The differences between the prior version and the beta would fill books on their own. The "current" SCEA is based on Java2 EE 1.2 (
EJB 1.1), and the beta is based on
Java EE 5 (EJB 3), for starters. You're best off working down the list of topics and studying those things that you're not familiar with - looking at what was on the prior exam will likely not be of much help.
Re: Part II - It's a practical assignment to show your ability to use the knowledge tested in Part I, in designing (
not implementing) a solution to a real-world-type problem. If you'd browsed around this forum, you'd have seen that already. You do
not have to write code for this examination, but you will be required to create design documents.
Re: Part III - I would assume from how it was presented that it is like the current Part III, where you're writing short essays on a few features of your design for Part II. (It's important, but it's also largely a checksum to ensure that you did the assignment you submitted in Part II.) Parts II and III are taken together for a grade.
As for books... ask me in three weeks after I've figured that out for those taking it in my office.
