This is the first time I am putting something here in English.
Normally, the purpose of this blog is to write on the lines of 'Philosophy-Critic & Hunger' and then my feelings, sentiments, views and understandings of the events happening around me or for that matter all over the world. As an obvious effect, this also helps me keeping my sensitivity alive and encourages me to share my thoughts with others. At the same time, sharing information, knowledge is helping me in creating environment of openness, trust and moving forward with the people I come across in day-to-day life, helping each other in living this beautiful life cheerfully.
I am glad to convey that Yashashree (my significant other) cleared SCJP1.5 (http://www.sun.com/training/catalog/courses/CX-310-055.xml) with 90% score in her first attempt. Being into Java-J2EE profession for more than eight years it was immense enjoyment for me to guide her in certification planning and execution efforts. Many of our friends, especially who are already in Java field requested to let us know the strategies we applied and days we went through, while preparing for the exam. So, here are few points based on our experiences --
1. SCJP1.5 is very good certification to have on resume for any Java Programmer. First let us tell you that it is not easy to have it unless you plan for it and remain focused through out.
2. Start of the starting point -->
Understand the objectives of SCJP1.5, it’s scope and find out the answer why you want to go for it?
Having too much of information available, many times creates problems as it takes time to decide where to start from and what path to continue. Definitely, different people have different technical appetites and responsiveness but still there are few preferred tools, books and approaches.
http://saloon.javaranch.com/ is the site you never want to miss. Thanks to people who are doing good work in this forum. This is example of how, good people can help others and create chain for goodwill and encourage others to do better.
Thanks to Kathy Sierra & Bert Bates for their masterpiece they created in the form of SCJP5.0 study guide.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0072253606/qid%3D1145235860/203-2307724-7521531
3. Plan your journey before you execute-->
Depending on the experience you have and your familiarity with language you can pace your journey. Thorough reading of SCJP5.0 guide is absolutely essential. We divided preparation in three phases.
Phase one:
1. Read SCJP5.0 guide word to word. Understand and assimilate each and every concept learned. This book definitely helps you remain focused. Solve the exercise questions at the end of each chapter.
2. Do use textpad or IDE (eclipse, WSAD etc.) to write java programs. Do get used to compiling and executing java programs through command line. Writing code is extremely important. Understand all the basic concepts making sure that you are in a position to guestimate compilation errors, runtime errors in the given program. Create your thumb rules and decide what you will do to see if there are compilation issues in the given program. This is where writing program helps.
3. Another important thing is to use java class decompiler tool (e.g. JAD). Get into habit of opening class files and understanding how java code is transferred into class files by compiler. Many times just looking in class files solves big puzzles.
4. Keep browsing through Java Ranch forum to get an idea of experiences of other SCJP students.
5. Keep reading through "2 minute drills" (in SCJP guide) at least once in two days for the chapters you have completed.
Phase two:
1. Reading SCJP5.0 again and this time concentrating more on the concepts which were difficult to digest. You can go for one more, i.e. third reading if required. Keep your focus only on the concepts where you feel, you need more preparations. This will save your lot of time.
2. This thorough reading will help you in building very solid technical base for the exam. From here you need to practice more on answering questions.
3. Keep browsing through Java Ranch forum and reading through "2 minute drills" at least once in two days.
Phase three:
1. To prepare for question answer mode, maintain an excel sheet where you will write answer to every question you ever solve. This is especially important to track your progress. You may give same exam again and again, thus keeping all the answers and score handy will help you measure your progress and build your confidence. This is also important to find out exactly when you will be ready to call prometric to schedule the exam.
The very important thing to keep in mind is "We learn more from mistakes than from correct answers". Thus doing thorough analysis of mistakes and developing attitude of not repeating them is absolutely important. As you progress based on the mistakes you are making you will like to put your own notes/points and append them to 2 minutes drill so that it will be part of your daily revision.
2. Start solving questions at the end of each chapter, 5 chapters at a time. This will bring your mindset in question-answers mode. This will also help you in keeping your concentration for long periods such as 3 to 3.5 hrs and make you sit at one place. This is important as exam lasts for nearly 3 hrs and you obviously have to look at every question & its options critically while answering it. If you are not used to, then keeping concentration high for such a long period is not easy at all.
3. Solve various mock tests mentioned in the forum. Again, key here is to write your answers in the excel, keeping track of your score and analyze every question you answered wrong. Keep appending your own 2 minute drill. In mock exams you will face questions from various topics randomly, e.g. first question may be from generics, next from threads and then next from fundamentals. You must get habitual to answer questions on random topics.
4. SCJP1.5 study guide also comes with Mock exam and bonus exam. It's difficulty level is almost same as that of actual SCJP.
Whizlab also have good set of mock tests. Do take all the tests and make sure that you give each test with enough seriousness. These tests are slightly difficult than actual SCJP. Besides here you do not know actual no. of correct answers out of the given options, so tests become more difficult.
5. In this phase your daily routine should be -
Take mock test(s)
Analyze previous mock test
Read 2 minute drill
Read Java Ranch forum
Generally, 2 to 3 weeks are required to complete all the mock tests or practice questions (i.e. Whizlab diagnostic tests & mock exams, tests mentioned in Java Ranch forum and SCJP guide mock exam & bonus mock exam).
6. Keep taking exams till you start scoring 80% consistently. This is time when you can call prometric and tell them you are ready.
7. Just sit back, concentrate and relax in the day prior to exam. Revise your 2 minute drill and get ready for the cracking score.
Quick tips:
1. There are around 8 to 10 drag and drop questions. Review function does not work in drag and drop so be careful.
2. You exactly get to know how many options to choose from given set of options to answer given question in actual exam.
3. If you are already working on Java 1.4 and planning to go for SCJP1.5 be cautious. Do make sure that you have understood the differences between Java1.4 & Java1.5 before you start your preparations. Also, do make sure that you are taking mock tests of Java1.5 and not that of 1.4 (for e.g. Java 1.5 has autoboxing and same question may end up in different answer based on which Java version you are using.)
4. Do keep practice of drawing object diagrams. This typically helps in answering questions related to garbage collection.
Few important points:
1. SCJP5.0 certified does not mean you are java guru. It only shows that you have general good understanding of Java as a language and your employer doesn’t have to send you for Java training.
2. SCJP5.0 certification is the basic building block and start of a bigger journey in Java technical world. More sound & confident, you are, better it is going to be. SCWCD, SCBCD, SCEA are other milestones you may want to think of once SCJP is completed.
3. Keep revising SCJP5.0, 2 minutes drill till the time you (or Java 1.5) remain in profession. Sadly, I have seen people who are certified long back and have completely lost grasp even on basic java concepts. This will degrade the certification as well as the certification holders.
4. Rather than the milestone of SCJP5.0 what you enjoy more is the journey and transformation you go through while preparing for it. This is as valuable as (or may be more valuable than!) the actual certification. It is definitely good achievement to have it on your professional resume.
If this inspires you to go for it, please proceed. Let us know if you need any kind of help. Our best wishes with you always!
As Bert says – If you're not on the edge, you're taking up too much room.
- Prashant & Yashashree
