SCEA5.0 part-1 experience

 Hi,

I have cleared SCEA5.0 part-1 yesterday.Though not really a great score (69%)
the exam is worth taking by all those who want to test their architecture
skills.
I wrote the exam with only prior experience and a week's preparation.

I referred the following for the exam.
1. EJB3.0 in Action (For business layer)
2. MZ guide (For Common Arch, Design Patterns, Security)
3. Ramu's notes (For Integration and Messaging , other topics)
4. SCWCD tutorial by IBM Developer works.(For web layer)
5. Sun's article on Webservices. title is "Using Webservices effectively". Found
it very useful for the exam as well as for in -depth understanding of
webservices.
6. Referred Java World article on JSF, JDO. But did not find it useful with
respect to exam. Advise you to refer latest specs from Sun with respect to this.


To my understanding the exam needs a well rounded experience in handling real
time projects in the architecture/ tech lead role.To clear this exam, it is
better to go through latest J2EE specs.Also it is worth having a look at the
reference implementation of java pet store application and understand how the
various patterns are applied.

All most all the questions are scenario based. So, dont focus on low level
syntax.Instead try to gain understanding of the architecture, application of
concepts.

I score low in Security,JSF. It is worth spending more time on these areas in
relevant sites. MZ guide will give you initial understanding of concepts in
Security.It is advised to gain more understanding in this area as we normally
don't get much exposure in projects related to this. Also JSF is one area where
real time experience may not be obtained as not many projects use JSF in web
layer.

With focussed preparation, you can aim for great score.

- Subbu Pendyala.