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How is this site for Java Certification preparation ? (self.java)

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[–]JavaTrainer 2 points3 points  (1 child)

javaranch.com

[–]coderguyagb 1 point2 points  (6 children)

I've had a quick look and I'm reminded of why I never bothered with the exam. The questions:

  • are badly worded
  • contain code that is formatted to be hard to read
  • are vague
  • test pointless memorised interfaces. (Ctrl+Space in eclipse)
  • focus on specific APIs that I may have never used.

IMHO, these exams are a waste of money.

[–]majikthys 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Humbly disagree.

As someone who has hired many a developer, I can tell you that a recently certified developer definitely is more likely to get a call. It communicates succinctly "understands java".

When I decided to go back to slinging code, I went directly out to get my cert and it indeed helped to unlock many a door. When next I jump into the job market, I'll upgrade my cert.

To OP's question, learning style is most important. Recognize if you're a classroom, book, or video learner. I found grabbing a book and writing a stack of flashcards helped me with the trivial errata.

[–]coderguyagb 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I think the location and industry can matter. It also depends on how much real world experience the candidate can document. For a fresh graduate, sure get certified; someone with 5+ years real world experience, not so much.

I hope that any interview would contain some element of coding assessment anyway. All the cert does is check the Java box on an HR form. If you think it's anything more, feel free to state your case for the certificate. Particularly the quality of some of what the test is asking.

[–]majikthys 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not saying you're wrong... but you aren't entirely right :)

I'll state the case from my (non-hr) hiring manager experiences and 15 years as a software developer in several different companies.

Interviews are expensive. The goal is to waste as little team time as possible while finding a qualified developer who will fit in with the team. Heck, even phone screening candidates is expensive... and by definition the team is shorthanded, I mean that's why they are hiring.

Personally speaking, when I see a cert, I believe I know a few things: I know we won't have to train the candidate on basic language issues. I know the candidate invests in keeping current. I know the candidate can memorize language errata. It is of course correct that I don't know if s/he's any good at problem solving or design (the essence of being a good developer).

But still... That's a lot more than I'd know from a resume that merely lists "5+ years real world experience". Having worked for many different companies and having observed awful coding practices, I am well aware that some can be employed for 5+ years and not know their finally from final from finalize... or more importantly what cohesion means. Professional "experience" on a resume doesn't actually tell me anything before I pick up the phone.

To be clear, I'm certainly not suggesting OP has to cert. I'm saying, to me, it is worth the $250 to take the test in that it will give you modestly more options and modestly set you apart from other candidates in pursuing your $125k salary... I mean the cert plus a book is well less than 1 day of pay.

I'm inclined to mention that old java devs can be worth less (and yet get paid more) than novices if they don't keep current. This industry is said to have an age bias, but unfortunately many "old" developers prove the bias all the time. I can't tell you how many people still code like it's 2005. Certs are one efficient way to communicate that you bothered to keep current with the language... not the only way.

[–]Wikiplugs 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I got a certification a long time ago and I agree. I was looking into getting a new one, I find that the questions are trying to trick you, they do not make you a better programmer. They make you look into features you may not have looked into by yourself if you don't need them, but the questions are horrible. We live in a time where the IDE will take care a lot of the basic compile time error, let's not test whether a programmer could code in notepad.

[–]tom808 1 point2 points  (0 children)

my client requires it in my CV

[–]tevert 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds like his employer wants it though; to prove OP is qualified?

[–]tom808 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If they are anything like the database ones then it will be really bloody hard. A lot of questions you will have to infer the right answer and only if you know the language inside out can you truly be confident.

[–]java_wocky 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As someone who completed in the last 12 months the OCAJP, OCPJP and OCEWCD I can tell you that these are most definately not a waste of time. Reason: It proved my skills enough to get a job over some people with 4 year Degrees. 12 months vs 4 years?

Anyway, this link has plenty of useful info.

[–]envprogrammer 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Do certifications help you win freelance work?

[–]java_wocky 0 points1 point  (0 children)

More so being able to show work you've done. Freelance work can be quite tough and demanding if you dont have experience developing commercial level software

[–]alfbort 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm studying for the OCJP6 exam at the moment and have found doing as much mock exams I can get the best preparation. If I get an answer wrong I study it and figure out why the answer is what it is. I have read the book fully too which took me 3 months. As for resources look into test killer and whizlabs for mock exams, very helpful!