SCJP FAQ by SUN

Old FAQ when SUN revised jdk1.2 exams.

Revision of Sun Certified Programmer and Developer Certifications

What's new with the Sun Certified Programmer for Java 2 Platform

Sun has revised it's Sun Certified Programmer for Java 2 Platform exam. The title is still the same. The testing number is still the same. And the subject matter is still the same. So what's new?

All the questions are new. To keep our certification fresh and the questions up to the highest standard in the industry we have created all new questions. Candidates will also find a couple of new features on the examination.

* A Borderline survey is posted at the end of the exam. This survey allows us to collect information on the candidates programming experience using Java Technology . That information is used to determine how our exams are performing. In short, it allows us to create and maintain the highest standard in our examinations. Giving honest answers to this survey is essential .
* There is a new format for multiple answer questions. Any question that requires more than one answer now states exactly how many responses are required.
* Our exams are requiring more cognitive thought. This means memorizing information from a book isn't going to help you pass the exam. Candidates should have a minimum of 6-12 months of programming experience before taking the exam. The questions contain many code samples. If you don't have programming experience it will be very difficult for you to earn this certification.
* Make sure you read through the Exam Introduction prior to your scheduled exam appointment. This introduction is posted on the exam but it will save you time if you familiarize yourself with this information in advance. It contains all the information you need in order to read and understand the questions on the exam accurately.

SUN CERTIFIED PROGRAMMER FOR JAVA 2 PLATFORM REVISION
Q. Are the testing objectives different?

A. No. There may be some minor revisions for clarification but the testing objectives will remain basically the same. We are still testing the same subject matter.
Q. Why is the pass score different?

A. The pass score has changed in order to ensure the level of difficulty is the same between the old exam and the new. Therefore, the value of the certification is the same regardless of which exam you took.
Q. Will the new exam cover the jdk 1.3?

A. There are no changes in the core programming language that we test on the programmer exam.
Q. Will the new exam be more difficult?

A. We have made every effort to keep the level of difficulty consistent with the original Java 2 exam.
Q. Is it possible to take the original Programmer examination for Java 2 Platform after October 4, 2000?

A. No. As of October 4, 2000, the questions on the Programmer exam for Java 2 Platform will be changed permanantly. All candidates will be required to take the new exam in order to become certified. No exceptions will be made.
Q. What is a Borderline Survey?

A. There is now a survey at the end of the exam called a Borderline. This survey allows us to collect information of the candidate's experience as a programmer. That information is used to determine how our exams are performing. In short, it allows us to create and maintain the highest standard in our examinations. Giving honest answers to this survey is essential.
Q. Will there be the same number of questions?

A. Yes. There will still be 61 questions, two of which are part of our privacy statement.
SUN CERTIFIED DEVELOPER FOR JAVA 2 PLATFORM REVISION
Q. Has the assignment changed?

A. No. The assignment itself is essentially the same. There are a few new requirements that relate to submitting in different versions of the jdk.
Q. Is the pass score the same?

A. Yes. The pass score has not changed.