Mike if you are talking about Java 7 then this review might help you. As far as pattern goes all objectives are covered in detail for beta exam. All basics will be included so practice practice & practice.
I Googled for Java SE 7 to find any reviews for beta exam but no help so that’s why I am writing my own review for Java SE 7 beta exam.
The exam can be categorized into 7 sections.
1. Java basics
2. Working with Java Data types
3. Create and manipulate strings
4. Creating and using Arrays
5. Using loop constructs
6. Working with Methods and Encapsulation
7. Working with inherence
8. Handling Exceptions
I think each section was covered pretty much in detail and you will see a lot of tricky questions so my recommendation is to read question twice. You will get 3 hours for 120 questions. As per oracle objectives,
JDBC API and Locale class were new addition to Java Associate certification but as far as I remember my
test had only 2 or 3 questions from these 2 objectives.
Recommended Reading:
I read 3 books to prepare for my exam.
1. Sun Certified Programmer & Developer for Java 2
2. McGraw Hill Java The Complete Reference 7th Edition Dec 2006
3. McGraw Hill OCP Java SE 6 Programmer Practice Exams Oct 2010
This associate exam only tests your Java basics knowledge and it's cheap. Cost is only $50. So go for it!!! Good Luck !!!