Mock exam as a learning tool

[Manish Hatwalne]

I have seen posts by many ppl saying that mock exams or exam simulator tools can be used as a very good learning tool. How effective and advisable is that? Is it a very good alternative for those of us who can not really devote enough time for the second round of study?
Once I finish my first round (hopefully soon), I intend to use first few mock tests as an extension of studying.
Is there anything wrong in taking mock exams as a learning tool? Any disadvantages? One thing I can think of -
You might (unintentionally) memorize the question, in which case your high score in the same exam next time may not indicate that you have *really* understood the mistakes, it might be due to the fact that you know which is the correct answer. But then, tools such as J@Whiz with over 700 questions helps, because while learning from mocks, you will not cover more than 150-200 questions.
Kapil this is for you,
From your earlier posts I believe J@Whiz has a feature to customize question topics and difficulty level, which will be quite helpful. What type of explanation does the tool give for incorrect answers, is the explanation comprehensive enough? How much does it help to understand why correct answer is the correct answer?
TIA,
- Manish

[Deep Krishna]

Hi Manish,
As suggested by others also like marcus, johannes - Mock exams should be part of the study. They really help you same time helping you learn fast and better.
I've been using exam simulators for quite a long time and feel they are really worth it. They dont just help you pass but much more.
J@Whiz has been talked a lot at this place and specially there new version is great. I believe their Customized option, Quiz and Explanation quality is highly worth it. You can try with their demo version, dont remember the exact url.
Once again i will favor exam simulators like jwhiz, as part of your study for any certification.
Best wishes for your exam
deep

[Johannes de Jong]

See Try J@Whiz

[Deepak B]

Hi mainsh,deep
I am regular visitor of java ranch site, I have observe that most of people suggest to buy J@Whiz mock exam tools,
is it means that u can pass SCJP2 exam only when u purchase and solve this tools mock,
I am also going to give exam on 30 OCT ,
it means that there is no use use of other mock exams available in Javaranch site ,
can any one suggest me which mock exams are good ,
I am very confused plz solve my query.
Thnx in advance
Deepak

[Manish Hatwalne]

Originally posted by Deepak B:
I am regular visitor of java ranch site, I have observe that most of people suggest to buy J@Whiz mock exam tools, is it means that u can pass SCJP2 exam only when u purchase and solve this tools mock,

NO!!!
Why do you say that???

I am also going to give exam on 30 OCT , it means that there is no use use of other mock exams available in Javaranch site , can any one suggest me which mock exams are good , I am very confused plz solve my query.

Marcus Green's 3 mocks are excellent. They are free. refer to http://www.javaranch.com/maha for more mocks and their relevance.
All the best!
- Manish

[Kapil Nakra]

Dear Deepak,
Manish is very true. Mock Test Simulators like J@Whiz are not mandatory.
Poeople have been passing since the certification came when these simulators were not there.
But i would say, they definitely add value to your preparation and improve your chances, besides saving time.
Warm regards and best wishes
Kapil Nakra
http://www.whizlabs.com/jwhiz

[Manish Hatwalne]

But i would say, they definitely add value to your preparation and improve your chances, besides saving time.

Most certainly. Kapil would you mind answering my original questions regarding J@Whiz in this very post, since winners are out (nah, not me ), I guess we won't have chance to talk to you later. Although, we'd love to.
Thanks,
- Manish

[Kapil Nakra]

Dear Manish,
It doesn't matter even if the results are out. I will be here as long as i can contribute to this great place.
Yes, there is a high level of customization provided in J@Whiz. You can't only customize for the topic but also for the number of questions, time duration and difficulty level. The explanations are quite extensive and i believe for any mock, this is the most crucial aspect and there will always be scope to improve upon these.
In case i have still missed something, please feel free to write to me at [e-mail]. I promise to address each and every concern of yours.
Warm regards and best wishes
Kapil Nakra
http://www.whizlabs.com/jwhiz