How many months are enough to get ready to the OCA IZ0-803 exam?

Hi,

I am studying for the OCA Java SE 7 - IZ0-803 exam with the Kathy Sierra's book - OCA/OCP Java SE 7 Programmer I & II - Study Guide.

There are 6 chapters in the book regarding the OCA IZ0-803 exam.

How do you guys divide your time to pass through the 6 chapters? I mean, does it make sense to allocate 1 chapter per month? Is it too much time?

Of course, I know it will depend on the time availability, etc, but in general terms, 1 chapter/month is ok? or 2 chapters/month? what is usual?

Thanks,
Henrique.

i depends experience in java before too.
for me it was almost 7 month (no experience before) - i study 2 day study 2 day not (because of work)
and i also read official tutorial, mala gupta book, java language specification, and make enthuware test (at this period).
can only advise study book you have and when finish it -> try mock test (one exam (not all at one time) and look at the result - and study weak topic or even all topics (depend of result testing)
if you result not grow from test to test - use another study material. (some time you can overlook some concepts in one book and see it in other)

OCA/OCP Java SE 7 Programmer I & II has at the end of each chapter question - when use it don`t go to next if you have 10-20% errors - just reread all chapter (this way i read it first)
(and about speed 1-6 day is enough if you study full day, as for me (this also depend if English is native language (i read this book first time from 11.06.2014 to 05.08.2014)

Hi Henrique,

First of all, a warm welcome to CodeRanch!

Henrique Berenguel wrote:How do you guys divide your time to pass through the 6 chapters? I mean, does it make sense to allocate 1 chapter per month? Is it too much time?

Of course, I know it will depend on the time availability, etc, but in general terms, 1 chapter/month is ok? or 2 chapters/month? what is usual?

That's very hard to tell as you didn't provide any details about your java experience. If you are seasoned developer, you might study this first 6 chapters in 1 week. If you have no experience at all, 1 month per chapter might be more realistic.

My main advice is always the same: take all the time you need, don't put yourself to some freakishly unrealistic deadline. A certification is not just about that piece of paper you get (although it's nice if you get a raise once certified ), it's about much more: getting a better understanding of (in this case) the Java basics, becoming a better developer,... If you rush your preparation, you might pass the certification as well, but you probably have not reached the full potential.

Hope it helps!
Kind regards,
Roel

Also, when you get on a roll with it don't stop. Just keep studying. I have made that mistake and now I am just on my own pace, but realize that I have to increase my study time and start moving towards the test. I'm not in a hurry, but the time and dedication needed to finish the deal is going to take its toll on me. Good luck!