SCJA & SCJP Questions

Question

Hi all, I would like to clear out a few points/questions if possible.
First -
I'm a C++ programmer but want to extend my knowledge in learning Java therefore im thinking of taking the Sun Certifications, which would start from SCJA. Now, would the SCJA study guide be appropriate to achieve this certification or would I need addional training software, like the bundle set "Java Entry Level Certification Solution (CDJ-JAVA-NOV)" provided by Sun itself.
Second -
Considering the fact im rather new to Java and its technology, ive been reading about Java 6.. would it be ideal to wait a little and study the 'new' version before moving into the Java 5 certifications.. just to be with the 'latest' technology or is Java 6 just a small extension/upgrade upon Java 5 ?
Third -
As my main aim is to reach the SCMAD Certification level, I would like to know what good books are available for the SCJP certification exams, as stated in the main question (SCJA and SCJP both rely in the Java SE technology) , the bundle set kinda covers the Java SE aspects and was wondering if its feasible enough to just purchase that training kit to study that course material or if there is any other relevant/suitable material instead that I should go with.
Many thanks and really appreciate your help.

Answer 1

on the contrary, it means you can memorize facts.no
understanding is impliedNot even close to true. The test is filled with
questions that present code and questions that ask if
the code will it break at compile time, runtime, or
run just fine, etc. What will the output be, etc.
Aside from memorizing data types, you must be able to
compile and run code in your brain. To me this
implies and understanding. And as most people are
reliant upon compilers and runtime errors to write
solid code, it's not easy. I think you should really
have a look at the exam and let's see how well you do.I'm not saying it's easy, and by "no understanding is implied" I mean understanding of writing software, not the mechanics of the language. my point is that SCJP et al are meaningless in terms of deciding someone's employability, since what they test is largely academic. as you say, people have compilers and tools to lean on for details such as syntax errors, so what use is testing that knowledge manually? a wide vocabulary is no indicator of a good author, a good story-teller, is it? show me the engine in your car, and I can tell you what most components are called, what they do and how they work. ask me to actually fix something in there, and I'm completely lost. the understanding of the mechanics is not enough
like it or not, knowing the syntax of the language, and the rules about what will and won't compile, etcetera, is just memorizing facts. being able to produce working complex software is a different skill, which these exams do not examine. nothing wrong with that in itself, but the danger comes because so many employers don't understand this, and see SCJP/whichever as proof that the person holding it is competent. it isn't, and I've met enough java cert'd people to know this