UML Certifications
Introduction
There are a number of career fields today that will require you to become certified. While it is common knowledge that doctors, lawyers, and teachers must receive certifications, computer professionals must receive certifications as well. This includes certification in the proficiency of a programming language. If a potential employer wants to determine your skill with a specific programming language, you may be required to take a test.
Due to the rapid rising popularity of the Unified Modeling Language, many developers are taking courses in this field, and it is their goal to become employed in the computer profession. If you are an employer who is looking to hire someone who is proficient in UML, it would be logical to test their proficiency before hiring them.
While many programming jobs didn’t require proficiency tests in the past, all the evidence shows that more employers are asking for them today. Therefore, if you want to get a job working with UML, it would be in your best interest to consider taking one of these certification tests. By the end of the 1990s, companies such as Oracle, IBM, and Sun Microsystems had announced plans to offer certification tests for those who wanted to work for their companies. While the goal of these programs was to originally offer certification for Java, they have since been extended to included certification for various object oriented approaches. To get a job working with UML, one exam you may have to pass is called the Object Oriented Analysis and Design with UML.
This is quite possibly one of the most important developments in the programming field. The reason for this is because for the last few years, the object oriented programming field had to deal with a large number of object oriented methods and the various notations which comprised them. This was confusing, and it slowed down the efficiency of object oriented deployment methods for real business scenarios. The Unified Modeling Language and its proficiency test has offered to take these methodologies and comprise them into one unit. By combining these various methods into one entity, it can allow object oriented approaches to become more useful to businesses and enterprises.
The UML Test Process
The testing process for UML is not fully listed on the IBM or Sun homepages. If you are new to the UML testing process, this can be annoying. In this article, I will try to provide you with as much information as possible on the UML certification process. It should first be noted that the UML test was taken through the jCert Initiative. When you register for the test, you will want to have your test number readily available. The test number of IBM is 486, and the test name, which I listed earlier in this article, is the "Object Oriented Analysis and Design with UML." It should also be noted that this test is given out around the world, and is not limited to any geographic location.
The UML test is distributed by Sylvan, and the number you can call to reach a representative is 1-800-959-3926. This representative will be able to walk you through the procedure for testing. There should be a testing center located in your city or state, and the total cost to take the UML exam is approximately $150. While this may seem like a lot of money to some, it is low when compared to other certification exams, which may cost hundreds of dollars. When you get ready to make the payment, credit cards are accepted. The UML test will have a total of about 55 questions, and you will have a time limit. This time limit will be around 135 minutes, and to pass the test, you will need to make a minimum of 67 percent.
Once you’re finished with the test, it will be graded immediately. There is no wait time, and as of this writing, the test is only available in Japanese and English. If you go to the Sylvan website, you should avoid using it to look for testing centers. The reason for this is because the page may show can incorrect number of test centers in different cities. To pass this test, it is important for you to understand its nature. Simply having knowledge of UML is not enough for you to be guaranteed a passing grade. You will also need to become familiar with the type of questions that will appear on the test. You will be expected to be familiar with UML and object oriented terminology.
UML Test Questions
Some of the terminology that you will need to be familiar with includes interface, aggregation, inheritance, superclass, and subclass. You will also be expected to understand the assignment of responsibilities. It should be obvious that you will want to be familiar with the 13 diagrams that are comprised within UML 2.0. Some of these include the sequence class, collaboration class, deployment class, and state class. To add depth to the UML test, you may also be presented with example class diagrams. This could be for a specific ecommerce website. You will then be given a series of questions in which you must extend the model and interpret it.
The choices that you will be given involve combining various methods or classes into the model. If you take a sample test, it should give you the skills and questions that you will face on the real test. When you take the UML test, you will want to avoid trying to "wing it" at all costs. There are a number of reasons for this. First, the test costs money. If you fail the test, you’ve just lost $150, and you will have to spend another $150 to take it again. The more times you fail, the more expensive this process will become. Your goal should be to pass the first time around, and to do this, you need to be prepared for the type of questions you’ll be asked.
To become successful, you must know how to prepare for the UML test. If you are new to UML and the object oriented process, the road to taking this exam could be a long and challenging one. The object oriented concept is very important, because without it, you won’t be able to fully master UML. IBM has offered webpages which can help you better prepare for the test. There are also a few books you can buy which will give you additional information. One of the best books on this subject is UML for Java Programmers. I strongly suggest that you pick up this book and visit the test prep pages offered by IBM.
Conclusion
When it comes to courses, IBM will naturally prefer their own products. The same can be said for Sun and Oracle. You will want to visit and compare all their sites to decide which one you’re comfortable with. Due to the price you must pay to take this test, may best advice to you is to avoid taking it until you are absolutely sure you can pass. You should have an advanced understanding of Object Oriented Analysis and UML concepts, and you should have visited all the test preparation pages. The cost of actual UML training can be high, so you will want to purchase books on the topic. You may be able to teach yourself this subject, this can save you money and prepare you for the exam at the same time.
Resources
DEV475 Mastering Object-Oriented Analysis and Design with UML
DEV475: Mastering Object-Oriented Analysis and Design with UML 2.0IBM UML Test: Recommended Preparation
IBM – Test 486: Object-Oriented Analysis and Design with UML Test
IBM Certified Solution Designer – Object Oriented Analysis and Design, vUML 2
IBM Training for OO Analysis and Design
IBM UML Sample Test
OMG Certified UML Professional
OMG Certified UML Professional Fundamental Exam
OMG Certified UML Professional Intermediate Exam
OMG Certified UML Professional Advanced Exam
IBM List of Test Centers
