General Information

Site design (Self Study only)

• Web Site Only (home study) - The programmer studies on his own.   Use "Java Jem" for concise tips and info.  Use Applets and source code for hands on learning and examples.
• Syllabus - No longer available.

Site Study Resources

• Java Jem - is a condensed version of key information you should know about a certain subject.  You may print out the Java Jem's for study away from the computer.    The Java Jem is also a good source when you are doing your final cramming for the exam.
• Java Programs - each program demonstrates the objectives found in the Java Jem so you can see the Java code in action.  You need to study the program until you feel like you completely understand the code.  If you have any questions please Email me.  You need to download the source code for each program and experiment by changing and modifying the code.  This is a must!  You must get your hands dirty in the code !!!
• Java Certification Tapes & other Web Development Tapes. Many of us have some drive time that could be used to expand our knowledge.  I wish I had a resource to give you for a series of "Java Certification Prep" tapes or Web Development tapes that you can listen to while in the car.   If you know of this kind of resource, please Email me.  Click here to see the links that are available.
• I do not have the following:  Chat site, downloading of slides, real video player, or audio training.

Focus of Java Certification Training

• Not a Java Tutorial.  I assume you are familiar with Java.
• "Java Jems"  can help you cram for the Exam.
• The Java source code demonstrates certain Java concepts.
• There is a cross reference to some HTML mock-up exams that will help you study Exam type questions as you are studing those concepts.
• The "Java Hot Sites" have links to mock-up exams, simulated exams, and other helps.

Your part in this Site (Cost of the training)

• Email me with suggestions.
• If you find a good resource that can help other Java programs please share it with me.   I will share it via this site!
• If this site benefits you, recommend it to a friend.
• Pass the EXAM !!!  That is my greatest payment.   I want to leave a LEGACY in the Java Community.

You may download the source code for each example program:

Here is the steps.

MS Internet Explorer 4.0 & Netscape 4.5 (maybe others also)

1. Choose one of the example programs in the training section. 
   (ex:  Hello Applet - one of the "Java for Programmers" examples.)
2. View the source by clicking on "The Source" located at the bottom of the page.
3. Choose: File, Save As
4. Choose your directory, then click. "SAVE"
5. Compile & Run instructions is located in the source file.
   (You will need the .html file also. While viewing the program, not the source, perform steps 3 - 4.)

After each Session:

1. Review each Java Jewel.
2. Review in detail the Java program.
3. Study the exam questions that apply to the sessions that were covered. There is a Java Jewel you can use as an index.  (2 Exams are in Barry Boones book.  2 exams can be downloaded:  Marcus Green, Dr John Hunt)
4. Browse through the applicable chapters in the text book (Barry Boones book). Later you may want to read in more detail.
5. Play with the code. (1) Modify and compile my Java program.  (2) Key in some of the exercises in each chapter of the text book.

To be prepared for Sun Certified Java Programmer, I suggest the following:

• 40 hrs of class room hours to learn the fundamentals of the Java language.  (This will get you started!).  As an alternative, you can purchase a book on Java.  Click here for some links to book references. 
• 320 hrs working with a wide range of Java source code.  (1 cyber year may be necessary!)  You must get real dirty in the code.  Make sure you understand the programs I have at my training site!
• 160 hrs reading a text book on Java Certification.  Click here for more info.
• 40 hrs reviewing the practice exams in the Java Certification book.
• 40 hrs taking the mockup Exams.  Click here for links to simulated exams and HTML style exams.  May require more hours.  ( Note: Do not mark the answers on the exams. This will allow you to take the exams more than once.)
• Take as many simulated exams as possible.  Make sure you can pass the simulated exams with 90% (Key to you passing the exam!).  MOST PEOPLE FAIL THE EXAM THE FIRST TIME.
• On my training site, review all of my Java Jems.  "Java Jems" are great for Exam Cramming!
• Level of Difficulty of the Exam:   Most people do not pass the exam on the first go around.  I'm sure many don't retake.  It is a pretty difficult exam even if you've been programming in Java at work.  I think the key is studying a Java Certificate Book and passing mockup exams with a 90%.  
  
  My Experience with the exam: 
  • I failed the exam by one question my first time.  I passed by a few more questions the second time, but not with the grade I expected.  In college I carried a 3.69 GPA and a 3.85 in High School.  The test was humbling.
  • The second time I took the exam I still felt like I wasn't ready but I wanted a career change badly.  Within 3 months of certification I landed the job I wanted.
  • I did not have any on the Job experience.  I had many years of programming experience but mostly in procedural languages.
  • Exam Questions - I used the examples in the back of Certification Books and some in HTML format from the web.  I now wish I had taken some simulated exams.
  • I also held some training classes and created many of the Java Jems and Java Applets you see at my site.  I still wish I had spent more time getting dirty in the Java code.

When You Are Ready For The Exam

• Steps to Ordering the Sun Certification Exam