Re: becoming a Sun Certified Java Programmer?

Don Brady wrote:

> (3) In interviewing candidates, I have found that the majority do not 
> have even a basic understanding of Java.   Anything even potentially 
> positive on your resume will help you get an interview, and 
> certification shows some initiative at least.

Sadly, I have found this to be the case as well.  I'm not sure of the 
content of the current Sun certs but the only thing I'd be wary of is 
overexposure to 'legacy' J2EE technologies (EJB2 entity beans and other 
such abominations).  For straight Java programming skills -- if it helps 
you learn something new or fills in some gaps, then I say it was worth 
it.  But you might well get that from simply reading the material.  The 
actual cert is gravy as I don't think many hiring managers actually look 
for it.  You can also try your hand at Java Black Belt and see where 
that goes.

-Chris