Hi Everyone,
I just took the Oracle Certification Exam 1Z0-808 (
Java SE8 Programmer I) and passed with a score of 91%.
I wanted to share which resources I used and how I prepared for the exam.
Like any other full time employee trying to study for certification, I had to study in a few non-work hours each day and try to be as efficient as possible. My preparation time took around 5 weeks.
I read (thorough reading) two good books:
1. OCA: Oracle Certified Associate Java SE8 Programmer I by Jeanne Boyarsky and Scott Selikoff
2. Java: The Complete Reference 9th Edition by Herbert Schildt
These boooks really helped me in my preparation. I started with the diagnostic exam from the first book. I barely got 44% and this was a good eye-opener because it made me focus mroe knowing that I ahve a lot of learning to catch up. I read the first book and answered each exercises after each chapter. After I finished with the first book, I started reading the second book focusing on the exam topics.
Then, I started practicing with
Enthuware tests for OCA-JP-I-SE8 (JA + I V8)
This is a really good purcahse for just $10.

The questions are really tough and challenging but that forced me to study and pay more attention. I ended up skimming the JLS because of some really tough questions in the Enthuware mock exams. :p
I took the Standard Tests, reviewing answers after each and taking teh next
test at least a day after. After I finished all the standard tests, I gave the Leitner Mode a try. There is an otpion to exlcude question from the last day test so this is awesome.
I basically worked with the Leitner mode during my last week of preparation and tried to move all questions to at least Level 1. The secret I think to getting much from this mode is not to memorize the answers, but instead, train your mind to get used to the questions (the forms and tricks). Each time I see teh ahrd questions, I did not try to recall the ocrrect answer. I tried to remember what I missed the previous try and then re-analyze the question again. Re-simulating codes if I ahve to. I think that helped me a lot too.
I took the Last Day Test teh other day (two days prior to actual exam date) because I don't want to study the day before the exam. I just tried to relax and let them all sink in.
Here are my Enthuware Scores:
Foundation Test - 65%
Test # 1 - 65%
Test # 2 - 74%
Test # 3 - 69%
Test # 4 - 68%
Test # 5 - 66%
Test # 6 - 82%
Last Day Test - 84%
I wish to thank all the authors of the resources I used for the exam, for such great pieces of work. Kudos to you all.
One tip I can give to aspiring exam takers is to use remaining time (if you have) to review all answers. I made 3 corrections during the review time. It always pays to have a second look at your answers.
Thanks,
Alvin Christian Opano