weightage of JAVA CERTIFICATION

hi javaranchers!
the question may sound stupid for you all but is a genuine one for me.i want to make a carrer shift to IT.(my backround is a doctorate in physics).i haven't done any real coding though i have a little knowledge of programming in C++.Will JAVA CERTIFICATION helps in securing a job without any previous experience of programming?All options are appreciable.
rekha

Rekha,
It depends how u look at it. This certification as far as i look at it is aimed at making the programmers to make their base strong in Java. And as the passing is 71% it gives an aspirant an all round exposure to the language. He would have to cover all the aspects. What I am trying to tell u is this definitely a Java Certified Programmer is always preferred than a fresher any time as he covers all the aspects of Java needed for programming.
I am sorry if i have not made a point here

what i want to know is "IS it worth for a fresher to aquire Java certification"?Can we look for some job based on this single certification in hand?i want a feed back on this.
regards
rekha

Get both the developer and programmer certifications because
those 2 tests are the core of the jdk and the developer test
is a programming assignment which in passing it proves
you can code! After those 2 tests if you have a phd in physics
you will be hired because the math degrees shows you can
think and are smart. The best programmers have degrees
not in cs. Tim sweeny the lead programmer and owner of
the game www.unrealtournament.com has a degree in mech. engineering. John Carmack of www.idsoftware.com dropped out
of college as is known to be the best programmer in the
computer gaming field. I can go on and on....
Also you should work part-time on getting the new architech
test because the test is hard and gives you more knowledge
that you need for programming , design patterns, uml, ejbs
etc...

Rekha,
The answer is in affirmative. Yes it is imperative for a fresher in Java to undergo this test as it surely does make him grip the essence required which others might not have.

Originally posted by rekha:
hi javaranchers!
the question may sound stupid for you all but is a genuine one for me.i want to make a carrer shift to IT.(my backround is a doctorate in physics).i haven't done any real coding though i have a little knowledge of programming in C++.Will JAVA CERTIFICATION helps in securing a job without any previous experience of programming?All options are appreciable.
rekha

The query as answered by Sun themselves....
Q. WHY SHOULD I BECOME CERTIFIED?
A. Certification validates a certain level of competency in programming for the Java platform. With Java technology in use for so many critical applications, companies looking to take on Java technology professionals are more likely to look for Sun Certification - after all, Sun pioneered the Java platform and is therefore fully committed to its future. Programmers and developers can gain the skills needed to advance their careers, while managers can make certain their staff are highly trained in Java technology, increasing productivity and ensuring staff have the right skill levels.
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hi!
thanks jag_nai/cyberoptic for your feed back.It means its worth preparing for the exam.Now tell me how to start.i have a book on JAVA2(complete reference by PATRICK NAUGHTON &HERBERT SCHILDT).The book i feel is too.... big a book!.I will buy a book for certification exam (Book by RHE,since that i found recommended by most of you all).are there some tutorials especially for the beginers written by javaranchers?can i download it?want some help!
regards
rekha

HI !
Check the Links section of Javaranch, you will find very good links to SCJP related sites. !!
Best of Luck
Manoj

I would say before u get on with Java try undersatnding Object oriented programming language concept as java is a one.
u can get info at http://www.soft-design.com/softinfo/objects.html
and try this link for beginners http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Aegean/5799/Java.html