Hello everyone,
I recently gave the Oracle Certification Exam 1Z0-808 (
Java SE8 Programmer I) on 17th of this month and passed the
test with a score of 91%.
1. References used -
A. OCA/OCP Java SE7 Programmer I & II Study Guide by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates (K&B)
B. OCA: Oracle Certified Associate Java SE8 Programmer I by Jeanne Boyarsky and Scott Selikoff.
C. Enthuware tests for OCA-JP-I-SE8 (JA + I V8)
2. Preparation process (Overall time - 2 months (Mainly prepared on weekends because of my job))
A. Studied OCA section in reference A (K&B SE7). Solved the review questions and took notes on these topics.
Wrote short test programs as necessary. (Approx time - 6 weeks)
B. Studied areas new to SE8 (lambdas, Date/Time API, default/static interface methods) from reference B. Also had an overview read of the other chapters to identify new objectives for
OCAJP 8. (Approx time - 1 week)
C. Solved all Enthuware tests (reference C) and tests, end-of-chapter review questions in reference B. Reviewed all the questions and took notes. (Approx time - 2 weeks)
My scores on the Enthuware tests were 84% (Foundational), 82%, 84%, 84%, 90%, 92%, 91%, 91% (Final-day test).
3. General comments -
A. All the three reference were useful. Each of them contributed to the preparation in an unique way.
B. The only negative feedback I have is about the online tests from Sybex as a part of reference B.
The UI format in Sybex tests did not allow navigating back and forth between questions, or a way to revisit reviewed questions.
4. Exam day recollections -
A. Along with my original identification documents, I was also asked to submit bring photocopies of these documents.
B. The look and feel of the exam was similar to the Enthuware tests.
C. The test center provided me with a scratch pad and marker pens for performing rough work.
D. Like my experiences on the Enthuware tests, I was able to complete all the questions with around 30 minutes left, and then go on to review about half of the questions.
I wish to thank all the authors of the resources I used for the exam, for producing excellent materials that helped me pass the test, and become a more knowledgeable Java programmer in the process.
Aspiring OCAJP8 test takers, please feel free to comment below or mail me if you have any questions. I would be happy to help you out!
Thanks,
Shantanu Bhate