I was able to pass the
Java Enterprise Edition 5 Web Component Developer exam today. Just wanted to share my experience and some suggestions.
I would like to mention that I had taken this exam earlier also, couple of weeks back, but I dint pass at that time. So don't worry if you don't crack it. It will always help you in understanding the fundamentals better.
For those of you who want to know the benefits of taking this exam, here are a few which might help:
1. The preparation gives you a good knowledge about
Servlets,
JSP's, Filters and
Patterns (pretty obvious .. ! ).
Most of us, including myself, just try to google the concepts whenever we are in the middle of a project and stuck with a problem.
With this you can still google but with a better understanding. If you are into Java and doing web application development
you should consider taking this exam.
2. Servlets and JSP's form the basis of any web application development. Its quite important to have a good knowledge of these concepts. That helps you to pickup any MVC framework in no time. You get the knowledge of Tag Libs, Filters, Listeners to name a few.
3. I feel more confident in dealing with Tag Libraries and Expression Language syntax now. Something which I was never quite confortable with.
4. Take this even if you just want to
test how much you know.
Now for preparation:
Head First Servlets and JSP's is the most awsome book you can find for preparation. I read and re read this book quite a few times.
I wish they come up soon with the
EJB 3 one also.
And the mock exam at the end is pretty good. I dint score well in that. But don't worry in the exam you will know how many answers to choose.
I will also suggest that you try out the examples. I used to code everything from Servlet mappings to JSP tags. That will solidify what you learn.
That's all I did. The exam gives you plenty of time.
Also please share the next step you guys take once you pass this one. I am thinking about SCBCD.