Passed 1Z0-817 exam today (taken in the office)

Hi All:

Passed 1Z0-817 exam today!

Not a perfect score, and I noticed some ambiguities which I reported to Oracle.

As preparation I used my own guide and JavaDocs 8-)

It was the first time I took exam not at authorized testing center, but in the office -- used new feature from Pearson VUE : proctored exam (proctor controls you through web camera during whole test)

Good luck to everyone,
MZ

Congratulations, Mikalai!!

Well done

Thanks guys !

Congratulations, Mikalai! Since you passed with a very good score, I was wondering how you went about studying for the 1Z0-817 given there aren't many resources out there yet for the Java SE 11 Programmer II exam?

I know you mentioned using your own guide and Java Docs, but how did you prepare for the "tricky questions" they might ask? For example, Boyarsky and Selikoff's study guides mention tricky/gotcha points you will have to remember so you'll be well prepared for the certification exams.

I passed the Java SE 8 Programmer I exam (1Z0-808) a couple of weeks back and was debating whether or not I should take the Java SE 8 Programmer II (1Z0-809) exam or the Java SE 11 Programmer II (1Z0-816) exam. I already have Boyarsky and Selikoff's book for 1Z0-809, but was wondering if there are any similar resources out there for 1Z0-816.

Youa re the first person I know who took the home/office test. Can you share what it was like? (The experience, not the questions)

James H Smith wrote:Congratulations, Mikalai! Since you passed with a very good score, I was wondering how you went about studying for the 1Z0-817 given there aren't many resources out there yet for the Java SE 11 Programmer II exam?

Hi James,

1Z0-817 exam has not many topics which are different from Java 8 exam. You can read articles and JLS 11 for new features -- modules. Private methods in interface and variable inference -- pretty straightforward.

As for Java 8 -- there is a lot of books/guides. They are pretty well covered. I feel the bigger part of exam (50% or more) were related to Streams (object and primitives) and Functional Interfaces. Most of intermediate operations are a must to know (which are well covered in my Java 8 or Java 11 guide)

I also used my own Java 11 Quiz which is 90% covers all topics. 8)) It's not finished so I am not ready to provide it.

Cheers,
MZ

Jeanne Boyarsky wrote:Youa re the first person I know who took the home/office test. Can you share what it was like? (The experience, not the questions)

Hi Jeanne,

It looked like that: When I registered (a week before test) I picked radio button "take in office/at home".
Then pre-check of hardware was proposed (I registered from MacBook and it already has what needed -- built in web camera and mic).
I passed mic test and camera test, but internet connection speed failed. It tries to download dummy file from Amazon AWS and my provider has bad connection to these servers.
Then I stopped registration.
Next attempt done same day at office meeting room.
The room for test must have a door (no open space 8-), no computers and monitors must be nearby, etc.. There is a FAQ at Pearson web site.
So, I passed hardware pre-test and speed test for my laptop and internet.
Then it proposed to download me Vue application and run it. It checks no other programs running in parallel. Detects pretty well, I missed to close Finder and it proposed me to close it. After all applications closed it proceeds.
Next I was asked to take a photo (via web cam) of my face, my ID (passport), and 4 walls around me.
That was on the registration day.

On the exam day I closed door from inside (because if someone accidentally enters the room and it detected -- automatic failure), logged in 30 mins in advance, and procedure was repeated:
Started Vue application.
Took photo of face, ID, and 4 pictures of 4 walls around me.
On the screen appears small window which shows recording from your camera. It's a sign all is good and you have compatible hardware.
Then web chat opened and some Vue person started guiding me:
Checked my registration information, then I had to take laptop in my hands and point web camera to all walls and desk (I had to disconnect charger cable for this)
Then take off badge and place on the floor (all showing via web camera)
Then show in details what on the desk. I had some speakerphone device, and it was OK.
Then show close to camera my hands from both sides and I took off watches (also not allowed).
Then the Vue person approves and I can proceed to exam -- all as usual.
The unusual parts:
- all the time there is a window with 4 areas (open chat with Vue person, application for making notes -- I have not used it, window which shows your face with recording, something else.)
- the system (machine) constantly monitors your face and in case it cannot recognize you -- it alarms to Vue person. For example -- I covered my mouth with hand, and it was reported and I got a warning in opened chat not to do this. Scratched my nose and ears couple of times -- but seems it was OK 8)))

So, it differs from traditional test center -- you should sit more quiet, your face must be all the time in the visible area for the web camera and not cover face with hands. AS I said -- they use some computer face recognition software during whole exam.
Once I was done I clicked End and closed the application. Results are available after a while via CertView web site.
Exam lasts 180 mins, 80 questions. It took me 120 mins to answer and 30 mins to review answers.

Thank you for sharing your experience with the OCP SE 11 (1Z0-817) exam via online proctoring! I noticed this was an option when I registered for my OCA SE 8 (1Z0-808) exam, but I didn't know what to expect as I didn't see many posts online regarding this. I was a bit paranoid once I read that they can terminate your exam if they hear outside noise or if you accidentally move away from the webcam, so I decided to take it at a Pearson VUE testing center. I just found this video from Pearson VUE on how online proctored exams work (pretty much exactly what you said):  

It's definitely good to see this as an option rather than going to a testing center where it could sometimes be a bit distracting with others also taking their exams. I will definitely consider an online proctored exam next time.

Thanks Mikalai! I had read about the option, but it is different hearing about it from someone who actually did it!

Wow, thanks Mikalai!  I knew the rules for this were pretty strict but having them close all processes and constantly using face-tracking software...  that's a little scary to me.  What about virus checkers on Windows computers I wonder?  Not sure about the four wall rule.. what if you're taking it in a kitchen or living room, where it might connect to other rooms.  Sounds like you almost need to be in a bedroom ... or closet!

Even if it's a long drive, I'd be much more comfortable taking it at a testing center.  The deal breaker for me was lack of scratch paper...  For example, there are questions on some exams with multiple loops and streams, and the inability to track the current state of a variable would be really tough.  That said, your experience make me think twice about taking it at home.

Thanks again for posting your experience!

It does sound scary indeed, I would rather drive a few hours to the test centre than go through all of this. I would be worried about my broadband or power going down.

Congratulations,

Scott Selikoff wrote: Not sure about the four wall rule.. what if you're taking it in a kitchen or living room, where it might connect to other rooms.  Sounds like you almost need to be in a bedroom ... or closet!

I believe the room must be with 4 walls (i.e. no open space at work 8-)))) and have a door.
Well, maybe they will allow in studio apartments, but I would not risk... Remember, they want to move camera inside the room to show all walls and desk from all sides.
And yes, I preferred to lock the door from inside to avoid someone accidentally entering 8-)))

Cheers,
MZ

Scott Selikoff wrote: The deal breaker for me was lack of scratch paper...  For example, there are questions on some exams with multiple loops and streams, and the inability to track the current state of a variable would be really tough.  

They provide some Whiteboard Application, the button to launch it will be always on your screen during the test.
I needed scratch paper only once during my exam, but managed to solve it in brains, and did not launch the application.
It should look like this: https://india.pearsonvue.com/Documents/Technical-specifications/Online-Proctored/online-proctored-whiteboard-overview.aspx

Cheers,
MZ

Not sure if this related to that I took exam in the office... I got a very unusual badge -- "Oracle PartnerNetwork Certified Specialist"
I requested if I can have more traditional "Java 11 Developer..." Will see what they tell...

Mikalai Zaikin wrote:Hi All:

Passed 1Z0-817 exam today!


It was the first time I took exam not at authorized testing center, but in the office -- used new feature from Pearson VUE : proctored exam (proctor controls you through web camera during whole test)

Good luck to everyone,
MZ

Congratulations.  really inspiring!!!

Congratulations,  I took OCAJP 8 before a month and time was not enough to properly think about a question and answer. I passed by small margin.  
1. I am not sure if I can ask cost issues. If possible, what is the cost difference b/n vue and office taking.
2. I felt that the exam interacts with server real time rather than downloading once and interacting with local copy. How much speed is needed. what if the internet disconnects, can you resume.
3. If power goes off in the middle,   will you lose the exam?

1) The cost is the same. Home/office testing is offered for your "convenience". (The whole experience sounds inconvenient to me. If you live anywhere near an exam center, actually going sounds like the better option.)

2) The pearson vue page says "A consistent connection speed of 1 Mbps down/up is required."

3) I don't know. They have language about not getting a refund. But that is in a section about cheating. If you live in an area where power is unreliable, I strongly recommend going to a testing center. (If there is a technical issue in a testing center you get to reschedule at no cost to you)

Congratulations Mikalai Zaikin!  Cheers!

gino ruperez wrote:Congratulations Mikalai Zaikin!  Cheers!

Thanks and good luck !

Congrats Mikalai!


Some people asked what if the room has no door. Got the same situation at my place, asked PearsonVUE customer service, and the reply was:

Dear Alexey,

Thank you for contacting Pearson VUE.

Kindly, make sure while appearing for the exam no one should enter your room as that will be considered as a policy violation<...>


I am taking 1Z0-808 soon and feel really nervous about that no scratch paper policy.

Alexey Grokhotov wrote:Congrats Mikalai!


Some people asked what if the room has no door. Got the same situation at my place, asked PearsonVUE customer service, and the reply was:

Dear Alexey,

Thank you for contacting Pearson VUE.

Kindly, make sure while appearing for the exam no one should enter your room as that will be considered as a policy violation<...>


I am taking 1Z0-808 soon and feel really nervous about that no scratch paper policy.

You may block the entry using a chair or something and stick an "Exam in progress" note on it so that no one would enter by mistake.

Don't worry about the scratch paper policy. You won't need it.

Alexey Grokhotov wrote:I am taking 1Z0-808 soon and feel really nervous about that no scratch paper policy.

They do have a online whiteboard. Not as convenient as a physical writing option, but better than nothing. (I write a lot when I take a test so I was especially alert for that!)

Thanks, Paul. I use Enthuware tests, they are great! Show me the areas I am not quite familiar with.

Jeanne, I've read your OCA Study Guide. Really enjoy the language and the way the information provided.

Short update on my proctored exam experience: 20 seconds after beginning of the exam OnVuE application closed saying that Dropbox is not allowed or something like that. Then I realized there is a Drobox icon is in Mac OS top menu bar on my computer. Though the system test has been passed without any issues.

Now I am trying to contact the Pearson Vue customer service, convince them there's not my fault in this, and ask them to rebook the test.

So check your tray and menu bar before taking this proctored exam.

Hi Alexey,

I am sorry to hear you had a bad experience.

I am not 100% sure, as it was long time ago, but if I am not mistaken OnVue application closed all processes (like Finder, etc..) on my machine.

Perhaps Drop Box PID somehow not visible to OnVue and they spotted only when looked at your screen.

MZ

[UPD]

After reading this thread I can imagine another scenario -- DropBox was closed by OnVue but restarted automatically during exam session and OnVue spotted the new PID. Again, this is only my guess 8((

Interesting to know, that online exam is a new feature. I though it is already many years old   I did 2 online certifications until now and want to take one more in this year - SQL Foundations.
About closing apps: Before starting exam, the program say that you have to close all applications, also when you test your system. If I remember correct, also assistent asked me if all applications are closed.

PearsonVue made a refund. I will wait for the test centres to open for my next try.

Remind me... what is the passing score needed for the SE11 exams? Sixty-something...

Blake Edward wrote:Remind me... what is the passing score needed for the SE11 exams? Sixty-something...

I believe it differs for 1Z0-815, 1Z0-816, and 1Z0-817.

For 1Z0-817 is 61% (on the very first post there is a score report with this information)

It is 63% for 815 and 816. But 61% for 817 as of today.
Always confirm it from the official exam page because they may change it anytime. They have done it in the past with other exams.

Congratulations Mikalai !!!

The room for test must have a door? I can't find it in FAQs.

I was also planning to take exam from home. Since I will be taking exam at night time so that my kid is in deep sleep in bedroom and I am in hall room (with open kitchen). But looks like it can be tricky, right?

Manoj Shekhawat wrote:The room for test must have a door? I can't find it in FAQs.

I was also planning to take exam from home. Since I will be taking exam at night time so that my kid is in deep sleep in bedroom and I am in hall room (with open kitchen). But looks like it can be tricky, right?

There was such requirement, and it's now in Google cache, at least I cannot find on live version of web site (see attachment).

I suggest you to ask directly in support chat here: https://home.pearsonvue.com/oracle/contact

Probably closed door is more to prevent someone entering during exam (as it leads to auto failure), if nobody enters your apartment at night -- you're good 8))

You will be required to post pictures of the room from all four sides before the exam. The proctor will check the photos and approve or disprove. They may ask for more pictures or a close look also.

In our experience, it is better if you have a closed clutter free room. We have posted pictures of the room in which one of our students in India took the exam.

Well done, Mikalai! Did you finished your own Java 11 quiz that you mentioned I am searching for study materials. Thank you.

SY: Welcome to the Ranch

All of our testing centers in the area have been closed since March and may open to limited capacity next month. My voucher expires next month! I don't have a proper set up at home to take this test, and would rather go to a test center. I asked OU about an extension of time for the voucher and they said to let it expire then ask for the extension. Does that sound like good advice?

Thanks