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Specific questions about 1Z0-804/1Z0-803 preparation

 
Greenhorn
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Hello Coderanch,

I'd like to ask some specific questions about de OCPJP7 (1Z0-804, and i know that i'm forced to do the OCPJA test first (1Z0-803)), hope you can help me with them, i'll try to be clear with my profile and intentions.

I have already a college degree in Computer Science, and also some experience (a few years) working as J2EE Developer in a software company (also consider myself more or less a fast learner). Besides books, i'll use whizlabs or enthuware for both tests. I'm also planning to do the OCMJEA in the future, but i suposse that doesn't matter right now.

So that said, first thing is that i was planning to prepare both of them with the same book/s(not necessarily doing the test "togheter"), studying mainly the OCPJP content (because as far as i know, the associate test is more or less a easier version of the programmer test). SO the main question is, Is this approach really reasonable, or the test are just too different of each other? I ask this because the only book i have found which cover both examns (OCA/OCP Java SE 7 Programmer I & II Study Guide (Exams 1Z0-803 & 1Z0-804) goes to november! :S) keeps getting delayed, so i was planning to use this other one (Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 7 Programmer Exams 1Z0-804 and 1Z0-805: A Comprehensive OCPJP 7 Certification Guide), which is focused only on the 1Z0-804.

Being said all this, i will sum up with three questions:

The Main one:
- Is reasonable to prepare both tests (803 and 804) with the same book? Which one is best if affirmative? (considering that i'm also going to do the paid mocks, and that i experience in J2EE)

- Enthuware or whizlabs?

- How much time do you think is needed for preparing both exams? (considering all said before)

In my case, right now money is not a problem, but time IS a problem, so i'll prefer the most efficent options, especially avoiding to study overlapping topics and that kind of thing.

Thank you and congratulations for such a great community!!
 
Bartender
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Welcome to the Ranch.

Given you do have some java experience as J2EE developer, the OCA7 exam topics shouldn't be that hard. Studying both exams together is good.

Due to the K&B v7 study guide isn't out soon, you do need to know the new features of Java 7 for OCA exam. Since the other book jumps right in, a more high level intro may be needed.

Many people are actually using the K&B v6 study guide as the base for OCA7 exam plus learning Java 7 new features some where else. (FYI K&B v6 covers like 95% of OCA topics).

For any exam prep, hands on is the key. If at work you are using Java 7 even better.

Good luck
 
Ranch Hand
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Preparing for both OCA and OCP is a good idea. Although, both exams are very different level of exams. OCA is much easier to crack (cover fundamentals) while OCP require much more preparation with rigor. You can use the book by Ganesh/Sharma for your OCPJP 7 preparation. It is reasonably good book; it has many examples that will help you understand the concepts. Given the complexity and depth of the OCP exam you may use multiple sources for your preparation. For OCA you may use some other book; however, since you have good experience in Java it could be a smooth sail for you.

This blog could be of your interest.
 
Ranch Hand
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- Enthuware or whizlabs?



Enthuware is the best don't go for Whizlabs.
 
Javier Ortiz
Greenhorn
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Ok, so I suppose i will use the Ganesh/Sharma book for the OCPJP7, but before i will skim one about the OCA for refreshing/revising some the basic concepts.

Which one do you recommend for refreshing concepts for the OCA, the Gupta OCA Java SE 7 Certificate Guide, or the Liguori Oca Java Se 7 Programmer I Study Guide?

Also, how about the time needed (considering whole afternoons) considering the profile? Are we talking of some weeks, or a month or maybe more?

Thanks again!
 
K. Tsang
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I think either book is ok for refreshing. Yet I heard the Liguori book has many errors in the print edition. I personally have the Gupta book so I'm kinda bias here.

To determine how much time to prepare, you probably want to take a mock test to see where you stand.
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