Oracle University - the "official option"

Oracle controls the exams and it also provides a selection of training options. The most extensive for OCA is the Oracle University 5-day course Java SE 8 Fundamentals which introduces object-oriented programming using the Java language. Students learn to: 

• Use Java programming language constructs to create a Java technology application.

• Use decision and looping constructs and methods to dictate program flow.

• Understand basic object oriented concepts such as inheritance, encapsulation, and abstraction.

• Use and manipulate object references, and to write simple error handling code.

• Use the new SE 8 java.time and java.time.format packages to format and print the local date and time.

• Specify a data modification by passing a predicate lambda expression to the Collections class.

From this list you'll notice the close correspondence to the exam topics but the course does more than prepare you to answer multiple choice questions and by doing it students are expected to expand their knowledge of Java SE 8 and build a solid basis in the Java programming language upon which to base continued work and training.

The follow-on 5-day course that prepares you for the OCP exam is Java SE 8 Programming in which students learn to: 

• Create Java technology applications with the latest JDK Technology
• Develop your object-oriented skills
• Identify good practices in the use of the language to create robust Java application
• Use Lambda expressions in Java applications
• Store and manipulate data using collections
• Manipulate files, directories and file systems
• Connect to databases using standard SQL queries through JDBC
• Create high-performance multi-threaded applications 

There are two online delivery options for both these courses:
Training On Demand - i.e. no set timetable, costing US$2,325
Live Virtual Class- 5 consecutive days with set start and end times, costing US$2,525. Depending where you are you may also find classroom training available at a slightly higher cost.

Oracle University also offers Java SE Exam Seminar Packages for each of the two exams at a cost of $617. This bundles: 

• Exam prep seminar access, 24/7 (6 month subscription)
• Practice test access, 24/7 (6 month subscription)
• One exam voucher and a free retake in case you need it (valid for 6 months)

The latest addition to the range of options are accelerated 1-day courses: Certification Exam Prep Seminar: Java SE 8 Programmer I/II  at a cost of $245. Each  has about 3 hours of video and an eKit  containing the student guide.

Printed Material 

For those who prefer to read a book Oracle Press also produces a self-study exam guides for both Java SE 8 Programmer exams written by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates who were the developers of the original Sun Certified Java Programmer exam. OCA Java SE 8 Programmer I Exam Guide (Exam 1Z0-808) includes two complete, accurate practice exams. In all, its electronic content consists of more than 200 practice questions that mirror those on the actual test in content, tone, and format. While every chapter begins with Certification Objectives that identify what you need to know in order to pass the exam, On the Job callouts discuss practical aspects of certification topics that might not occur on the exam, but will be useful in the real world. The companion volume OCA Java SE 8 Programmer II Exam Guide (Exam 1Z0-809) and its accompanying digital content feature more than 350 practice questions.

Alternative Books

Other publishers have produced exam preparation guides. One  that we reviewed and recommended for candidates of the OCA exam who already have experience of Java or another language is A Programmer's Guide to Java SE 8 Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) from Addison-Wesley Professional.  Although there's no electronic content, an appendix has a complete mock exam for which there are annotated answers. 

Manning has a title, OCA Java SE 8 Programmer I Certification Guide, with similar content, which explores important Java topics and systematically teaches what's required. Each chapter starts with a list of exam objectives mapped to section numbers, followed by sample questions and exercises designed to reinforce key concepts. To help digest its important information, the book  provides memorable analogies, diagrams, and flowcharts as well as lots of well-commented code. One reviewer, who was impressed by the:

"funny examples that help you retain the concepts"

states that the book:

"explains the topics and also, gives you a lot of examples of typical mistakes talking about edge cases. ... Even if you don't plan to do the certification, I think that it is really good to read this book in order to be able to work with Java in a commercial environment." 

Sybex has produced study guides for both the OCA and OCP exams, which also include interactive online learning providing three custom practice exams and more than 200 Electronic flashcards and a searchable key term glossary. These books are available separately or bundled together as a kit. 

The publisher's blurb states: 

OCA / OCP Oracle Java SE 8 Programmer Certification Kit is the ideal tool for preparing for the OCA and OCP exams. With two comprehensive study guides in one package, this kit serves as a helpful companion throughout your journey to Oracle Java SE 8 certification. The release of Java 8 brought the language′s biggest changes to date, and for the first time, candidates are required to learn functional programming to pass the exam. The OCA: Oracle Certified Associate Java SE 8 Programmer I Study Guide has you covered, with thorough functional programming explanation and information on all key topic areas Java programmers need to know, covering one hundred percent of the material on Exam 1Z0–808.

Once you′re OCA certified, the OCP: Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 8 Programmer II Study Guide is your comprehensive companion for preparing for Exam 1Z0–809 as well as upgrade Exam 1Z0–810 and Exam 1Z0–813. You′ll review the basics of object–oriented programming, understand functional programming, apply your knowledge to database work, and much more. From the basic to the advanced, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to confidently take the OCP 1Z0–809 exam (and upgrade exams 1Z0–810 and 1Z0–813).

Sybex has a third publication, OCA/OCP Java SE 8 Programmer Practice Tests, which gives online access to over 1,000 practice questions and 2 practice exams that cover all 21 objective domains in the OCA/OCP exams and also provides expert explanations. 

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