Hi guys,
I just passed the exam today with 78%, not a stellar score by any means but I'm happy
I decided that I would share my experience with others, as so many have here, and may be be helpful to someone.
Java skill level: Novice, I had very basic knowledge of Java.
Reference materials used: Mala Gupta - OCA Java SE 7 Programmer I. Certification Guide, OCA/OCP Java SE 7 Programmer I & II Study Guide (Exams 1Z0-803 & 1Z0-804) by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates.
Mock exams(primary): Enthuware. Additionally, I also practised the mock exams that came with both the study guides.
I started with the Mala Gupta study guide, after reading each chapter I would attempt the
test at the end of the chapter. I would do this purely based on what I learnt , using a pen and paper, no
IDE and no googling etc.
Once I was done with the Mala Gupta guide , I started reading the OCA/OCP Java SE 7 Programmer I & II Study Guide by K&B and repeated the process of taking the tests at the end of each chapter.
As far as which book I prefer, I think I like the Mala Gupta a shade more than I liked the OCA/OCP Java SE 7 Programmer I & II Study Guide by K&B. Having said that, I prefer the writing style of K&B over Mala a bit more. I strongly suggest getting both the guides. Both of them were extremely essential in my preparation.
I guess the turning point in my preparation was when I started with the Enthuware exams. Those exams completely changed my perspective of the exam. The Enthuware engine is pretty close to what the actual exam engine is like, it might be even better than the actual one. I would 10000% recommend paying the 10$ for the complete question bank of the software. Its definitely worth it. It covers topics that might be on the exam but not be explicitly mentioned in the study guides. Infact, some of the questions I encountered on the exam were very very similar to some of the Enthuware questions.
I also took notes on topics that I had trouble understanding, did some coding as well to try out different things and when I got stuck, I posted here for help. I studied for about a month before I took the plunge.
Before the exam: I called the test center, and asked them exactly where I was supposed to be the day of, so I had detailed directions. I also asked them what sort of materials would be provided for doing rough work so I wouldn't be blindsided on the day of the exam.
On the day of exam: Had a good night's sleep. Woke up early. Had something to eat and then reviewed the notes at the end of Mala Gupta's guide. Had light lunch before leaving. Took a light sweater along in case I got cold and I did. Wear shoes, you dont want cold,clammy feet. Depending on how far you live from the testing center, you could scope out the place earlier so you know exactly where to go. I lived 20 mins away from the testing center and left and hour early ,just in case. In fact, my dear husband drove me there. If you can have someone there for emotional support, take advantage of that, it's nice to get a hug before and after the exam.
During the exam: I drew things(relationships/inheritance) , did dry runs for loops, and treated every question with a guilty until proven innocent outlook. I had about 35 mins left to review after I was done and I did review.
After the exam: I had to wait less the 30 mins before I received the email notifying me that my result was available.
Rant about the test center: It was not a good experience, the people invigilating were not very good about the needs of the candidates. I actually had to rush out couple of times during the exam to get a new dry erase page because I wasn't allowed to erase anything. I sincerely hope that your experience is better than mine.
Thanks again to the wonderful people of this forum. May all your efforts be well rewarded. Best of luck!
1
