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How close to real exam?

 
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Hi,
I would like to know how close is the real exam to the XML@Whiz? Also comparing to the sample test given in the IBM site?
I have used SGML, XML and OFX in some of the projects.
What resources are needed to prepare for the test?
Is there any other language required other than Java?
Thank you,
Faisal
 
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Good question..
If it is close , is it harder or easier?
 
faisal mahmood
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Also how well the sample and real covers the objectives?
I think this XML certification should include web-servies
Faisal
 
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I like to know the answer too.
and if someone can compare it to other exam like SCWCD.
That will be useful.
Thanks
 
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I actually bot XML@Whiz and used it for my test preparation since there are no other exam simulators I can use.
I am not sure how close it is to the exam since I haven't complete it yet. But in general, The questions are pretty decent. It does test a lot of concepts/details you may neglect by reading. The problem is it looks like it still under construction. A lot of typo. Sme of the Quizs/questions/answers are actually wrong. It's quite confusing to people, especially newbies. (I was very confused when I tried it since I has no XML hand-on experience. All my knowledge are come from book and web. I bet 50% people here are same as me. )
So my suggestion is maybe it worth a try, especially under such a discount right now. But be careful, pay more attention on answers you feel not sure.
Hope these helps.
 
faisal mahmood
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Also it is interesting to know where are the mock exam questions coming from in XML@Whiz? Are they questions picked from some XML text books? I am also concerned about learning XML fully, not just passing the certification test.
Anyway I will download a trial version and see how it is. I think the people who already have completed the test would know it better.
Faisal
 
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Hi Faisal,
I have used the J@Whiz for my SCJP2 prep. and find it quite helpful in the exam as there were many questions in the simulator which were quite similar to those in the real exam.So I think the XML@Whiz will also be somewhat of same level.
Just buy one and test by ur self...and u will be more satisfied by that!
Bye,
Poonam,
SCJP2.
 
faisal mahmood
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I am a linux user, if there a linux or java version available?
Faisal
 
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Dear all,
First of all please accept my sincere apologies for this long delay in answering your questions. Actually I received a virus, which damaged our systems completely and ultimately forced us to format all the systems and you know the irritation of loosing all that important data and setting up your machine all over again. Anyways...
Thanks to all the people for asking these questions, below I am answering them one by one:
1.How close is XML@Whiz to real exam?
Answer - XML@Whiz contains most of the questions exactly on the pattern of actual exam, but I have also added some questions, which test your in-depth knowledge of the XML and related technologies. Though you may not find exactly similar questions in the exam but I am sure they will really help you learn XML well.
2.Comparison with IBM sample test.
Answer - I think IBM sample test is closer to the real exam than XML@Whiz. As I said above I have also added some questions, which test your in-depth knowledge of the XML and related technologies.
3.Resources
Answer - Please look at the following links and the links from these links
http://www.javaranch.com/ubb/Forum31/HTML/000268.html
http://www.whizlabs.com/products/xmlwhiz/ibm-xml-faq.html
I think these are more than enough.
4.Any other language required than Java?
Answer - As far as XML and related technologies are concerned they are platform and language independent. So it makes no difference whether you implement XML applications in VB, C++ or Java. But personally I think XML goes well with Java, as Java is also platform independent, so I would recommend Java and more so if you already know Java.
5.Is XML@Whiz harder or easier than the actual exam?
Answer - Questions in XML@Whiz are harder than the actual exam, but they are very helpful in learning XML and related technologies.
6.How well the sample test and real exam covers the objectives?
Answer - I think that XML Certification is relatively new and has a long way to go before it matures. Though all the objectives are covered in the real exam as well as the IBM sample test, they don't test the in-depth knowledge of XML and related technologies. Only the basic know-how of the XML and related technology can get you through in the real exam.
As far as XML@Whiz is concerned, I have deviated a little from the actual exam. I have put questions, which certainly test in-depth knowledge of XML and related technologies.
7.Are web-services included in the exam?
Answer - Though web-services are projected to be the hottest application of XML and related technologies, they are not part of the XML Certification Objectives.
8.Comparison with SCWCD.
Answer - Below I am comparing SCWCD with XML Certification point by point:
a)SCWCD covers a lot of technologies; so here XML Certification is quite similar as XML Certification also covers a lot of technologies.
b)SCWCD requires you to mug-up a lot of things, e.g. various interfaces etc., for XML Certification there is no mugging-up required.
c)Easier or tougher? - If we take SCJP as benchmark then I would SCWCD is easier and XML Certification is tougher.
d)SCWCD requires overall know-how of the various technologies involved rather than in-depth knowledge, XML Certification is quite similar to SCWCD in this sense as it also requires you to have overall know-how of XML and the related technologies rather than in-depth knowledge.
9.Where are mock exams questions coming from in XML@Whiz?
Answer - Below is the list of resources I used:
a)My own and my colleagues experience of taking the test.
b)Ajith's sample questions
c)Books - XML Handbook, XML Bible, Learn XML in 21 days, Inside XML
d)Sites - XML.com, XML.org, W3schools.com, topxml.com, xmlpitstop.com
e)Specs
f)Forums - I participate on various forums like Javaranch, which discuss XML and related technologies.
10.Learning XML fully and not just getting the certificate.
Answer - I am inspired by this. Actually that is and should be the purpose. Certification is just a validation or a milestone on the path of learning. I have deliberately deviated a little from the real exam keeping learning XML and related technologies in mind rather than just getting the certification.
I hope I have answered your queries to you satisfaction. It is my pleasure and honor to participate at this great place. I will be around, so just shoot your queries and I will try to answer them to the best of my capabilities.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.
All the best!!!
Purvesh Sharma
XML@Whiz - IBM XML Certification Test Simulator
http://www.whizlabs.com/jwhiz
 
faisal mahmood
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Thank you for your detailed answers, I am satisfied. I wish I had won the contest.
Thanks a lot,
Faisal
 
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