Wonderful question, thank you for asking.
You will notice a chapter on UML in the book. This is here because the
SCJA exam had UML coverage. Note though that the SCJA exam is now the OCA exam with UML removed, but the UML chapter has persisted in the
Java Pocket Guide as many will find themselves using UML on the job.
I make this point (of UML inclusion) because when we were developing the initial edition of the book, we tried to ensure that we had basic coverage related to the objectives on the SCJA exam. And of course, we took into consideration the new requirements for the OCA exam in regards to our updates.
So yes, the book can be helpful with the OCA exam, it was designed to be. But keep in mind, since this is just a reference guide, more comprehensive study guides are a better direct fit for preparing for the certification exams.
I believe that you will find the our OCA study guide to be very helpful. But, I encourage
test candidates to use as many resources as possible before sitting the exam, as this OCA exam is designed to be tricky, unlike it's straight forward predecessor... the SCJA exam. More specifically, I recommend that you set aside about three weeks to go through the Enthuware mock exams. If you can pass these exams,
you should have a high degree of confidence that you will pass the OCA exam.
Good luck on your test.
Sincerely,
Robert