Sun Java Certification exams are the best way to demonstrate your skills in Java technologies. These certifications are industry recognized and worldwide programs that focus on critical job roles in software application development and enterprise architecture. Sun's philosophy is that certification is central to the learning process as it provides validation of skill sets required for the specific job roles.

Which certifications are available?

Sun offers the following certifications for professionals in Java technology:

- Sun Certified Java Associate (SCJA)

- Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP)

- Sun Certified Java Developer (SCJD)

- Sun Certified Web Component Developer (SCWCD)

- Sun Certified Business Component Developer (SCBCD)

- Sun Certified Developer for Java Web Services (SCDJWS)

- Sun Certified Mobile Application Developer (SCMAD)

- Sun Certified Enterprise Architect (SCEA)

The SCJA certification has only one exam that covers basic knowledge of OO concepts, the Java programming language and general knowledge of Java platforms and technologies. For more information, you can refer to SCJA exam (http://www.whizlabs.com/scja/scja.html) details.

The SCJP certification, which is the most popular of all certification exams, is for programmers experienced in Java programming language. It has one exam that covers the fundamentals of the Java programming language. For more information, you can refer to SCJP exam (http://www.whizlabs.com/scjp/scjp.html)Details.

To achieve the SCJD certification, a candidate must successfully complete two elements: a programming assignment and an essay exam. This certification covers advanced Java concepts and APIs. For more information, you can refer to SCJD exam (http://www.sun.com/training/certification/java/scjd.xml) details.

The SCWCD certification is for developers specializing in the application of Java Server Pages and Servlet technologies used to present Web services and dynamic Web content. For more information, you can refer to SCBCD exam (http://www.whizlabs.com/scwcd/scwcd.html) details.

The SCBCD certification is for Enterprise JavaBeans developers who are responsible for designing, developing, testing, deploying, and integrating EJB applications. For more information, you can refer to SCBCD exam (http://www.whizlabs.com/scbcd/scbcd.html) details.

The SCEA certification is an advanced certification for professionals aspiring to be J2EE enterprise architects, who are responsible for designing and architecting J2EE compliant applications. For more information, you can refer to SCEA exam (http://www.whizlabs.com/scea/scea.html) details.

The SCDJWS certification is for developers who create Web services for applications using Java technology components and the SCMAD certification is for developers who create mobile applications using Java technologies for cell phones or "smart" devices. You can find more information about these exams at SCDJWS exam (http://www.whizlabs.com/scdjws/scdjws.html) and SCMAD exam (http://www.whizlabs.com/scmad/scmad.html) details.

Which certification is right for me?

If you are planning to enter a career in application development or software project management using Java technology, SCJA would be the best choice.

Achieving the SCJP certification provides clear evidence that a programmer understands the basic syntax and structure of the Java programming language. If your aim is to demonstrate superior programming skills in J2SE, this certification would be right for you.

Once you have the basic certifications, you can pursue advanced certifications that help enable career growth into more specific job roles like Mobile Application Developer or Business Component Developer according to your area of interest. All the specialized certifications (other than the Enterprise Architect, which is an advanced certification) mandate you to be a Sun Certified Java Programmer as a pre-requisite.