Sun Microsystem's Training group provides a comprehensive suite of certification assessments intended to validate your Java skills and provide a measurable standard by which prospective employers can assess what you have to offer. Certification is provided in four levels:

1. Entry-level; Certified Java Associate (SCJA)
2. Foundation-level; Certified Java Programmer (SCJP)
3. Speciality-level; Certified Java Developer (SCJD) and others
4. Advanced-level; Certified Enterprise Architect (SCEA)

Certifications at levels 3 & 4 require that level 2 has been complete. The speciality-level has separate certifications for each of the three types of Java Platform (J2ME, J2SE, J2EE), which J2EE being split into three separate certifications. The advanced level SCEA only applies to J2EE. The entry-level SCJA is shallow but broad (it covers all three platform types).

Most certifications are ~2hr exam-based (taken at Prometric test centres), with quite high pass marks and immediate pass/fail indication. These exam-based certifications cost £95 (in the UK) to take.

We believe that aquiring Sun certification is a wise move to demonstrate that you have learnt Java, however it is not an effective way of learning. Indeed in order for the certifications to be of real value to employers, Sun have gone to some lengths to make those in levels 3 & 4 in particular, very difficult to pass through self-learning alone. These certifications are intended for people with real-world development experience with the relevant Java platform.