become Java certified

My boss wants myself & my colleague who were previously concerned mainly with operational live support of a number of J2EE applications – operational meaning we mainly did data fixes, restarting servers, making changes to config files and so forth – to converge our roles with those of the developers we work with. This means learning Java, dusting off our webMethods knowledge, learning our local proprietory system for XML validation, and so forth. To that end, I’ve re-started my SCJP study, but I’m also working through various exercises in Java programming using JDBC, Swing, RMI and so forth, and picking up what UML I can.

My work are starting up a study group for SCP and SCJD, which I’m joining. Also, we’re running free RUP courses, though they’re just a half-day quick tour really. Better than nowt though.