Monday, March 30, 2009

SCJD as a follow up to SCJP

Sun Certified Java Developer (SCJD) is a specialty level certification for java programmers. SCJD is not as easy as SCJP. SCJD checks the individual’s skill to perform in the practical world. The applicant should be able to work on commercial web applications. An applicant should be proficient in Java programming language using Java Standard Edition (J2SE). This is the qualification that Sun requires in a programmer who is appearing for SCJD.

As a prerequisite, the applicant must be a Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) in any edition. In SCJD, you learn how to apply skills and language that you have learn while doing SCJP to solve practical problems.

There are two exams or assignments that are required for SCJD certification. First, CX-310-252A is a programming assignment type of exam. It takes a lot of time (at least several weeks) for completing this program. Second the CX-310-027 exam is an essay type. SCJD applicant must use custom file formats in his program for a detailed program. The program should be detailed in every aspect. Also, there is no strict limit for both these exam.

SCJD certification has become a global standard for many IT companies and the SCJD certified people are in good demand in the IT industry. The reason for this demand is that SCJD’s are assumed to be more competitive, confident & they have ultimate evidence to show that they can perform complex task or projects very well than a non-certified developer. The graph shown below provides an indicative measure of salaries which a SCJD certification leads to, although this is only valid for the US.


Source:Payscale
Related to: SCJA and SCJP

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Train Now!

Rarely does a day go by without a friend or former colleague calling up to ask for a job. He’s either been asked to go or simply wants to quit because “the writing is on the wall”. And I tell them all to be patient. I also request them to take time off, plan their expenses and invest – not in stocks or real estate or gold; but invest in themselves.

How?! How does one invest in oneself?

So, be patient. And read on…

Yesterday, The Economic Times reported “
India’s second-biggest software exporter, Infosys Technologies, has postponed its hiring plans for engineering graduates this year by almost six months, as the company seeks to cope with a lower demand for software services in its top markets of US and Europe. Next fiscal, Infosys will be interviewing potential employees by visiting top engineering colleges during eighth semester, and not sixth semester as before.”

Nothing new, you’ll say. This is the kind of bad news that appears every day and makes us want to stop reading the papers: ironical, isn’t it, that the pink dailies keep telling us our economy is in anything but the pink of health? But, think about it - isn’t there another message here that’s obvious if you choose to read between the lines? Isn’t it true that half-empty glasses are also half-full?

If Infosys and a hundred other sure-shot employers are going to defer their recruitment plans and then get really selective about who they’ll eventually hire, it means that life is going to get even tougher. Because it means that being good is no longer enough – to convert a CV into an appointment letter, you have to be the best. You have to be better trained, smarter, more confident. Actually, if you go deeper, you'll find Infosys saying so as well: read what they have to say in the part on Enhancing Human Capital here.

You have to invest in yourself - right now. Simple.

It may sound paradoxical but the best time to study and retrain yourself, upgrade your skills is now – when jobs are scarce. When the pressure of meeting deadlines, screaming bosses and political-minded, back-stabbing colleagues isn’t there. Take advantage of this time and do something productive – you’ll find that the return on this investment will last a lifetime. And when Infosys comes calling, you’ll be ahead of the queue ☺

And there are many ways to do it: enroll for a course at a physical centre/university. Or prepare for stuff like IT Certification online without losing the flexibility and free-time you have.

After all, the darker the cloud, the more silver there is in the lining.

Cheers!

Entry Level Java Certifications - SCJA and SCJP

There are four levels in Java certification. The first is the associate level, which affirms that you have a basic knowledge which enables you to get an entry into a career in Java application development. On the next level, the associates need to be trained on foundation set of Java skills, which confirms by becoming a Sun Certified Java Programmer. Thirdly, you have advanced or specialty training & certifications that helps in your career growth into more specific job roles that make you a very value asset for your organization.


Source: Java Certification Path

SCJA
Sun Certified Java Associate (SCJA) is the newest of Sun's Java Certifications. It tests your basic knowledge of Object oriented programming, UML (universal markup language) concepts, the Java programming language & general knowledge of Java platforms & technologies. By becoming a sun certified associate, sun confirms that you have a basic set of knowledge that helps you get an entry into a career in application development or software project management using Java technology. It is targeted at new-comers to Java who are not necessarily working in technical positions, such as project managers, students, or developers for whom Java is not a primary requirement. SCJA certified associates are great in demand by employers & clients.
Demand trend
Salary trend
Source: Slideshare

SCJP
Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) is an entry level Java exam and is a prerequisite for other Java related certifications. There have been a number of previous versions of SCJP. The current version, SCJP 6.0 is aimed at JDK 6.0 release of Java. It is basically for programmers interested in showing their skills in the fundamentals of the Java Programming language. It’s not necessary to be Sun Certified Java Associate prior to taking this exam. This exam tests looping constructs and variables, and does not cover specific technologies such as GUI creation, Web or network programming. It is designed as a fairly detailed test of basic knowledge of the essentials of the Java programming language. It tests looping constructs and variables, and does not cover specific technologies such as GUI creation, Web or network programming. In recent years, the SCJP certification has become a global standard for many successful IT companies.

Demand trend

Salary

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

How much are certifications worth?


Use this handy tool from Payscale to understand how certifications can really boost your confidence as well as your wallet :) In fact, if your salaries are not close to these benchmarks, you better get certified!

Monday, March 23, 2009

All about Database Certifications

A collection of grouped information organized in such a way that a simple computer program can select the desired data according to the requirement, in IT terminology it is called database. It is an application that manages the data & allows fast storage & retrieval of data. There are different types of databases, but the most popular among all is relational database. It stores data in tables where each row holds the same sort of information. Relational databases are currently the predominant choice in storing financial records, manufacturing and logistical information, personnel data and much more. Oracle and SQL Server are popular commercial relational databases.



A database management system (DBMS) is software that has been created to allow the efficient use and management of databases, including ensuring that data is consistent and correct and facilitating it’s updating. For small, single user databases, all functions are often managed by a single program; for larger and multi-user databases, multiple programs are usually involved and client-server architecture is generally employed. Software database drivers are available for most database platforms so that application software can use a common Application Programming Interface (API) to retrieve the information stored in a database. Two commonly used database APIs are JDBC and ODBC.

Why every small, large multinational company need database administrator?

If you are a database administrator professional and you need to improve your skills or want to upgrade your resume, then you should go for certification in database administration. Perhaps you had just started your career in database administration & you like to make a mark in your field. Thereare various database administration certification provided by some popular database vendors.
Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) - It’s a certification designed for professional who implement, design & administer SQL databases. It’s appropriate for those individual who handles all the database related work starting from creating the database till managing the database. The job roles for Microsoft certified database administrator professionals include: database administrator, analyst, & developers. MCDBA is a part of previous MCP certifications.


Oracle
Oracle has introduced a wide range of certification programs for entry level to experienced professionals and for domains ranging from database administration, database management to programming, web development and other advanced technologies. For Database Administration related certifications are discussed in two parts.

Entry Level
Oracle’s OCA DBA 9i & 10g - They are designed to certify foundation skills in an individual for database administration. If you want to go OCP 9i or 10g exams, then you should be an OCA DBA 9i or 10g. There are no prerequisites for OCA DBA 9i & 10g certification; it would be helpful if you have experience working with SQL and Oracle database or other databases. OCA 9i & 10g certified professionals find appropriate job easily & get paid more.


Professional Level
Oracle’s OCP DBA 9i
- OCP status prove that you have achieved a high level of oracle database design & implementation skills. As an OCP certified professional, your employers & customers will be confident in your knowledge, skills to design, develop & implement solutions. The prerequisite for OCP DBA 9i certification is the OCA certification. You have to take two tests to achieve this certification.

Oracle’s OCP DBA 10g - It requires skills that include implementing & managing complex Oracle Database 10g functions, recovering and tuning the database using advanced tools and technologies. The OCP DBA 10g is an advanced certification targeted towards DBAs having full experience on Oracle databases. The prerequisite for OCP DBA 10g certification is the OCA 10g certification. The OCP certification is highly demanded. Employers prefer professionals holding the OCP DBA 10g certification, as they can be sure that he has a solid foundation of skills needed for effective performance in the workplace.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) - Specializations Available

CCNP Certification focuses on routing & switching of scalable networks including intranets & campuses. It includes building scalable CISCO networks, securing converged wide area networks. It is used by Cisco certified professionals as a step between CCNA & CCIE. This article goes beyond CCNP (Routers and Switches) to the other specializations in the area of design, voice, internetwork & security. We discuss what is involved in each, the career options and the demand trends for these certifications.

CCDP – It is a professional-level certification designed to reflect advanced knowledge in network design. After you successfully complete CCNA or CCDA certification, you are eligible to give exams CCDP. It is a direct entry into the professional world and a certificate that is recognized by the industry. It is crucial for you to invest your time and money in this certificate, by appearing for the CCDP exam. After you get CCDP certified, you can find jobs in the domains of network design and implementation, or optimization network performance.

CCVP - There is growing demand for CCVP (Cisco certified voice professionals) in the global market to integrate the VoIP (voice over internet protocol) system into the existing networks. To be eligible for CCVP, you must first pass the CCNA certification. VoIP system is integrated into the IP-based networks. CCVP is the worldwide recognized IT certification in IP-based networks.

CCIP - This is for those professionals who want to work, or are working in a service provider organization with competencies in infrastructure IP networking solutions. CCIP certified individuals must have a thorough knowledge & understanding of network technologies in the service provider arena. Demand for CCIP is great in the current scenario, and CCIPs command high salaries as compared to other professionals.

CCSP - It is designed for IT Professionals who are responsible for delivering self-defending networks that are integrated & adopted. CCSP ensures that a network professional should be actively involved in designing and delivering multiple levels of security departments. A CCSP can secure and manage network infrastructure to protect productivity and reduce costs. Either the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or CCIP (Cisco Certified Internetwork Specialist) are prerequisites for CCSP.

Source: CCDP, CCVP, CCIP, CCSP Jobs
Related to: CCNA

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Beyond CCNA Routers and Switches

CCNA Certification is a means to demonstrate one’s ability to work on medium size route & switched networks. The most popular variant of the certification is CCNA (Routers and Switches). This article goes beyond CCNA (Routers and Switches) to the other specializations in the area of security, voice, wireless and design. We discuss what is involved in each, the career options and the demand trends for these certifications.

Different fields in CCNA
CCNA Security - It meets the needs of IT professionals who are responsible for network security. It also confirms an individual's skills for job roles such as Network Security Specialist, Security Administrator, and Network Security Support Engineer. CCNA Security prepares you for new career opportunities in security networking. There is an immense rise in demand for CCNA jobs. The Salary packages have also increased with an in increase in demand for jobs
Demand Graph for CCNA Salary Graph for CCNA

CCNA Voice - It confirms that an individual possesses required skill set for specialized job roles in voice technologies. Voice is becoming more & more accepted in today’s world & network admins who have certification in Voice will have an upper hand over those who don’t have a voice certification. There are various designations after this; an individual could work as a voice engineer, voice specialist & voice analyst. Employers are looking for voice engineers; demand is also on the rise for this position.

Demand for CCNA Voice

CCNA Wireless - It validates your skill and ability to implement, configure & support wireless LANs using CISCO equipments. Training is provided to students with information & practice activities to prepare them for monitoring, troubleshooting for basic tasks of Cisco WLan’s in small-medium sized business & enterprise networks.

CCNA Design(CCDA) - Cisco Certified Design Associate is certification for IT professionals who can design routed and switched network infrastructures involving LAN, WAN services for businesses and organizations. The CCDA has as its prerequisite the knowledge and skills to install, configure, and operate basic network infrastructures such as, Cisco Designer. As well, Cisco highly recommends holding the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate).There is an immense rise in demand for CCDA associates. Companies providing a good salary packages to certified associates. Demand & Salary Graph for CCDA.
Demand Graph for CCDASalary Graph for CCDA