Hi Jim,
Hi, I am new to XML. And I want try this cert in a few weeks. I am wondering how time-consuming this test is cuz I only have limited time every day, and how hard compared with other Java tests.
I can't really make a general statement that IBM XML Certification is harder than
SCJP or SCWCD, since it depends a lot on one's background and it is possible that someone might find the XML certification to be easier than Sun's java certs.
I have put my observations below. Hope that will help you assess the difficulty level of IBM 141 as compared to the Sun's Java certs.
IMHO, I think that the IBM 141 certification is harder than SCJP or SCWCD. I cannot really compare
SCJD with IBM 141, since SCJD is an implementation type of certification, which is different from IBM 141.
Some of the reasons why I think IBM 141 is harder than SCJP and SCWCD are . . .
(1). IBM 141 has a higher passing percentage (65 % as opposed to 61 % for the SCWCD). Many people who pass Java certifications get scores in the 90s. However there are very few people who have managed a score above 80 in IBM 141 (based on Javaranch posts).
(2). A lot of questions in SCWCD just require you to have good memory. On the other hand, IBM 141 has a lot of questions, where you are required to apply your learning to a given case study.
(3). Several people who passed IBM 141, including me found that we could have used more time for IBM 141. On the other hand, I never had a problem with time for SCJP,SCJD or SCWCD.
(4). The number of technologies covered in the IBM 141 is quite large. You will need to know apart from core XML, DTDs, XML Schema, XPath,XLink,XPointer,XML encryption,
SOAP,WSDL,UDDI,DOM,SAX etc. Even though, some of these technologies are not covered in depth, it still takes a while before you know what these technologies are for especially if you are new to XML.
(5). Since the Java certs are very popular compared to the XML certification, there is a lot of organized study material and mock exams for all the java certs. However there are not many organized study materials or mock exams for the XML certification.
(6). There are no certification exam specific books for the XML certification. There are a quite a few books written specifically for the Sun certification exams. So you will need to organize your study material from various sources to prepare for the XML certification.
Ranchers have posted some really useful study notes on the forum. I relied heavily on Javaranch to get me through the exam.
However, XML and all the related technologies are going to be around for quite a while in the industry since XML is not proprietary and is the core for web services etc.
Hope this helps . . .
Good luck with your exam !!!
Shashank