Hi Carlos,
SCJP (Level -1) tests you on the fundamentals of Java language, which includes standard Java API's and Java syntax.It also tests your ability to debug Java programs.Among the concepts it introduces Multithreaded programming.However, I would say it is just at an intermediate level.
Once you have acquired/worked/become familiar with Java code, it is time to move to the next stage of programming, i.e. SCJD (Level 2 - Developer Level).In this Level, you are not introduced with new things; you are tested on how you could apply whatever you have learnt at Level 1 in real-world applications.Probably the only new thing that comes in this Level is Swing API.This level tests you whether you can write "smart" Java code, i.e. how well you can apply the basics of OO principles.
Then you move to
SCEA (Level 3 - Architect level), which tests you at an architecture level.It means not just programming but, taking the business requirements from the clients - analysing,designing and then finally constructing it in Java.You would realise whatever you have done upto Level 2 is not even half of what it takes to complete a successful software project or what you learn at this level.This level talks about requirement analysis, UML and its artifacts,Analysis and Design Patterns.Also it tests you on Java Security API, which is so important to build a successful software solution.
Hope this helps,
Sandeep Sun Certified Programmer for Java 2 Platform Scored 93% Oracle Certified Solution Developer - JDeveloper -- Oracle JDeveloper Rel. 3.0 - Develop Database Applications with Java Scored 56 out of 59 -- Object-Oriented Analysis and Design with UML Scored 73% Oracle Certified Enterprise Developer - Oracle Internet Platform -- Enterprise Connectivity with J2EE Scored 72% -- Enterprise Development on the Oracle Internet Platform Scored 44 out of 56 [This message has been edited by Desai Sandeep (edited July 05, 2001).]