A.2 Registering for the Exam

The exam is administered through a company called Prometric. They provide computer-based testing services for a wide variety of clients. Prometric has more than 4,800 testing centers located in 121 countries around the world. The test is paid for through the purchase of vouchers. An exam voucher must be obtained before signing up for the test at a local testing center.

Obtaining an Exam Voucher

Exam vouchers are sold by Sun Educational Services. Some testing centers may be able to help in obtaining a voucher for the exam. If not, you can obtain one by calling Sun Educational Services. The main number for Sun Educational Services in the United States and Canada is (800) 422-8020.

Be sure to obtain the correct voucher for the programmer exam. The test number for the Sun Certified Programmer for the Java 2 Platform 1.4 is CX-310-035. Sun will need credit card information to arrange payment. The cost of the voucher vary, depending on the country you live in. For US residents it costs $150.

Sun will send the voucher as soon as the credit information has been verified. The voucher is sent by FedEx, and will normally arrive within one business day.

It is important to take good care of the voucher, as it is needed when signing up for the test at Prometric. Note that your voucher has an expiration date, usually of 6 to 12 months. Neither Sun nor Prometric will replace lost or expired vouchers, nor will they offer refunds for unused vouchers.

Signing up for the Test

After obtaining the exam voucher, Prometric can be called to sign up for the test by making an appointment at one of the local testing centers.

Contact Information

Both Sun and Prometric have offices and associates around the world that can provide information about the exam. They can be contacted to purchase a voucher or sign up for the test.

The best way to find contact information and local testing centers is to visit their Web sites at:

Sun Educational Services

http://suned.sun.com/

Prometric

http://www.prometric.com/

After taking the Exam

Those passing the exam will immediately receive a temporary certificate. Prometric will inform Sun Educational Services about the passing of the exam, and Sun will send a permanent certificate by mail, which should arrive within a few weeks.