Java Reference
In-Depth Information
The SCJD Exam
The SCJD certification is a comprehensive test used by Sun to verify the skills of advanced
Java programmers. It is generally considered a strong benchmark of competence. This topic
focuses on the features of J2SE 5 that are relevant to this exam. Adequate preparation is essen-
tial to pass the exam. Due to its difficulty, the opportunity to take the SCJD exam is only
available to programmers who have already passed the Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP)
exam. Fortunately, this topic explains the concepts you need to know to pass the SCJD exam.
Note Three Sun Certified Java Programmer exams are currently available: one for certification on each
of the J2SE 1.2, J2SE 1.4, or J2SE 5.0 platforms, respectively. While the questions for each of these certifi-
cations differ slightly (for example, the J2SE 1.2 exam has Abstract Windowing Toolkit [AWT] questions),
you only need to be certified in any one of these three certifications in order to be eligible for the SCJD
certification.
The Certification Process
The SCJD certification process consists of two parts. The first part is an assignment consisting
of a custom-designed sample project with a sample data file, an interface to be implemented,
and specific requirements. You complete the assignment and return it for grading. Informa-
tion on how to register for the assignment and download the assignment instructions and
data file are presented in the next section of this chapter.
When you have completed the assignment and returned it for grading, you move on to
the second part of the certification process, which is a written test designed to confirm that
you wrote the assignment you submitted, and to investigate the understanding that led to the
design and implementation decisions made during the first part of the exam. You may take up
to 90 minutes to complete the written exam; however, since there are currently only four ques-
tions on the exam, you should find that you have more than enough time to complete it.
It is not possible to have notes or material with you for that exam. As such, it is best to
take the written exam as soon as possible after you have submitted your assignment, while
all the details are still fresh in your mind. Both sections are graded at once, even though the
coding section is collected first. This means that the second exam will ask generic questions
rather than specific ones about your individual project. You need a holistic understanding to
pass both parts of the SCJD exam.
Caution The assignment you submit will not be passed to an assessor for grading until after you have
completed the essay exam. If you do not take the essay exam, you will not receive any warning that your
assignment is not being assessed—it will just sit in limbo until you finally do take the essay exam.
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