Get Certified?
 

I was recently viewing Sun's website and the certifications they offer. They now have a new ceritifcate for an entry level programmer. It's called Sun Certified Associate for the Java Platform. I was thinking about doing it. I already purchased the official practice exam and it seems pretty easy.

I wanted some opinions on whether I should spend $100 and take the exam to become certified or not.

I do plan on attending and graduating college with a BS in Computer Science. I just wanted some feedback from my people!

Sun's website says the exam costs $200.

Wrong one.
http://www.sun.com/training/catalog/...CX-310-019.xml

The certification would be a plus, but really isn't necessary... because your BS degree would speak for itself, IMO.

looks good on a resume

The more certification you have, the better off you are. That might put you ahead of the guy who doesn't have it. It really depends on whether you can afford it as well, if you start writing lots of exams like that, things get very pricey. As IR said, it's not really necessary. Some employers could care less about it. They want to know if you can do the work, rather than answer a bunch of questions. There are millions of people in the IT field, and only half of them actually know what they are talking about. That's why those certifications lose credit. People can study and write the exam and pass, but still not know what they are doing in the field. My advice: If you write that exam, make sure you could put all of it, and more into practice.

They couldn't hurt.

"There are millions of people in the IT field, and only half of them actually know what they are talking about." - Haha

I say why not, you wont lose anything by earning it -except the $100, and some time - which may be well worth it considering some employers require them (sometimes even if the applicant has a BS degree). It may give you better chances than someone who doesn't have it, and at the very least, the same chances as someone who does.

Thanks a lot for everyone's opinions! Greatly Appreciated!

I personally think this percentage is on the high side, I would lean more towards about 15% actually know what they are doing. :)