SCJP newbee...

[pinky yadav]

I'm new to this forum but have been around javaranch for quite some time. As per my plans of writing SCJP 1.4 i'm looking around for useful information. Apart from a book on certification how useful is studying the jls document present on sun.java (here)
Pinky

[Valentin Crettaz]

Hi Pinky,
Welcome to Javaranch, a friendly place for Java greenhorns
The links below should get you started
Objectives:
SCJP 1.2 objectives
SCJP 1.4 objectives
Specification:
Java Language Specification 2nd (JLS)
Official Java Language Specification Errata
Unofficial Java Language Specification Errata
Mock exams:
Maha's site
Javaranch mock exams list
Marcus Green's web site
Jiris e-Learning System
Dan Chisholm's web site
JDiscuss' mock exams list
Valentin's mock exam
Hints:
Sun Certified Java Programmer Pre-Exam Essentials by Dylan Walsh
Free Java lessons
The one thing I wish I'd done... by Kathy Sierra
Traps to be aware of in any SCJP test !!! :) by Maha Anna
5 days before the exam. Any last minute stuff I should look out for?
Top Ten Errors Java Programmers Make
Preparation tips by Maha Anna
Manish Hatwalne's Revision notes
Don't forget our Sun Certification Results forum where people give some feedback after taking the exam.
Also check out the Javaranch's newsletters which contain very useful information.
Articles:
100% Certified Java Coders: How To Get Certified by Michael D. Meloan
An SCJP 1.4 certification primer by Pradeep Chopra, Whizlabs Software Ltd
You said "Certification"? by Valentin Crettaz
Other interesting articles
Test engines:
JQ+
J@Whiz (SCJP 1.2)
J@Whiz (SCJP 1.4)
JCertify 6.0 (SCJP 1.4)
JCertify 5.0 (SCJP 1.2)
Books:
Javaranch bunkhouse
Other info:
SCJP FAQ
Position on Real Questions - Must Read!
Other people's results
Good luck

[Dorothy Finkel-Laverty]

Whoa, Valentin, what a great list!
The only thing that I would add to it, Pinky, is to write a lot of code to enhance the topics you are studying. There is nothing like real-life to cement the theoretical studying you've done.
I found JavaRanch an extremely helpful place to be while I was studying for my certification. See how many questions you can answer in the forum that matches with the particular topic you're studying. Being able to explain things is another good test of whether or not you really understand it.

[pinky yadav]

thanks a lot that was a exhaustive list.
Pinky

[Tom Purl]

To me, the JLS is exactly what is says it is; a specification. If you work with specification documents at work, then you know you would never read them cover to cover unless you're an insomniac who doesn't respond well to strong drugs. I've found it to be a very readable document in small batches if you have a specific question. It's a crucial counterpart to the API, and some days I find myself using it multiple times. Learn how to use it effectively and you will be a much more efficient and knowledgeable java programmer.
The Bates/Sierra book is excellent. I know everyone else has said it before, but I'm reading it now and it's definitely worth it.
And Dorothy is absolutely right. So many cert candidates overlook the fact that teaching someone else is a great educational tool. Answer a lot of questions in multiple forums.
[ April 08, 2003: Message edited by: Tom Purl ]