User Guides How to choose your java course

Before going to your local training institute,I suggget first check out the options and various types of certifications and then choose the one tailored for ur needs.

For java related alone they have the following training areas:

- Java Technology
- Web Services, XML, and Web Publishing
- Sun Java Enterprise System
- Sun Java Desktop System
- Sun Java Studio, Solaris OS, and Perl Development

An excelltent resource for this is no one other than the people who made the language,at Support & Training page at Sun,India .You can find info on the following and more .

Education
Course Catalog
Certification
Training Center Locations : Contact details to the official training centres as per your location .Call them if u have any more queries.

source : Sun>Support and Training > US Training > Certification >

Methods of preparation

»Career Accelerator Packages - Deliver a comprehensive and affordable method to prepare to become a Sun Certified Web Component Developer.

»Web-based ePractice Exams - Help you get acquainted with the format of the exam and its qustions, includes sample test questions, correct answers including explanations, and suggestions for future study.

»Sun Corporate Learning Pass - Allows multiple employees in your organization to share pre-paid training benefits including classes and certification exams.

check this out for another praphic for the JAVA TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATION LEARNING PATH

The steps to be followed should roughly be -
1. Purchase exam or programming assignment.
2. Schedule your exam.
3. Take your test.
4. Manage your certification progress.
source(click for detailed description)