What is the basic Java certificate from Sun?

[Joe Broderick]

I went to the bookstore and they had multiple Java test guides. What is the basic certification in Java from Sun, and what is it worth in the market? Do employers need the certificate, or will they be satisfied with work experiance? I am back in the market now after a few years of work, and am trying to determine the best way to get the best pay offer.

[Dan Chisholm]

Joe,
Welcome back to the job market!
The SCJP FAQ offers useful information on the certification.
If you are just returning to the job market then studying for the certification will be a helpful review and will certainly be a great preparation for any Java exam that you might have to endure during the interview.
Questions such as yours are frequently covered in the Jobs Discussion. Most everyone that participates in this forum are believers in certifications otherwise they wouldn't be here. Some of the participants in the Jobs Discussion forum have a differing opinion. From my point of view, the knowledge acquired during the preparation process for the certification has value regardless of the value of certification itself. In other words, it's a great learning experience.

[Dan Chisholm]

Originally posted by Joe Broderick:
I went to the bookstore and they had multiple Java test guides.

Of course, you should not buy any certification study guide without first reading the reviews at the bunkhouse. Buying books through the bunkhouse helps to feed the cows here at the JavaRanch.

[Ryan Wilson]

Joe
I would recommend Sun Certified Programmer & Developer for Java 2 Study Guide (Exam 310-035 & 310-027) by Kathy Sierra, Bert Bates. I have not read any of the other books, so my suggestion is a little one sided, but this book is very easy reading. Kathy and Bert have also answered several questions here in the forum.
Where else do you get to ask questions and have the authors answer them?

[Joe Broderick]

Thanks Dan and Ryan.
Have you have noticed a differance in pay based on the certificate? For example, would a person with a B.A. and 5 years experiance get less than the same qualifications with a certificate?
I think I will go for the certificate anyways, as I should do something productive while unemployed. Or maybe it is time to go and get a MA, although everyone I know with advanced degrees did not make more money than someone who had extra experiance working while the other was in a graduate program.

[Matt Cao]

Hi Joe,
Why's not go for both? Cert is issued by your field of discipline while advance learning will prepare you to deal with management issues because technical do lied within an organization business framework.
It is true that having work experience directly relating your degree is excellent. But who are we kidding? In this crappy economy, you must have credential before the opportunity may open. The experience alone will not work neither.
It is all depended on your budget. Have a good plan because advance degree is not cheap.
Good Lucks,
MCao

[Manish Hatwalne]

Originally posted by Dan Chisholm:
....
From my point of view, the knowledge acquired during the preparation process for the certification has value regardless of the value of certification itself. In other words, it's a great learning experience.

Couldn't have said it better!!!
- Manish