Sun certified Associate for J2SE

It seems Sun is launching a brand new certification titled "Sun Certified Associate for theJava 2 Platform, Version 1.0".

Though the details are not very clear at this point, this is supposed to be the new entry level certification in Java. From this post at Javaranch by one of sun's certification managers:

If you are a beginner or an expert who knows exactly what you'd belooking for
when hiring an entry level programmer into your team, thisis your opportunity to
get involved in the creation of the upcomingindustry leading certification exam.

So would this make SCJP a level2 certification? Not sure about that but defenitely makes sense as there are more basic skills that one would expect from a junior developer than Core Java. I mean stuff like Web technologies and protocols, XML, Configuration management, team skills, IDE, OS basics etc are important too. Maybe more important than Core Java and SJCP in case of support and maintenence kind of roles - which is exactly what most entry level positions are. I bet this is the gap sun is addressing with this.

The blueprint survey is on as usual so if you are a beta guy ;) ( you get free beta vouchers in case you didnt know), you can find the instructions to participate at Javaranch forum. I am participating in the survey but about the beta exam... ummm I think I'll say pass this time!