Java & Solaris Frequently Asked Questions
- When do the courses start?
Each course consists of Web-based and CD-based material. Enrollment is open and you can start within a few days of registering. Courses can be completed in 18 months or less, depending on the total number of hours required of the course and the time you devote weekly to your course modules.
- How long will my certification-examination vouchers be valid?
Your exam vouchers will be valid for 19 months from the day you register with Coastline for your course.
- Where can I take my certification exams?
Sun certification exams are only administered at Prometric testing sites. Click here to find out which Prometric site is closest to you, whether you're at home station or deployed.
- Will certification in Java or Solaris make me more valuable to my Army unit?
Absolutely! For instance, according to the Army COOL Web site, several Java and Solaris certifications are relevant to the 25B MOS. But beyond that, the certifications offered by Coastline and Sun Microsystems make you a better-rounded IT professional, and, since many Army systems run applications that contain either Java or Solaris, your certification as a Sun specialist will put you in a position to support your unit's IT requirements in new, productive ways.
- What kind of civilian work can I do once I have been certified in Java technology?
Since Java is used to develop applications in every industry, you can expect to find interesting civilian work across a broad spectrum, from developing applications for mobile phones, to participating in large-scale development and implementation of complex applications and services used to run entire businesses. IT professionals who have Java certification from Sun are working in jobs such as software programmer, software developer, computer systems analyst, and in the management of these areas, in industries as varied as healthcare, insurance, and aerospace.
- How valuable is certification in the Java programming language?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a division of the US Department of Labor, estimates that in 2006, the average salary paid to computer-systems analysts in the US (one of the jobs mentioned above) was $75,890. Of course, this number is a broad average, but IT professionals with certified Java skills are in high demand.
- Where can I get help with questions about the Java courses offered through the AVOTEC program?
There are several useful sources of assistance available to Coastline's distance learners in the Sun programs; many of them can be found at the Sun Community Resource Center.
- Questions about registration processes can be directed to Miltech@coastline.edu or through the "Contact Us" link.
- The Sun Developer Network is where other IT professionals, including Sun experts, discuss several aspects of Java programming, to include the Sun Java training curriculum. We encourage you to register as a member of the SDN early in your training - it will be a valuable resource to you throughout your IT career.
- Java User Groups bring together IT professionals to discuss solutions that relate to their current development projects, as well as to discuss useful community gatherings and resources.
- Likewise, there are direct-inquiry options available whenever you have a question about Sun's courseware, labs, or exercises while you're studying. Check your browser or your CD display for prompts to the help (some of it live and real-time) available to help you work through your problem.
- What kind of civilian work can I do once I have been certified in Solaris technology?
Since Solaris has long been recognized as the most stable operating system in use, it's routinely found in mission-critical areas, where downtime is not a good thing. Solaris is in use in systems in the banking and finance industry, as well as the communications, retail, government, and healthcare industries, to name a few. Since Solaris is found in every industry, you can expect to find interesting civilian work across a broad spectrum, from designing and administering LANs to running large, complex systems across several states and countries. IT professionals who have Solaris certification from Sun are working in jobs such as system administrator, network administrator, and network systems analyst. They are also involved in the management of professionals in these jobs as directors and VPs of system and network administration, as well as CIOs.
- How valuable is certification in Solaris technology?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a division of the US Department of Labor, estimates that in 2006, the average salary paid to network systems analysts in the US (one of the jobs mentioned above) was $70,760. Of course, this number is a broad average, but IT professionals with certified Solaris skills are in high demand.
- Where can I get help with questions about the Solaris courses offered through the AVOTEC program?
There are several useful sources of assistance available to Coastline's distance learners in the Sun programs; many of them can be found at the Sun Community Resource Center
- Questions about registration processes can be directed to Miltech@coastline.edu or through the "Contact Us" link.
- BigAdmin is where other IT professionals, including Sun experts, discuss several aspects of Solaris administration. Much of the activity here is generated by real-life system administrators and experts in system administration.
- Solaris User Groups bring together IT professionals to discuss solutions that relate to their current projects, as well as to discuss useful community gatherings and resources.
- Likewise, there is a direct-inquiry option available to you whenever you have a question about Sun's courseware, labs, or exercises. You'll see links to live chat and e-mail forms on your courseware.
- Why are both CD-based and Web-based materials included in these courses?
We've made these materials available to enable soldiers to participate in this training in a way that is most practical. We know that you won't always have easy access to the Web where you are, and we want you to have as much flexibility as possible, to make it easy for you to move forward quickly in your training.