Sun Certified Professional
Encyclopedia
Sun Certified Professional (SCP) is a professional certification
program by Sun Microsystems
, a subsidiary
of Oracle Corporation
. It is meant to verify a particular skillset in Sun technologies, especially for developers for whom Java is a primary requirement.
and is a prerequisite to a number of the other Java certificates.
It is designed as a fairly detailed test of knowledge of the core features and constructs of the Java programming language. It tests a wide range of Java's APIs and core features, starting from basics such as looping constructs and variables
, to more complex topics such as Threads
, Collections and Generics
. It does not cover specific technology domains such as GUI
creation, Web
or network programming
, and does not cover their APIs included in the standard library. The exam tests how well a programmer has understood the language constructs and mechanisms. However its not a goal of the exam to test the programmer's ability to produce purposeful or efficient programs. It does not test the programmer's ability to write efficient algorithms, for example, however it does test knowledge of which collections should be selected in order to implement efficient algorithms without re-inventing the wheel.
It is assessed through an automatically administered multiple-choice test system and consists of 60 questions which the candidate has 150 minutes to answer. At least 37 questions are needed to be correct to pass (around 61%). To take the test a candidate must buy a voucher
from Oracle (approximately US$300 in the US, £150 (excluding VAT
) in the UK, AUD 316 plus tax in Australia, Rs. 5845 plus taxes in India) and book the test at least a week in advance. The test consists of multiple choice questions. In June 2011, Oracle moved from Prometric
to Pearson VUE
as their test provider.
The OCPJP 6 exam tests a candidate on knowledge of declarations, access control, object orientation, assignments, operators, flow control, assertions, string handling, I/O, parsing, formatting, generics, collections, inner classes, threads and the JDK tools. The test is available in English, Japanese, Chinese, German, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
OCPJP 7 designated by Oracle as 1Z0-804
OCPJP 5 Very similar in objective to the older SCJP 5.0 listed below
SCJP 6.0 (designated by Sun as CX-310-065) is aimed at the JDK 6.0 release of Java. The SCJP 6 introduced new topics covering Console, NavigableSet, and NavigableMap.
SCJP 5.0 (designated by Sun as CX-310-055) was based on JDK 5. It introduced variable arguments, autoboxing, and generic types, and dropped the bit shifting topics from previous exams.
SCJP 1.4 (designated by Sun as CX-310-035) was based on JDK 1.4. Compared to the previous version of the exam, SCJP 1.2, it dropped questions on GUI topics and shifted the emphasis towards core language features. SCJP 1.4 features 61 questions to be answered within 120 minutes. 32 questions or more (52%) need to be answered correctly in order to pass.
SCJP 1.2 (designated by Sun as CX-310-025) was based on JDK 1.2, and was first live on 15 June 2000. The exam had 59 questions (both multiple choice and short answer) to be answered within two hours. The pass mark was 61 percent. However, exam 310-025 has been withdrawn from the market; certified professionals can retain their certification and use the title, but this version is no longer being offered.
The certification consists of the practical programming task and the subsequent written theory exam. The participant must write the described application, extensively using custom file formats, distributed computing (JRMP
) and advanced Swing
features that are not fully accessible from the popular rapid development tools (JTable, component data models and so on). The code must be documented, and the user manual must be supplied. The task itself is written in the form of a PRD
for a non-programming end user. Apart from one or two interfaces, no technical details are given.
The SCWCD 1.4 exam covers the Java 2 Enterprise Edition
(J2EE) version 1.4 code, corresponding to Servlet version 2.4 and JSP version 2.0.
SCWCD 5 was released in early 2008. The exam consists of 69 questions with 70% or above being required to pass. The time duration is 3 hours. The objectives are identical to the previous (1.4) version of the exam.
test centers.
SCBCD 1.4 exam covers Java 2 Enterprise Edition
(J2EE) version 1.3 code, including EJB
version 2.0.
As of 2008, the SCBCD covers the Java 2 Enterprise Edition
(J2EE) version 5 code, corresponding to EJB
version 3.0.
The pre-requisite for this certification is that the candidate should be a Sun Certified Programmer for Java 2 Platform (any edition).
SCBCD for J2EE version 1.3 is now no longer offered (starting February 2008). However, the upgrade exam from SCBCD for J2EE version 1.3 to Java EE version 5 is still available
There was an older version, SCDJWS 1.4 (designated CX-310-220), which is already decommissioned .
technology (formerly J2EE). Obtaining the certification requires the candidate to pass three individual stages:
The multiple-choice exam can be taken at any Prometric
testing center around the world. Passing of this portion is required prior to registering with Sun Microsystems for the design project, which is downloaded from a secured website. After completion of the assignment and upload to the same secured website, the candidate then sits for an essay exam, once again through a Prometric test center. As the questions on the essay exam are based on the assignment for Part II, it is advised to take the essay exam as soon as possible after submitting the assignment. (The last two steps are essentially one step since they are graded in unison.) Scores for the Part I exam are known immediately after taking the test; however, the scores for Parts II/III are only available after six to eight weeks through Sun's certification manager website.
SUN released the Java EE 5 version of the SCEA exam in February 2008, and the prior version (for J2EE 1.2) was retired on March 1, 2008. Candidates who already began work on the prior track had until the end of 2008 to complete their assignments, assuming they have purchased the vouchers prior to the retirement date. Sun has also made available an upgrade track consisting of a single, multiple-choice exam not unlike the Part I examination, for those who have the prior credential. Also, unlike the prior version, a candidate for the SCEA for Java EE 5 now must complete the Part II assignment within one year - the prior version had no time limit for the assignment.
Unlike other higher-level Java exams, this certification does not require passing the Sun Certified Java Programmer exam as a prerequisite. This is due to the different job-role an architect fills on the software development team.
Should the candidate pass, Sun will award the person the status of a professional Java architect. Unlike some other technology exams (such as MCSE), this exam and all of the other Sun Java
exams do not have an expiration date.
This certification is offered for the Solaris 10 OS, consisting of one multiple choice exam. There are no prerequisites to this exam.
and Solaris OS commands management of file systems, system boot and shutdown, software install, user creation and administration, security, network printers and system processes, and system backups and restores. The test covers topics of system administration for SPARC
, x64
, and x86 based systems. The certification requires passing score on two separate tests, Sun Certified System Administrator for Solaris 10 OS, Part I, (exam number 310-200), and Sun Certified System Administrator for Solaris 10 OS, Part II, (exam number 310-202). The certification is targeted at System Administrators working in technical positions in the ok OS.
, follows the Sun Certified System Administrator Certification and focuses on networking skills in the Solaris OS. This exam will test candidates on their knowledge of Network Interface Layers, Transport, Network Applications and configuring the Solaris IP Filter. It is recommended that candidates have three or more years experience in networking prior to this certification. The Solaris System Administration certification is a prerequisite for this certification. This certification requires a passing score on exam number 310-302. The certification is targeted at Network Administrators working in technical positions in the Solaris OS.
IDE.
Professional certification
Professional certification, trade certification, or professional designation, often called simply certification or qualification, is a designation earned by a person to assure qualification to perform a job or task...
program by Sun Microsystems
Sun Microsystems
Sun Microsystems, Inc. was a company that sold :computers, computer components, :computer software, and :information technology services. Sun was founded on February 24, 1982...
, a subsidiary
Subsidiary
A subsidiary company, subsidiary, or daughter company is a company that is completely or partly owned and wholly controlled by another company that owns more than half of the subsidiary's stock. The subsidiary can be a company, corporation, or limited liability company. In some cases it is a...
of Oracle Corporation
Oracle Corporation
Oracle Corporation is an American multinational computer technology corporation that specializes in developing and marketing hardware systems and enterprise software products – particularly database management systems...
. It is meant to verify a particular skillset in Sun technologies, especially for developers for whom Java is a primary requirement.
Oracle Certified Professional Java SE Programmer (formerly the Sun Certified Java Programmer)
The Oracle Certified Professional Java SE Programmer (OCPJP) exam is the fundamental exam required to demonstrate solid understanding of JavaJava (programming language)
Java is a programming language originally developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems and released in 1995 as a core component of Sun Microsystems' Java platform. The language derives much of its syntax from C and C++ but has a simpler object model and fewer low-level facilities...
and is a prerequisite to a number of the other Java certificates.
It is designed as a fairly detailed test of knowledge of the core features and constructs of the Java programming language. It tests a wide range of Java's APIs and core features, starting from basics such as looping constructs and variables
Variable (programming)
In computer programming, a variable is a symbolic name given to some known or unknown quantity or information, for the purpose of allowing the name to be used independently of the information it represents...
, to more complex topics such as Threads
Thread (computer science)
In computer science, a thread of execution is the smallest unit of processing that can be scheduled by an operating system. The implementation of threads and processes differs from one operating system to another, but in most cases, a thread is contained inside a process...
, Collections and Generics
Generics in Java
Generics are a facility of generic programming that was added to the Java programming language in 2004 as part of J2SE 5.0. They allow "a type or method to operate on objects of various types while providing compile-time type safety." A common use of this feature is when using a Java Collection...
. It does not cover specific technology domains such as GUI
Gui
Gui or guee is a generic term to refer to grilled dishes in Korean cuisine. These most commonly have meat or fish as their primary ingredient, but may in some cases also comprise grilled vegetables or other vegetarian ingredients. The term derives from the verb, "gupda" in Korean, which literally...
creation, Web
World Wide Web
The World Wide Web is a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the Internet...
or network programming
Computer network programming
In computing, network programming, essentially identical to socket programming or client–server programming, involves writing computer programs that communicate with other programs across a computer network. The program or process initiating the communication is called a client process, and the...
, and does not cover their APIs included in the standard library. The exam tests how well a programmer has understood the language constructs and mechanisms. However its not a goal of the exam to test the programmer's ability to produce purposeful or efficient programs. It does not test the programmer's ability to write efficient algorithms, for example, however it does test knowledge of which collections should be selected in order to implement efficient algorithms without re-inventing the wheel.
It is assessed through an automatically administered multiple-choice test system and consists of 60 questions which the candidate has 150 minutes to answer. At least 37 questions are needed to be correct to pass (around 61%). To take the test a candidate must buy a voucher
Voucher
A voucher is a bond which is worth a certain monetary value and which may be spent only for specific reasons or on specific goods. Examples include housing, travel, and food vouchers...
from Oracle (approximately US$300 in the US, £150 (excluding VAT
Vat
Vat or VAT may refer to:* A type of container such as a barrel, storage tank, or tub, often constructed of welded sheet stainless steel, and used for holding, storing, and processing liquids such as milk, wine, and beer...
) in the UK, AUD 316 plus tax in Australia, Rs. 5845 plus taxes in India) and book the test at least a week in advance. The test consists of multiple choice questions. In June 2011, Oracle moved from Prometric
Prometric
Prometric is a U.S. company in the test administration industry. Prometric operates a test center network composed of over 10,000 sites in 160 countries...
to Pearson VUE
Pearson VUE
Pearson VUE is an electronic testing company owned by British media company Pearson PLC. Founded in 1994 by E. Clarke Porter as Virtual University Enterprises, the company now operates in 165 countries with more than 5,000 authorized test centres ....
as their test provider.
The OCPJP 6 exam tests a candidate on knowledge of declarations, access control, object orientation, assignments, operators, flow control, assertions, string handling, I/O, parsing, formatting, generics, collections, inner classes, threads and the JDK tools. The test is available in English, Japanese, Chinese, German, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
Current Versions (As of October 2011)
OCPJP 6 designated by Oracle as 1Z0-851OCPJP 7 designated by Oracle as 1Z0-804
Previous versions
There have been a number of previous versions of the OCPJP.OCPJP 5 Very similar in objective to the older SCJP 5.0 listed below
SCJP 6.0 (designated by Sun as CX-310-065) is aimed at the JDK 6.0 release of Java. The SCJP 6 introduced new topics covering Console, NavigableSet, and NavigableMap.
SCJP 5.0 (designated by Sun as CX-310-055) was based on JDK 5. It introduced variable arguments, autoboxing, and generic types, and dropped the bit shifting topics from previous exams.
SCJP 1.4 (designated by Sun as CX-310-035) was based on JDK 1.4. Compared to the previous version of the exam, SCJP 1.2, it dropped questions on GUI topics and shifted the emphasis towards core language features. SCJP 1.4 features 61 questions to be answered within 120 minutes. 32 questions or more (52%) need to be answered correctly in order to pass.
SCJP 1.2 (designated by Sun as CX-310-025) was based on JDK 1.2, and was first live on 15 June 2000. The exam had 59 questions (both multiple choice and short answer) to be answered within two hours. The pass mark was 61 percent. However, exam 310-025 has been withdrawn from the market; certified professionals can retain their certification and use the title, but this version is no longer being offered.
Oracle Certified Master Java SE Developer (formerly Sun Certified Java Developer)
Sun Certified Java Developer (or SCJD) is the advanced Java programmer certification level. Unlike the easier SCJP, this level is intended to verify that the participant is able to write a real-world commercial application, solving all typical problems. It is the highest qualification that Sun confirms for the Standard Edition Java programmer. Prior to attempting certification, candidates must be certified as a Sun Certified Programmer (SCJP), any edition. It is not necessary to be a Sun Certified Java Associate prior to taking this exam. The total cost of the exam is around $575.The certification consists of the practical programming task and the subsequent written theory exam. The participant must write the described application, extensively using custom file formats, distributed computing (JRMP
JRMP
JRMP, or Java Remote Method Protocol is the Java technology-specific protocol for looking up and referencing remote objects. It is a wire level protocol running at the level under Remote Method Invocation and over TCP/IP.-Details:...
) and advanced Swing
Swing (Java)
Swing is the primary Java GUI widget toolkit. It is part of Oracle's Java Foundation Classes — an API for providing a graphical user interface for Java programs....
features that are not fully accessible from the popular rapid development tools (JTable, component data models and so on). The code must be documented, and the user manual must be supplied. The task itself is written in the form of a PRD
Product requirements document
A product requirements document is a document written by a company that defines a product they are making, or the requirements for one or more new features for an existing product...
for a non-programming end user. Apart from one or two interfaces, no technical details are given.
Oracle Certified Professional Java EE Web Component Developer (formerly Sun Certified Web Component Developer)
The Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD) certification targets information regarding Java components related to web-applications, specifically Servlets and Java Server Pages (JSPs). To achieve this certification, the candidate must pass a computer-based test available world-wide.The SCWCD 1.4 exam covers the Java 2 Enterprise Edition
Java Platform, Enterprise Edition
Java Platform, Enterprise Edition or Java EE is widely used platform for server programming in the Java programming language. The Java platform differs from the Java Standard Edition Platform in that it adds libraries which provide functionality to deploy fault-tolerant, distributed, multi-tier...
(J2EE) version 1.4 code, corresponding to Servlet version 2.4 and JSP version 2.0.
SCWCD 5 was released in early 2008. The exam consists of 69 questions with 70% or above being required to pass. The time duration is 3 hours. The objectives are identical to the previous (1.4) version of the exam.
Oracle Certified Professional Java EE Business Component Developer (formerly Sun Certified Business Component Developer)
The Sun Certified Business Component Developer (SCBCD) certification targets information regarding Java components related to distributed applications, specifically Enterprise Java Beans (EJBs). To achieve this certification, the candidate must pass a computer-based test available world-wide at PrometricPrometric
Prometric is a U.S. company in the test administration industry. Prometric operates a test center network composed of over 10,000 sites in 160 countries...
test centers.
SCBCD 1.4 exam covers Java 2 Enterprise Edition
Java Platform, Enterprise Edition
Java Platform, Enterprise Edition or Java EE is widely used platform for server programming in the Java programming language. The Java platform differs from the Java Standard Edition Platform in that it adds libraries which provide functionality to deploy fault-tolerant, distributed, multi-tier...
(J2EE) version 1.3 code, including EJB
Enterprise JavaBean
Enterprise JavaBeans is a managed, server-side component architecture for modular construction of enterprise applications.The EJB specification is one of several Java APIs in the Java EE specification. EJB is a server-side model that encapsulates the business logic of an application...
version 2.0.
As of 2008, the SCBCD covers the Java 2 Enterprise Edition
Java Platform, Enterprise Edition
Java Platform, Enterprise Edition or Java EE is widely used platform for server programming in the Java programming language. The Java platform differs from the Java Standard Edition Platform in that it adds libraries which provide functionality to deploy fault-tolerant, distributed, multi-tier...
(J2EE) version 5 code, corresponding to EJB
Enterprise JavaBean
Enterprise JavaBeans is a managed, server-side component architecture for modular construction of enterprise applications.The EJB specification is one of several Java APIs in the Java EE specification. EJB is a server-side model that encapsulates the business logic of an application...
version 3.0.
The pre-requisite for this certification is that the candidate should be a Sun Certified Programmer for Java 2 Platform (any edition).
SCBCD for J2EE version 1.3 is now no longer offered (starting February 2008). However, the upgrade exam from SCBCD for J2EE version 1.3 to Java EE version 5 is still available
Oracle Certified Expert Java Platform, EE Web Services Developer (formerly Sun Certified Developer for Java Web Services)
The Sun Certified Developer for Java Web Services 5 (SCDJWS) certification exam (designated CX-310-230) is for developers who have been creating web services applications using Java technology components such as those supported by the Java Web Services Developer Pack, JAX-WS and JAXB. Other topics like XML, JSON, REST and security are covered too.There was an older version, SCDJWS 1.4 (designated CX-310-220), which is already decommissioned .
Oracle Certified Professional Java ME Mobile Application Developer (formerly Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer)
The Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer (SCMAD) certification targets information related to developing Mobile applications, through platform Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME). It focuses in specifications like JTWI, CLDC, MIDP, WMA and MMAPI. SCMAD Exam Guide is the only book that focus on the exam objectives.Oracle Certified Master Java EE Enterprise Architect (formerly Sun Certified Enterprise Architect)
Sun Certified Enterprise Architect for the Java EE Platform (SCEA) certification certifies the skills of a software architect in the Java Enterprise EditionJava Platform, Enterprise Edition
Java Platform, Enterprise Edition or Java EE is widely used platform for server programming in the Java programming language. The Java platform differs from the Java Standard Edition Platform in that it adds libraries which provide functionality to deploy fault-tolerant, distributed, multi-tier...
technology (formerly J2EE). Obtaining the certification requires the candidate to pass three individual stages:
- a multiple choice exam on the basic concepts of Java EE technology
- a UML design project involving Java EE technology
- an essay exam regarding the design project
The multiple-choice exam can be taken at any Prometric
Prometric
Prometric is a U.S. company in the test administration industry. Prometric operates a test center network composed of over 10,000 sites in 160 countries...
testing center around the world. Passing of this portion is required prior to registering with Sun Microsystems for the design project, which is downloaded from a secured website. After completion of the assignment and upload to the same secured website, the candidate then sits for an essay exam, once again through a Prometric test center. As the questions on the essay exam are based on the assignment for Part II, it is advised to take the essay exam as soon as possible after submitting the assignment. (The last two steps are essentially one step since they are graded in unison.) Scores for the Part I exam are known immediately after taking the test; however, the scores for Parts II/III are only available after six to eight weeks through Sun's certification manager website.
SUN released the Java EE 5 version of the SCEA exam in February 2008, and the prior version (for J2EE 1.2) was retired on March 1, 2008. Candidates who already began work on the prior track had until the end of 2008 to complete their assignments, assuming they have purchased the vouchers prior to the retirement date. Sun has also made available an upgrade track consisting of a single, multiple-choice exam not unlike the Part I examination, for those who have the prior credential. Also, unlike the prior version, a candidate for the SCEA for Java EE 5 now must complete the Part II assignment within one year - the prior version had no time limit for the assignment.
Unlike other higher-level Java exams, this certification does not require passing the Sun Certified Java Programmer exam as a prerequisite. This is due to the different job-role an architect fills on the software development team.
Should the candidate pass, Sun will award the person the status of a professional Java architect. Unlike some other technology exams (such as MCSE), this exam and all of the other Sun Java
Java (programming language)
Java is a programming language originally developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems and released in 1995 as a core component of Sun Microsystems' Java platform. The language derives much of its syntax from C and C++ but has a simpler object model and fewer low-level facilities...
exams do not have an expiration date.
Sun Certified Solaris Associate
The Sun Certified Solaris Associate (or SCSAS), is a certification for university students and other beginners seeking to gain basic knowledge of UNIX with a Solaris Operating System (Solaris OS) emphasis. Candidates will learn basic UNIX commands and tasks, performed in the Solaris OS environment.This certification is offered for the Solaris 10 OS, consisting of one multiple choice exam. There are no prerequisites to this exam.
Sun Certified System Administrator for the Solaris Operating System
The Sun Certified System Administrator for Solaris (or SCSA), the oldest of Sun's certifications, concentrates on in depth knowledge of the Solaris OS including knowledge of basic UNIXUnix
Unix is a multitasking, multi-user computer operating system originally developed in 1969 by a group of AT&T employees at Bell Labs, including Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, Brian Kernighan, Douglas McIlroy, and Joe Ossanna...
and Solaris OS commands management of file systems, system boot and shutdown, software install, user creation and administration, security, network printers and system processes, and system backups and restores. The test covers topics of system administration for SPARC
SPARC
SPARC is a RISC instruction set architecture developed by Sun Microsystems and introduced in mid-1987....
, x64
X86-64
x86-64 is an extension of the x86 instruction set. It supports vastly larger virtual and physical address spaces than are possible on x86, thereby allowing programmers to conveniently work with much larger data sets. x86-64 also provides 64-bit general purpose registers and numerous other...
, and x86 based systems. The certification requires passing score on two separate tests, Sun Certified System Administrator for Solaris 10 OS, Part I, (exam number 310-200), and Sun Certified System Administrator for Solaris 10 OS, Part II, (exam number 310-202). The certification is targeted at System Administrators working in technical positions in the ok OS.
Sun Certified Network Administrator for the Solaris Operating System
The Sun Certified Network Administrator for SolarisSCNA
SCNA is a certification for system administrators and covers LANs and the Solaris Operating System.- Requirements :Candidates must pass a certification exam...
, follows the Sun Certified System Administrator Certification and focuses on networking skills in the Solaris OS. This exam will test candidates on their knowledge of Network Interface Layers, Transport, Network Applications and configuring the Solaris IP Filter. It is recommended that candidates have three or more years experience in networking prior to this certification. The Solaris System Administration certification is a prerequisite for this certification. This certification requires a passing score on exam number 310-302. The certification is targeted at Network Administrators working in technical positions in the Solaris OS.
Sun Certified Security Administrator for the Solaris Operating System
The Sun Certified Security Administrator for Solaris (or SCSECA), the newest of Sun's Solaris certifications, concentrates on in depth knowledge of security features of the Solaris OS including installing security features, Process Rights Management, Solaris Cryptographic framework, and Solaris Zones. The certification is targeted at advanced administrators of Solaris environments with responsibility for security.Sun Certified Specialist Netbeans IDE
The Sun Certified Specialist Netbeans IDE (SCSNI), designated CX-310-045 concentrates on specific knowledge of the usage and functionality of the NetbeansNetBeans
NetBeans refers to both a platform framework for Java desktop applications, and an integrated development environment for developing with Java, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Groovy, C, C++, Scala, Clojure, and others...
IDE.
External links
- Oracle Certification Page Oracle Certification Page