sysinfo provides an argument (-cp) which can be used to test the classpath.
java org.apache.derby.tools.sysinfo -cp [ [ embedded ][ server ][ client] [ tools ] [ anyClass.class ] ]
If your environment is set up correctly, the utility shows output indicating success.
$ java org.apache.derby.tools.sysinfo -cp embedded SimpleApp.class
FOUND IN CLASS PATH:
Derby embedded engine library (derby.jar)
NOT FOUND IN CLASS PATH:
user-specified class (SimpleApp)
(SimpleApp not found.)