Sun Microsystems (SUNW), the creator of Java Programming Language, is offering Java Associate (SCJA) Beta Certification Exam freely from June 20 - July 15, 2005. Registration has started from today.

I think it is a golden opportunity for entry level Java programmers and students with 6 month or more experience in Java to validate their skills. According to Sun the examination is suitable for:

  • Entry level Java programmers
  • Students studying to become Java programmers
  • Project or program managers working with Java technology
  • IT managers

Update: Please check Guide to Java Software Certifications for latest information on java software certification options.

Sun certifications are highly valued in the industry unlike other certifications like BrainBench etc. I can personally vouchsafe for their high quality, having (successfully) taken their Sun Certified Architect for Java Technology Examination.

If you are an entry level programmer using the Java programming language or a professional in the Software development industry you have an opportunity to both help set industry standards and have your skills certified by taking a FREE beta version of the new Sun Certified Associate for the Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition, Version 1.0 (SCJA) (beta exam number 311-019).

We recommend that candidates have approximately six months exposure (experience and/or education) to the Java Programming Language and Object Oriented Concepts, and have general knowledge of Java technologies, including the Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition (J2SE) and the Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE).

Passing the exam, entitles you to the full status of Sun Certified Associate for the Java 2 Platform, Standard Edition, and you will receive a Sun certification kit.

Indians should contact local Prometric Test Centers listed at www.2test.com.

Check the detailed examination objectives for preparation.

Link

Update
Apparently they closed the registration suddenly before the scheduled date of July 15th for unspecified reasons. Check the site: http://www.sun.com/training/certification/java/associate_beta.xml
for full details. What a bummer!

This is from their site:

Free Sun Certified Java Associate (SCJA) Beta Certification Exam
Beta Dates: June 20 - July 15, 2005
Registration Begins: Registration closed

This is definitely not fair. And you should let them know how you feel about it by writing to Sun Training.