The Scoop on the SCJP 1.5 Exam

[Corey McGlone]

Ok, here's the "inside" scoop about Java 1.5 and the associated SCJP exam. I've been in contact with Kathy Sierra, who works on the development of the Sun exams, and she has been kind enough to relay some information to me about Java 1.5 and what we can expect in terms of certification changes.
Java 1.5 (nicknamed Tiger) is currently in Beta and there will certainly be no SCJP exam prior to the final release of 1.5. Although I originally heard that Tiger would be released in August of this year, Kathy mentioned that the release date has been pushed back to September with the 1.5 SCJP exam coming in November or December (meaning any Beta version of the exam) would be appearing in September or October.
This is the timeline as it is laid out right now so, if you're busy preparing for the SCJP exam, I wouldn't hold out until the 1.5 exam is available as you'd be waiting quite some time.
In addition, I don't want to start any rumors, but Kathy mentioned a number of ways that the SCJP exam may be changing in the future. Some of these changes are truly "fundamental" changes that would impact the way you would study for the exam. Most of the changes that she mentioned (although certainly not finalized at this stage) would be great enhancements to the exam, in my opinion. Because of the chance for these changes to occur, studying for the 1.4 exam might be quite different than studying for the 1.5 exam.
I have elaborated on this topic somewhat in my blog. You can take a look there for some more information about these "changes" that I've alluded to.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Corey
[ March 30, 2004: Message edited by: Corey McGlone ]

[Dan Andrei]

Hi Corey,
from what I understnad the exam will be available at the earlist in November?
also after SCJP 1.5 kicks in will the SJCP 1.4 still be available ?
Thanx

[Corey McGlone]

Most likely, even after the 1.5 exam becomes available, 1.4 will still be available (much like 1.2 is still available even though the 1.4 exam is out). In addition, it wouldn't surprise me to see a 1.5 "upgrade" exam for those that already have a previous certification. However, the changes being made to Java in 1.5 are some of the most profound changes since Java was created. Therefore, it might be possible that the "upgrade" exam might take on a different look than it has today or may not be available at all.
However, any of this stuff is still quite a long ways off (over half a year, at least) so we've got plenty of time to sort it all out.
Corey