Hello All,
I gave my OCA 8 java exam today and cleared it with 80%. Though the score is not so high, I am satisfied with it.
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone on this forum.This helped me understand a lot of topics easily.
I must say this is the best forum to learn and people here are so kind and always ready to help.
There are already so many articles in this forum which will help you learn java and clear exam.Thanks Roel for providing me many such links
I will just mention few points so it can boost the confidence of other people like me.
Background/Experience - I had no prior experience in java and also I didn't Study java in college.
I was an electrical student.So I started it from scratch.
Duration - I took approximately 2 or 2 1/2 months.I spent everyday 3hrs approximately.
Books - Certified Associate Java SE 8 Programmer I by Jeanne Boyarsky & Scott Selikoff
- Mala Gupta's OCA 8 guide ( I couldn't study this completely .I referred only a few topics)
Software - Enthuware and whizlab
Other Resources - code ranch Forum and Oracle Doc.
Enthuware Score - Test1 56%
Test2 71%
Test3 73%
Test4 74%
Test5 69%
Test6 81%
Test7 77%
Final day Test 78%.
while taking mock exams I would rush to complete the exams and would make silly mistakes by missing out the small details or not understanding the question properly and loose marks in spite of knowing that topic very well and I feel even in final exam I have done the same.
Like many were saying the real exam is little easier than enthuware. I was actually expecting above 90%
. So it is not only about how much you have learnt but how you will put that in the exam to score high.You Should be able to remember every related concept while answering(It is not difficult it will come with practice). So please give required time for each question, read it carefully so that you don't make silly mistakes and regret it later when you get to know how easy it was.For example, not differentiating between () or {},; after "for" block, variable shadowing, [] in the main method, forgetting about this and super call, parameters in getter methods etc. Make notes for things which seem easy but also confusing. when you find similarities between topics note it down or highlight the differences so it will help in last minute preparations ex: String and String Builder methods.Such similarities and easiest things confused me a lot in the real exam.I wasn't disciplined in learning.And also, I took more time in real exam than mock exams.So Don't make such mistakes and you should glance easiest things at least once before that exam
All the best for all who are going to appear for this exam.For any other queries or help, This forum is always there for you. Now my next goal is OCP.