I'd like to thank Jeanne and Scott for their wonderful Study Guide. I'd like to thank Paul from Enhtuware. And, of course, to you, CodeRanch, for the possibility to share and look for information!
My background:
Over 4 years of job experience with
Java
It was a classic preparation:
Book "OCA: Oracle Certified Associate Java SE 8 Programmer I Study Guide: Exam 1Z0-808", by Scott Selikoff, Jeanne Boyarsky
1 week of reading, making marks and answering the chapter questions1 week of wrinting summary and taking mock exams
Mock exams: Enhtuware
trial test with 59%all standard tests with results, reaching from 69 to 92%the last day test with 88%reviewing the answers after each test and enriching my summary with new information
Answering questions on
OCAJP branch of CodeRanch
My advice:
A very important thing is to do as much mock exams as you can. You learn how to manage your time and what strategy to choose. Also you learn to read the code and filter the important information. Even if you know the theory, you can fall through the test. Don't make large pauses between the mock exams. Each day one exam. Yes, it's hard to spend 2,5 hours for a test plus about a 0,5 hours for a review, but it makes it.
You should perform better with each mock exam. After you have a feeling you're ready, go to the real exam. Don't wait to long!
My exam taking strategy:
My intention was to have enough time in the end of the exam to review some questions, where I would be not sure about the right answer.
So I've skipped the questions, where I saw much code or where I saw loops. They could (not necessary) take much time. I've marked such question for review and jumped to the next question.
I've also marked questions for review, where I wasn't sure about the answer.
After I've answered the 80-th question, I've had about 40 minutes to review all marked questions.
I've started with the questions, where I had no answer. Then I've reviewed the questions, where I was unsure.
On my last minutes I had a feeling, I've done everything I could, all questions were answered and I was calm and sure, that I will pass the exam.
P.S.
You can just skip the time-robbery questions without marking them for review. There is a button "Review all unanswered". Mark only questions, where you're not sure about the answer already given. Then you have two different sets of questions and can review them in separate.
And yes, I'll write it again:
the real exam is easier than the Enthuware mock exams.
Good luck!