Preparation for part -1: If a person did scjp,scwcd and scbcd then I assume that he/she is already have knowledge of APIs. But the most important is that the exam expect actual application and proper use of j2ee technologies. A person needs to be aware of all non functinal requirements and how j2ee technologies take care of those. Most of the questions will be based on application not on direct api. Apart from that you will have to be aware of all the GOF design patterns (Creational, Behavioral and structural) and Core JEE patterns with their applications, you will have to be intelligent enough to choose a design pattern if certain situation is given. Pay special attention to security, that will help you further in assignment to identify risks in your application. I will advice to go through mock questions for part 1. It will boost your confidence as well as will help you to identify your weak areas.