Failed SCEA step 1

[Eric Ushie]

I really feel devastated man!

I sat for SCEA step 1 today and failed, my scores:

Exam Score = 50%; Passing Score = 57%

Detail:

Application Design Concepts and Principles = 77%
Commons Architectures = 12%
Integration and Messaging = 100%
Business Tier Technologies = 62%
Web Tier Technologies = 25%
Application of Java EE Technology = 44%
Patterns = 37%
Security = 50%

I attempted the first 56 questions and didnt have time to take the last
10

Very complex and lengthy questions, not very sufficient time to think through the answers.

It's obvious what areas I need improvement on, although I have read Core J2EE patterns and J2EE Architect Study Guide by Mark Cade et al.

Before sitting for the exam, I got a recommendation to use
SCEA training Lab (http://www.epractizelabs.com/scea-exam-part1.html).
All attempts I made to purchase this prove abortive, since I live in Nigeria.

However, I chose Expert in most of the areas I was asked to rate my self on I dont know how this could have affected the kind of questions I was asked eventually.

I hope to re-take the exam as soon as I get my confidence back.

Most shameful is the fact that the inspiration I had to write this exam came from the likes of Wilmar Rodriguez who scored 96% in the same exam!

too bad!!

[Rodrigo Cunha]

First of all, I'd like to say I honestly admire your courage on having posted your unsuccessful experience with the exam here. I strongly believe there were many sharing the same experience that wouldn't have done the same.

Now, you shouldn't feel so bad about it.. the exam is really tough!! You don't actually see high scores, only people barely passing.

About the EPractize labs simulator, don't feel bad you haven't acquired it. I believe it wouldn't help you much... please have a look at my feedback post - https://coderanch.com/t/156750/java-Architect-SCEA/certification/Exam-tips-feedback-Sun-epractice

I felt exactly the same way about timing.. despite what many people have posted here that timing wasn't an issue, for me and for many people I know... it really was!

Another thing that didn't help much was the lack of material to study for the exam. That is really misleading.. what I did was trying to focus on the references from the Sun's epractice and what is suggested on sun's exam site.

Things like that can't happen without you learning from it.. so don't give up, now that you know what the exam looks like.. you have a hell of advantage. Try focusing on what will really help you passing...

Wish you very good luck!
best regards,
Rodrigo Cunha

[Eric Ushie]

Hi Rodrigo,

Thanks for your encouragement. I have seen your post on the epractise thing, I might not be needing it afterall.

I also saw your comment on the exam being 85% - 95% scenario-based, knowing what I know, that is absolutely true.

My only worry now is how to go about those scenarios - I wish I could get a guide that will tell me why I failed the questions I failed.

I wish to retake the exam soon, is there a scheme for retaking the exam without buying a new voucher (some kinda rebate for 'customers').

[Rodrigo Cunha]

Does your voucher come with retake option? If so, you need to check with Prometric, I believe there's a period of time you need to wait before taking it again. I'd suggest you work on what you feel your weeknesses are before taking it. And try some simulators as well.

best wishes..

[Nilesh Kaneriya]

Hi Eric,

It requires really great courage to post unsuccessful experience about exam.

Wish you all the best for retake and hope you will clear it soon.

Rodrigo, your feedback is simply amazing.

[P Das]

I sincerely share your pain; hope, the experience determines you to 'show' to 'them' that you have the guts to defeat the exam and pass with flying colors in a planned future time.

You have gained costly but valuable first hand experience, which many of us lack in.

[Joe San]

I really appreciate your braveness to accept your failure. But you know what you will rock next time. Better luck!