SCJP 1.4 is no more available, and there is no point in talking about it. But, SCJP 1.4 had very common, basic level syllabus and hence, sometimes we have to compare other SCJP versions with 1.4.

SCJP 1.4 vs SCJP 1.5

In addition to the basics (in 1.4), the newly added topic in SCJP 1.5 are API contents, Generic, Auto-boxing. Many industries accepted JDK 1.5 for production, so the Java developers have to know JDK 1.5 features. So, SCJP 1.5 will always be the choice to go.

If you have already taken SCJP 1.4, you could either go for SCJP 1.5-upgrade or SCJP 1.5 directly.

SCJP 1.5 Vs SCJP 1.6

SCJP 1.6 exam objectives cover more new API classes and interfaces. Example: java.io.Console, java.util.NavigableSet, java.util.NavigableMap. Slight changes were made in Garbage Collection section and more significance given to basic concepts. The exam time is increased to 210 minutes (it was 175 minutes earlier), and the passing score is raised to: 65%.

JDK 1.6 is being accepted for production very slowly. Several blogs and news sources claim that JDK 1.6 will be widely accepted for production in next two years of time span. So, if you are smart enough, you could go for SCJP 1.6. Still, SCJP 1.5 will not loose any significance for next one or two years down the line.

However, none of the Java Certification has any expiry date, their validity is lifelong. Once certified, they stay on your resume for ever.

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