Prepare for the OCA/OCP Java SE 7 Programmer I and II exams with this exclusive Oracle Press guide. Chapters feature challenging exercises, a certification summary, a two-minute drill, and a self-test to reinforce the topics presented. This authoritative resource helps you pass these exams and also serves as an essential, on-the-job reference. Get complete coverage of all objectives for exams 1Z0-803 and 1Z0-804, including:
The book, that was used by EPAM company in Russian SPb office to prepare Java Core course students. Quiet good written book, and it helps to pass OCA/OCP Certification Exam (if you add to it Java SE8 topics).
Always a good book to start your programming development. All is explained as good as possible, you learn why a certain thing is used and how to use it. It's worth to read as a book-to-start
The book is quite interesting and easy to read, and initially I rated it higher. But after trying a couple of mock exams, it came out that not all topics are covered enough. Particularly, these are RowSets, RandomAccessFile and some other rarely used things that can make tricky questions.
I think that Sierra's book and website are the best tools to prepare oneself to oracle java certifications. I just passed the associate exam and I'm getting ready to take the programmer exam.