/US/certification/java/java_exam_objectives.html#programmer1.4

Both exams will be offered for a period of
time.
I would say if you are just starting, the 1.4
platform exam makes the most sense ( it's newer )
If you are already down the path on preparing
for the 1.2 platform exam, stick with it.
The objectives for both exams are off of:
http://www.enterprisedeveloper.com/jcertify
------------------------------
JCertify 5.0 for 310-025
JCertify 6.0 for 310-035
The best investment in your career you will make all year

Well friends ! I have the same doubt. Should I go for 1.4 or 1.2?? I have'nt started studying. The exams v1.4 release in August. But I find that since the exams are new there might not be too many mock tests available. Any suggestions??