SCEA@whiz released - Joing effort by Ian Anderson and Sanjay Raghavan

[Ian B Anderson]

Hello,
This is to inform anyone that's interested that the full version of the SCEA@whiz has now been released. The full version is avaliable at the URL below:
http://www.whizlabs.com/scea/scea.html
The link below is to the discussion around the release of the test version.
https://coderanch.com/t/150548/java-Architect-SCEA/certification/SCEA-Certification-test-simulator-Joing
Basically the SCEA simulator consists of 6 mocks exams (288) questions. The simulation tests are mainly based on the EJB1.1 (like the current exam) but their are some questions that cover EJB 2.0. Those questions are clearly labelled and are not only a taster of what is to come in the next release but also cover knowledge required in part II.
Good luck
Ian

[Rishab Narula]

This is a wonderful news. Ian, Sanjay and your team: Thanks for bringing this to us.
I am already impressed by he demo version; it alone has helped me a lot.
The things I liked are:
A.) Scenario based questions which are very difficult to get anywhere else.
B.) Really datailed Quick Revision Tips
C.) Detailed explanations.
Some of my suggestions:
A.) Don't you have plans to add Quiz like JWHiz SCWCDWHiz. If you add please do add "Next" Button.
B.) It would be great if you we could we able to contact you for getting technical support on the questions authored by you.
I've yet to see in details but I am really happy to know that you've also included EJB2.0 questions.
Also I would like you and Sanjay to advice us on the following:
When is the next version of SCEA expected? Shall we wait for it or go for the current version?
Will this product be of help for Part II/III? or do you have any plans to make the next versions of it for other exams?
Your regular contribution on this forum also be very useful.
Many thanx to you and sanjay and whizlabs for this wonderful offer.
Best wishes for your future endeavours
Rishab

[Ian B Anderson]

Hello Rishab,
Firstly thank you for the kind comments and I'm glad you found the demo version useful.
With regards to the following points:
"A.) Don't you have plans to add Quiz like JWHiz SCWCDWHiz. If you add please do add "Next" Button."
I shall pass this comment on to Whizlabs.
"B.) It would be great if you we could we able to contact you for getting technical support on the questions authored by you."
All feedback gets passed onto me but you are more than welcome to contact me directly at [e-mail]
I was under the impression that Sun was going to upgrade the SCEA to EJB 2.0 in the Summer, however that hasn't happened. I would suspect that the upgrade will happen in the next few months but I haven't heard of any beta testing yet so it may be further away yet!
At the moment we are thinking about how we could tackle parts II & III.
Good luck
Ian

[james edwin]

Hi,
Thanks Ian,Sanjay and whiz labs,for making this
product .This will definitely help, lot of people i think.
All the best for future.
Regards,
[ September 20, 2002: Message edited by: james edwin ]

[Rony Donald]

Definitely its a great news for all of us.
The idea of quiz inclusion is nice. I really liked this feature in other whiz products.
What about combining your product with Cades book?

[Sanjay Raghavan]

All,
Ian and I would like to thank you for all the kind remarks. We are very excited about this release as well. We are hoping that the six comprehensive tests should be of immense help to potential SCEA aspirants.
I would like to give my views on a few points.
It is true that the current version of the exam only requires EJB1.1 and GoF patterns. However we have included a small sample of both EJB 2.0 and Core J2EE patterns for two reasons -
a) It will be definitely helpful in Part 2. Many core J2EE patterns (Service Locator, Business Delegate, DAO, Fast lane reader and so on) are integral parts of best techniques and would help achieve a higher score.
b) The next major release of the exam would definitely cover these areas.
As regards, combining the test with Cade's book, we are looking at different possibilities...Let's see how things work out.
Once again thanks for your support. We are confident that you will find SCEA@Whiz useful.
Best regards,

[Del Edwards]

I bought the first version of the SCWCD testing simulator from whizlabs... it was crap. A co-worker bought the (more recent) version for the WebLogic exam. I will take his word that it is also crap. I thought it funny that a poster to the thread said that the demo has "already" helped him/her because every "demo" I have ever downloaded from this company contains the same "fake" questions - which have nothing to do with any particular technology being tested. I also doubt the person coming up with the questions on the first version of the SCWCD cert prep had or has a stong command of the english language - some of the questions made no sense at all. Just my 2 cents. I didn't even finish using the software before the SCWCD test - instead I crammed using "notes" from other JavaRanch memebers.

[Rajat Singla]

Del,
Looking at the number of posts, you seem to be new at this place. But I could understand the reason why you could make such statement. Every product from whizlabs has a Tutorial Test which has 10-15 questions (same in all), which have nothing to do with the tech, as you said. But these are meant to make you familar with the interface.
You need to say "No" or "Skip" this test to see the actual questions.
Its not just me, many others have used these great quality products from great people (like Ian and Sanjay are well known) to achieve a great score in various Java Certification Exams.
But yes the interface is not that intuitive.. even I was mistaken at first sight.
Hope this helps.
Rajat

[Sanjay Raghavan]

Del,
Let me try to address some of your concerns.
>>I bought the first version of the SCWCD testing >>simulator from whizlabs... it was crap. A co->>worker bought the (more recent) version for the >>WebLogic exam. I will take his word that it is >>also crap.
&&Sanjay - Although I do not have first hand info on these two products I have heard from many s/w engineers who have used the suite of Whiz products that Whiz exams are the best known in the world for certification exam simulation.
I have looked at the Trial version of SCWCD and there are 30 technical questions covering Servlets / JSP e.t.c.
I am sorry that you feel this way. If there is anyway the products can be improved, please do not hesitate to send your valuable comments to Whizlabs (www.whizlabs.com)
>>I thought it funny that a poster to the thread >>said that the demo has "already" helped him/her >>because every "demo" I have ever downloaded >>from this company contains the same "fake" >>questions - which have nothing to do with any >>particular technology being tested. I also >>doubt the person coming up with the questions >>on the first version of the SCWCD cert prep had >>or has a stong command of the english language ->>some of the questions made no sense at all. >>Just my 2 cents. I didn't even finish using the >>software before the SCWCD test - instead I >>crammed using "notes" from other JavaRanch >>memebers.
&&Sanjay - Again, as Rajat pointed out, they have some questions to orient you with the interface. These questions are the same in every test. Again if you noticed any grammar or spelling errors, please notify Whizlabs, they will be happy to correct them.
Apart from these, each of their trial versions have about 30 questions, related specifically to the topic being tested.
As a co-author of SCEA@Whiz, I can guarantee you that Whizlabs places a very high emphasis on the quality of the product. They even offer a money back guarantee on most products.
If you still have any concerns about it, please feel free to bring them up to the forum.
Best wishes for success in your future endeavors.

[Del Edwards]

in response to Rajat Singla's post: thanks, that enabled me to get to the sample test. This prep exam was much better than the first version of the SCWCD prep. The SCWCD prep forced you to enter a fixed amount of time for each question and would then make you wait for that length of time for the next question - even if you answered it early. The "older" SCWCD test also would repeat questions (2 or 3 times!) if you tried to focus on sections that only had a few questions devoted to it. The questions were also better worded and easier to understand than what I remember of the SCWCD prep. Still, the trial version of the SCEA prep "appears" to have two questions that are completly duplicated - with different sets of answers each time (the second time each "duplicate" appeared it appears to have the set of answers that are related to the question). If anyone is interested, I saved the test with the two questions. It also appeared that when I resized the screen it would clip the text of the "current" questions (without providing scroll functionality). Overall, although it is nice to see these types of questions in a cert prep tool, I would still have to give it a C- because of the clunky UI and the two repeated questions (with different answers each time!) which deffinitly seemed like a "bug".

[Rufus BugleWeed]

Del, I tried Whiz Labs test for SCJP but I was like you, thought it was crap.
Personally, I've taken Ian's old free exam and I learned things faster than I could had I spent hours reading this forum.
These guys are mostly interested in advertising their product.
There's a blantant advetising forum for that.
You boys might sponsor this forum at the top of the page too. The JR is need of funds to pay for their memory upgrade.

[Sanjay Raghavan]

Rufus,
I am sorry if you feel that this is a cheap advertisement trick.
Just so you know, it was never about the money. The complete set of tests comes to around 200 pages in word documents. And all this was done in under two months. Despite extremely crazy schedules, we did worked hard because we wanted to come up with the best product for SCEA exam preparation.
We take great pride in our work and if its all the same to you, I'd appreciate if you did not pass such inconsiderate judgements.
Best wishes with your future endeavors.

[Seid Myadiyev]

Dear Sanjay and Ian,
I would like to express my sincerest appreciation for SCEA@Whiz!
Your product has given me a chance to practice and to understand the questions on the real exam. I am very grateful to you for your efforts put into it and I am very grateful for the result product. I am absolutely certain that it will help me and many others!
Thank you very much again and please continue supporting increasing number of aspirants for this certification!
With gratitude,
Seid

[Pradeep Chopra]

Dear All,
Thanks for the appreciation about our products!!!
Del: I am also thankful to you for bringing out an important point of non-intuitive UI, which is going to be replaced very soon. But from your latest response, I can tell that you've still not seen the Trial Version Questions. What you've seen is the "Interactive Quiz". It consists of very short and simple questions for effective revision. Definitely, it requires a "Next" button.
Rufus and Del: Please do check out "Test->New->Trial" to have a look at the realistic questions. I am sure you will have much better feeling.
But your feedback is very well taken and we are going to respond on it soon.
Please feel free to give me your feedback at [e-mail]
Thanks once again for appreciation as well as criticism.
Regards and best wishes
Pradeep

[Jacques Rodes]

Ian and Sanjay and Whizlabs: Thanks for a great product. I tried the Trial Version last month and have recently purhcased the main version. The Questions are really detailed and are really boosting my confidence. The questions look little harder than other available exams. I am scoring around 80% in the first two tests.
I am appering for the actual test next week. I hope my preparationg is enough to pass. What do you suggest?
Any idea about the new version of exam??
Please do advice me.
JR

[Sanjay Raghavan]

JR,
It gives us great happiness to see that the product is making a positive and significant difference to you.
Yes, the mock tests have been intentionally made a little tougher than the actual exam. So if you're making 80% on these, I would assume that you are well on your way!
As far as the new syllabi, SUN was promising to make the changes this fall. However a cpl of weeks back they just changed the description of the objectives. The contents do not appear to have changed. For the big change (SJB 2.0, core patterns e.t.c.), my guess is more like Q4 '02 or Q1 '03 now.
Best luck for the exam.

[Stephen Callaghan]

Thanks Guys. I used the SCWCD simulator and it really helped, i'm sure this one will too.
Quick question, it looks as if there is a windows only version - do u know if they have any plans to release a linux/osx version? Its a real pain having to boot into windows just for the simulator especially when all my java tools are under linux (and i think i'm right in saying that the simulator is a java app so it should only need re-packaged.)
Thanks again.

[Richard Brown]

HI Sanjay & Ian
Thanks for a great product.
What plans do you have for Part II and III? Do you plan to make a simulator for that?? If yes, by when??
Cheers
Rich

[Sanjay Raghavan]

Stephen and Richard:
Let me try to answer your questions.
First of all, thanks for your kind remarks. It really means a great deal to us.
1. About a version for other OS such as Linux: I will definitely pass on your request to Whizlabs. It is definitely a good idea.
2. As regards Parts 2 and 3, nothing is official yet, but we are looking into various possibilities that may include a simulator, a book or some combination. We will definitely keep you guys posted on that front.
Again, thanks for your feedback. We really appreciate it.

[Jacques Rodes]

Thanks a lot Ian and Sanjay for great product. I didn't find anything better than this for the SCEA exam part I.
When are you coming up with Part II and III simulators? I would definitely be going for them.
Regards
JR

[Sanjay Raghavan]

Jacques,
Glad you found the product useful.
As regards Part 2, nothing official yet, but we are actively working out the best course of action...in terms of whether it should be a simulator or a book. We will definitely keep you all posted.
Thanks.

[shell Johnson]

I'm taking the real test (part 1) in two days I had purchased SCEA@WHIZ test and had been working hard thru test 2. I'm getting flustrated now even though the posts here said the simulator help to pass the real test. The exibit button either doesn't show (Q25 of test 2), show but doesn't match the question (Q45 of test1), or the list of choices are mising (e.g. missing F, G , but show I). Is anyone has the same problem or it's just my installation of SCEA@WHIZ.

[Robert Mao]

I also find some of the questions are incorrecr:
Test I: 45,46
Test II: 25,42
Test III: 46
regards,

Robert

[Del Edwards]

I wish I had come back to this topic before taking another chance on software from whizlabs - I could really kick myself for shelling out more money on one of their products (I'll stand by my original assessment of the SCWCD prep version 1).
I'm still waiting for someone from whizlabs to resolve my outstanding issue with the SCEA prep product activation - and I see post to this topic (after my post(s)) and I read of MORE from dissatisfied customers about buggy software (now I can add the whizlab's website's - "unique customer key" generation to that category) and hard to understand instructions (as well as preparation content).
It seems to me that whizlabs spends a hell of a lot more time singing the praises of their product(s) in industry certification newsites (pimped through though this forum! ) and in forums such as this - than in supporting paying customers - or in writing/supporting good software.
Just my two cents. Be glad to give an honest, unbiased, review of the SCEA test prep material - IF I EVER GET TO USE IT!
Once again, I feel it only fair to post this forum with my problems with this company - since so much is said about their products here. This is, after all, where I learned of whizlabs - and I feel its important for members of this forum to get a "balanced" view of whizlabs software and of the quality of service a customer can expect. If anyone is sick of hearing about my difficulties (current or past) - or if anyone feels - that "Architecture Certification" is not the place for me to voice my opinion(s) concerning these matters - Maybe JavaRanch could create a NEW TOPIC: "Professional Certification: Problems with Whizlabs".
Just kidding. I really am dissatisfied with this company and I really do think this is the place voice my dissatisfaction - Right alongside all the other information posted about this company and it's products - for every information seeking, Java enthusiast to see.

[Pradeep Chopra]

Dear Del,
We apologize for all the inconvenience caused to you due to some unforeseen server problems at our end.
I've mailed you the required keys.
In case of any problem, you can write to me at [e-mail]
But believe me, the product SCEA@Whiz has been of great to help to many people and being developed by Sanjay and Ian, it has a quality which will have highly positive impact on your preparation for this exam.
Regards and best wishes
Pradeep