Through this article I want to share the study tips that I implemented for my Java Programmer exam. There are great sites and books out there and it is easy to access the same. Also many help groups are available for people undertaking the exams and for programming too.
Useful books on the Sun Certified Java Programmer exam::
# Java 2 by Ivor Horton
# Sun Certified Programmer & Developer for Java 2 Study Guide By Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates
# Head First Java By Bert Bates and Kathy Sierra
# Thinking in Java (3rd Edition) By Bruce Eckel
# A Programmer's Guide to Java Certification, 2nd edition by Khalid Azim Mughal, Rolf Rasmussen
# Java 2 Programmer Exam Cram 2 (Exam CX-310-035) by William Brogden and Marcus Green
Mock exams and tutorial sites:
Java Ranch
JCHQ
Java prepare
Javabeat
Brinkster
Java certification exams
Dan's comprehensive exams
Dan's single topic's helped me strengthen the basics
Marcus Greene's exams
Sun Java Programmer certification FAQ sites
Sun's Java Technology Certification FAQ page
FAQ for Sun's Java certification SCJP
SCJP Questions & Answers
Certification FAQ
My inputs:
The Java 2 book gave me a basic overview about Java and got me comfortable with the basic concepts about OOP.
The study guide by Sierra and Bates helped me once i was through thorough with the concepts.I was brushing up with the aid of this book.
The book by Khalid and Wolf are really great as they help you prepare for the real exam.
I practised a lot of papers that are available on the Javaranch website.
It took 4 months of preparation. At a steady pace and lot of practise in coding and exam paper solving one should be able to nail the exam.
On the day of the exam, go with a cool mind. the best part you could answer questions that are easier and you are sure of the answers. Later you could go back and attempt the ones you left out. Doing so, gives you some confidence to answer the toughies.
Testing centres in India
Sun Microsystems - SAI Program
Thomson Prometric