IBM Certified Developer - XML and Related Technologies - Test 141
IntroductionAccording to IBM,
 The 'IBM Certified Developer - XML and Related Technologies' designs and implements applications that make use of XML and related technologies such as XML Schema, XSLT and XPath. This developer has a strong understanding of XML fundamentals; knowledge of XML concepts and related technologies; understands how data relates to XML, in particular with issues associated to information modeling, XML processing, XML rendering and Web Services; has a thorough knowledge of core XML related W3C recommendations; and is familiar with well-known, best practices.
To get the above qualification, you are required to pass the IBM Test 141. This test consists of about 57 multiple-choice questions that you need to answer in 90 minutes. To pass this exam you are required to answer 58% questions correct.
If you already know XML (and related technologies, such as XSLT, Schemas, Namespaces, XPath, and so on) well, you can begin by taking the free-of-charge Pre-assessment/Sample test .
The IBM XML Certification Test 141 covers the broad range of topics, starting from the basics of XML standards to the typical design, development, testing, and deployment questions.
You should have a good understanding of XML standards, including XML Schema 1.0, XSLT 1.0, Namespaces, XPath, DTDs, XLink, XPointer, CSS, and XHTML. The knowledge of XML processing standards and APIs (DOM2 and SAX2) helps answer many questions. And finally, because of the recent test update, you are also required to know basics of some advanced topics such as SOAP, Web services, WSDL, UDDI, XML encryption and security standards.
The test questions are categorized in five sections:
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Architecture
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Information Modeling
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XML Processing
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XML Rendering
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Testing & Tuning
Here is the complete list of Test 141 objectives:
(Note: The following information is extracted from IBM Certification Web site. Please check IBM Web site for more information).
Section 1 - Architecture
- Determine the implications of a given architecture on XML design considerations
- Select appropriate XML technologies for an architecture (XML Schema 1.0, XSLT 1.0, DOM2, SAX2, XPath 1.0, Namespaces, DTDs)
- Design functional components and interconnections for an XML application architecture
- Assess performance trade-offs related to parsing, validation and transformation
- Know basics of Web Services (SOAP, WSDL, UDDI)
- Address XML security using XML encryption and XML signature
Section 2 - Information Modeling
- Analyze data, documents, and problem domains
- Represent structure in XML syntax (model data)
- Use Namespaces appropriately
- Define DTDs (declarations, reuse, external references)
- Define schemas using XML Schema (declaration, structure, data types, data relationships, reuse, external references)
- Determine when to use DTD versus XML Schema (legacy systems, scoping, run-time modification, constraints)
- Consider data integration and linking issues when designing data models (i.e., related to XLink/XPointer)
- Perform validation of XML documents
Section 3 - XML Processing
- Analyze data integration points
- Use the SAX2 API to manipulate XML data
- Use the DOM2 API to manipulate XML data
- Traverse an XML document using XPath
- Transform XML using XSLT
- Determine process implications when integrating XML data
- Address validation/conformance and exception handling issues related to XML Schema (e.g., data typing and pattern matching)
Section 4 - XML Rendering
- Define optimal rendering/transformation approach for each target (e.g., screens, print, pervasive)
- Use XSLT and Formatting Objects to style XML documents
- Re-target XML for multiple formats
- Use existing CSS to format XML or XHTML
- Consider data rendering issues after designing data models
Section 5 - Testing & Tuning
- Determine appropriateness of single versus multiple pass transformations, XSL extensions, XSL and Schema inclusions
- Optimize XML application execution (e.g., includes, import, id, idref, keys)
- Create instances for testing XML applications (e.g. based on data model, boundary cases)
- Refine design as necessary based on data model, data integration, data rendering, and data query issues
XML Certification FAQs
Q: Where on the IBM Web site can I find more information about the XML Certification Test 141?
A: Visit www-1.ibm.com/certify/certs/adcdxmlrt.shtml  for more information on Test 141.
Q: I have read about XML and related standards, and have tried out XML@Whiz and the sample test on IBM site. I am ready to give the actual test. How and where should I register for the test?
A: Depending on where you are located, you can either register with Prometric, Inc. (www.2Test.com) OR VUE Testing Network (www.vue.com) . Contact IBM at [email protected] or at [email protected] for more information.
Q: What type of and how many questions are asked, and what is the passing score?
A: There are total 57 multiple-choice questions that needs to be answered in 90 minutes. To pass this exam you are required to answer 58% questions correct.
Q: I know XML, XPath, XSLT, Schema; but I don't know anything about SOAP or Web Services. What's the best way to learn Web Services?
A: The Sun Microsystems Web site contains excellent articles on Web Services (dcb.sun.com/practices/webservices). Also see the Web Services Focus section on perfectxml.com for links to many articles and tutorials. PerfectXML Free Library also contains many sample chapters on SOAP and Web Services.
Q: I am absolutely new to XML world, and am looking for a job change, and hence would like to prepare for IBM XML Certification. How do I start learning XML?
A: Start with Professional XML 2nd Edition. Periodically check PerfectXML IBM XML Certification Resource Web site (this Web site) for up-to-date news, resources and more such information.
Q: I have heard that the test consists of questions on XPath, XSLT, Schema syntax. Is there any Web site that provides kind of a quick reference to these technologies?
Q: I was told that there will be couple of question on XML Security. Is there any good article or book on XML security?
Q: Is there anything special that I need to remember to obtain good score?
A: Many people read on XML, XSLT, Schemas, etc. but they forget to also read up on XSL FO, XLink and XPointer, DOM Level 3, DTD, etc. So, remember to brush-up on these topics as well, in case a question pops up on these subjects. Also, be prepared to answer any B2B scenario questions, read and answer lengthy problem/scenario questions (but mostly with a simple answer :) ), and practice enough with XSLT, XPath and Schema syntax. And finally, (most importantly) make sure that you understand the role of each specification in XML applications.
Q: I am a Java developer, and would like to know how to use XML in e-commerce application; and I guess this would be useful for the test prep also. Any good books?
Q: Some time ago I had heard about IBM XML Certification Test 140, how is it different that test 141?
A: Test 140 recently retired (Jan 31, 2002) and is superceded by test 141.
Q: I would like to practice DOM and SAX XML Processing, XSL Transformation, Schema, etc. Which is the good tool and programming language I should use?
A: Depends. If you are on Microsoft platform (non .NET) - the best option would be play around with MSXML; If you are a Java programmer, check out various offerings from The Apache Software Foundation . Also see JDOM.
Q: Where can I find information on SAX2?
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