Oracle Java SE 7 Programmer certifications gear up your knowledge in latest API /JSR changes and improves your career potential.

Introduction
The Java SE 7 Programmer (OCAJP & OCPJP) is a professional certification program offered by Oracle. These certifications tests candidates program knowledge Java SE at lighter (in OCA) and deeper (in OCP) levels.  The OCA Java 7 is an entry level certification in Java. It helps the programmer who can have the basic knowledge of the essentials of the Java programming language. To handle the looping constructs and variables, and does not cover specific technologies such as GUI creation, Web or network programming. This certification exam tests how well a programmer has understood the language constructs and verify skillset in Java technologies.

The OCP Java 7 is the next level programming certification that covers major changes/addition in Java SE 7. The interesting topics in this exams are Patterns, JDBC 4.0, Java NIO 2 and Exception Handling enhancements.

Why OCPJP is top recommended certification in Java?
The certification is must needed for any Java programmer/developer to prove their skills in reliable manner. It does not requires any mandatory course, so the cost of certification process is less when compared to certifications like OCMJD and OCMJEA. Another good news from Oracle is that the exam syllabus is divided into two different certifications, OCA (entry level programmer), OCP (advanced level programmer). One must complete OCAJP certification prior to attending OCPJP exam. Most of the other certifications requires OCPJP as the pre-requirement, so candidates can attend other certifications when they have OCPJP certification.

Certification Preparation Tips

To be success in Java certification one must have good knowledge in exam objectives. Identify top rated study material for the certification and check whether it meets the exam objectives.

The next step will be reading exam topics one by one with small programs. Note that Oracle changed exam pattern from theory knowledge to program/practical knowledge and you can expect lot of coding snippets questions than direct theory questions. You must write programs and analyze possible error/runtime conditions.

Practice with legal practice exam labs (search it in certguard.com) and identify your weakness. Do not purchase and use braindumps, they are strictly illegal.

I found that Java SE 7 OCA Training Lab and Java SE 7 OCP Training Lab are legal study guides offered by EPractize Labs. These are the guides currently available in the market and they are good in terms of study notes and mock exams. The products are very limited and works only in Windows, however you can run it in Linux/MAC OS by winreg or any other emulators.

Preparation for the OCAJP 7 Certification
To achieve Oracle Certified Associate Java SE 7 Programmer (OCAJP) Certification you need to complete 1Z0-803 – Java SE 7 Programmer I Exam. This exam covers the basic knowledge of Java data types, strings, arrays, loop constructs, methods and encapsulation, inheritance and exceptions. There is no prior requirement for this certification from Oracle.

OCAJP 7 Objectives:

1. Java Basics
2. Working With Java Data Types
3. Using Operators and Decision Constructs
4. Creating and Using Arrays
5. Using Loop Constructs
6. Working with Methods and Encapsulation
7. Working with Inheritance
8. Handling Exceptions

Study Materials:
OCAJP 7 Training Lab by EPractize Labs - Currently this is the only software guide available for Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 7 Programmer certification. This software simulator comes with set of mock exam questions and review slides to prepare 1Z0-803 – Java SE 7 Programmer I Examination.

Preparation for the OCPJP 7 Certification
To achieve Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 7 Programmer (OCPJP) Certification you need to complete 1Z0-804 – Java SE 7 Programmer II Exam. This exam covers the basic knowledge of basic syntax and structure of the Java programming language and can create Java technology applications that run on server and desktop systems using Java SE 7. Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 7 Programmer certification is prior requirement for this certification from Oracle.

OCAJP 7 Objectives:

1. Java Class Design
2. Advanced Class Design
3. Object-Oriented Design Principles
4. Generics and Collections
5. String Processing
6. Exceptions and Assertions
7. Java I/O Fundamentals
8. Java File I/O (NIO.2)
9. Building Database Applications with JDBC
10. Threads
11. Concurrency
12. Localization

Study Materials:
OCPJP 7 Training Lab by EPractize Labs - Currently this is the only guide available for Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 7 Programmer certification. This software simulator comes with set of mock exam questions and review slides to prepare 1Z0-804 – Java SE 7 Programmer II Examination.

Preparation for the Upgrade OCPJP 7 Certification
The upgrade path lets old SCJP/OCPJP certified candiates move into OCPJP 7 certification. To achieve Oracle Certified Professional Java SE 7 Programmer (OCPJP) Certification you need to complete 1Z0-805 – Upgrade to Java SE 7 Programmer Exam. This exam covers the basic knowledge of basic syntax and structure of the Java programming language and can create Java technology applications that run on server and desktop systems using Java SE 7. Any version Oracle Certified Professional, Java Programmer OR Any version Sun Certified Java Programmer is prior requirement for this certification from Oracle.

OCAJP 7 Upgrade Objectives:

1. Language Enhancements
2. Design Patterns
3. Database Applications with JDBC
4. Concurrency
5. Localization
6. Java File I/O (NIO.2)

Study Materials:
OCPJP 7 Upgrade Training Lab by EPractize Labs - The good news from EPractize Labs is that they have separate software study guide for OCP Java SE 7 Upgrade exam. This is the only guide available for Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 7 Programmer certification. This software simulator comes with set of mock exam questions and review slides to prepare 1Z0-805 – Upgrade Java SE 7 Programmer Examination.

Conclusion
OCPJP 7 certification adds more value to any Java Professionals. I read one article where a SCEA certified candidate appeared for OCPJP 7 Upgrade exam. To get uptodate knowledge in Java, one must appear this certification. The company EPractize Labs is respected by many Java aspirants and I strongly recommend their product for all Java Certifications.

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