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Java SE 8 Programmer I - first-timer.

 
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Hi

I have seen a couple of threads on this - but wanted to start my own one. (Hope no-one minds!)

I am an Oracle PL/SQL developer since 1998 but I have been exposed to Java over the last few years.

I have decided to prepare for the Java 8 beta exam.

In my last job I solved some solutions in Java 6 EE. I am good with programming concepts, but obviously this will be hard work for me, since my background.

I am on a budget and have ordered the following books:

Core Java: Fundamentals v. 1 - covering up to Java 6 /Cay S. Horstmann
Core Java: Advanced Features v. 2 - covering up to Java 6 /Cay S. Horstmann
OCA Java SE 7 Programmer I Certification Guide /Mala Gupta
Java SE8 for the Really Impatient /Cay S. Horstmann

I did a practice exam today and scored 57% so I need to do some work.

I am aiming to read through my books in the library with a copy of the syllabus to keep me on track.

I will also do some mock tests - I have come across the enthuware website - which looks good.

I have about 4 weeks remaining, but this will be my focus 100%.

Any tips and tricks will be grateful!
 
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One thing I can tell - read OCA Java SE 7 Programmer I Certification Guide /Mala Gupta book thoroughly. java concepts are well explained in book and do attempt mock exam given in the book.
 
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Duncan,
My best advice is:
1) Write lots of code. Especially around the topics you are losing points on
2) Practice more mock questions. Enthuware only charges $10 for lots of good quality questions.
3) Post here when you are unsure of something
 
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And I'll throw in a few other remarks/tips:
  • the books you have are excellent resources to prepare you for the OCAJP7 exam
  • don't doubt about the Enthuware mock exams: it's great value for money
  • when writing (lots of) code, don't use an IDE! The only 2 tools you need are javac and java (on the actual exam you don't have an IDE to spot the compiler errors for you )
  • don't rush, take your time when preparing (it's not only about that piece of paper, but also about getting a great understanding of the java basics and becoming a better programmer/developer)
  • when in doubt, don't hesitate to start a new topic in this forum


  • Good luck!
     
    Duncan Samarasinghe
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    Thanks guys and girls.

    Honestly it is very difficult for me. I understand Oracle PL/SQL but java is very different.

    I have booked in the exam for next month, but could be a small miracle if I pass.

    I do find the questions quite tricky.

    I am just getting my head around what static is, interfaces, and so on.

    I have a job interview on monday for an oracle/java role so will see how it goes.
     
    Roel De Nijs
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    Hi Duncan,

    First of all: a warm welcome to the CodeRanch!

    Duncan Samarasinghe wrote:I have booked in the exam for next month, but could be a small miracle if I pass.


    I don't know how much experience you have in writing Java code, but it sounds like you are pretty new. If you are a true novice, 1 month preparation time is way too short, certainly if you have to combine with a full-time job. To pass the exam you must not only know the java syntax and OO concepts, but you also need to think as the java compiler and be able to quickly answer questions (because there's a time limit).

    Kind regards,
    Roel
     
    Duncan Samarasinghe
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    Well, I am restricted by the beta end date. my exam is on the penultimate day.
    If I don't pass, I will re-take the exam when it goes live.
    I do realize it is a big task, and under no illusions about this.
     
    Roel De Nijs
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    Oh yeah, for just 50 bucks you can have a shot and familiarize yourself with the real deal

    Good luck!
     
    Jeanne Boyarsky
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    Duncan Samarasinghe wrote:Well, I am restricted by the beta end date. my exam is on the penultimate day.


    A week or so before that date, check when the beta ends again. Sometimes Oracle extends it.
     
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    Finally somebody who knows the actual meaning of penultimate!

    I'm scheduled to take it on the same day. Your 57% for a first mock test isn't bad really. Maybe they will cut us some slack for being Guinea pigs or being torture subjects for 2.5 hrs. If it's like the current 7 test, it covers only basic things but Java has lots of basics! And they enjoy making a hard test.

    Checking to see if it gets extended is a good idea. It hasn't been as of now.
    http://education.oracle.com/pls/web_prod-plq-dad/db_pages.getpage?page_id=224
     
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