Pass the IBM Certified System Programmer - IBM IMS C9050-549 Exam with Confidence
IBM C9050-549 Exam Questions: Everything You Need to Know
If you are an aspiring or experienced IBM system programmer who wants to validate your skills in IBM IMS, you might be interested in taking the IBM C9050-549 exam. This exam is designed to test your knowledge and ability to perform tasks related to IBM IMS, such as installation, customization, database administration, application programming, system operation, recovery, performance tuning, and problem determination. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the IBM C9050-549 exam questions, including what the exam is, how to prepare for it, how to pass it, and what to do after passing it.
IBM C9050-549 exam questions
What is IBM C9050-549 exam?
The IBM C9050-549 exam is also known as IBM Certified System Programmer - IBM IMS. It is one of the certification exams offered by IBM for system programmers who work with IBM IMS, which is a hierarchical database management system that supports online transaction processing and batch processing applications. The exam is intended to measure your ability to perform the following tasks:
Install and customize IMS
Administer IMS databases and resources
Program IMS applications using various languages and interfaces
Operate IMS systems and monitor their status
Recover IMS databases and systems from failures
Tune IMS performance and optimize resource utilization
Determine and resolve IMS problems using various tools and techniques
Overview of the exam
The IBM C9050-549 exam consists of 103 multiple-choice questions that you have to answer within 150 minutes. The passing score is 65%, which means you have to get at least 67 correct answers out of 103 questions. The questions are based on six sections that cover different aspects of IBM IMS:
Installation (10%)
Database Administration (23%)
Application Programming (17%)
System Operation (15%)
Recovery (18%)
Performance Tuning (17%)
Benefits of passing the exam
Passing the IBM C9050-549 exam can bring you many benefits, such as:
Demonstrating your competence and credibility as an IBM system programmer who can work with IBM IMS effectively.
Gaining an internationally recognized certification that validates your skills and knowledge in IBM IMS.
Enhancing your career prospects and opportunities as an IBM system programmer who can handle complex and challenging tasks related to IBM IMS.
Increasing your confidence and satisfaction as an IBM system programmer who can deliver high-quality solutions using IBM IMS.
Exam objectives and topics
The exam objectives and topics are the main areas that you need to study and master before taking the exam. They are derived from the tasks that an IBM system programmer is expected to perform in relation to IBM IMS. The exam objectives and topics are as follows:
Installation
This section tests your ability to install and customize IMS, such as:
Identifying the prerequisites and components of IMS installation
Performing the steps and procedures of IMS installation
Customizing IMS parameters and options
Verifying and validating IMS installation
Applying maintenance and updates to IMS
Database Administration
This section tests your ability to administer IMS databases and resources, such as:
Defining and modifying IMS database structures and segments
Allocating and managing IMS database space and buffers
Creating and maintaining IMS database definitions (DBDs) and program specification blocks (PSBs)
Using IMS utilities and commands to manipulate IMS databases
Implementing security and authorization for IMS databases
Application Programming
This section tests your ability to program IMS applications using various languages and interfaces, such as:
Using data manipulation language (DML) statements to access and update IMS databases
Using data communication (DC) statements to communicate with IMS transactions and messages
Using application programming interface (API) calls to interact with IMS services and functions
Using different programming languages, such as COBOL, PL/I, Java, C, and Assembler, to develop IMS applications
Using different interfaces, such as Open Database Access (ODBA), Open Transaction Manager Access (OTMA), Common Service Layer (CSL), and Java Message Service (JMS), to access IMS resources
System Operation
This section tests your ability to operate IMS systems and monitor their status, such as:
Starting and stopping IMS systems and regions
Using operator commands and messages to control and communicate with IMS systems
Using system definition (SYSDEF) macros to define IMS system components and resources
Using system management facility (SMF) records to collect and analyze IMS system information
Using system log (SLG) records to track and audit IMS system events
Recovery
This section tests your ability to recover IMS databases and systems from failures, such as:
Identifying the types and causes of IMS failures and errors
Performing backup and restore operations for IMS databases
Performing recovery operations for IMS databases using various methods, such as image copy, change accumulation, reorganization, restart, backout, forward recovery, etc.
Performing recovery operations for IMS systems using various methods, such as emergency restart, warm start, cold start, etc.
Using recovery tools and utilities, such as Recovery Expert, Fast Path Recovery Utility, Database Recovery Control (DBRC), etc.
Performance Tuning
This section tests your ability to tune IMS performance and optimize resource utilization, such as:
Analyzing the factors that affect IMS performance, such as workload, configuration, design, etc.
Monitoring and measuring IMS performance using various tools and metrics, such as Resource Measurement Facility (RMF), Omegamon XE for IMS, etc.
Tuning IMS parameters and options to improve performance, such as buffer pools, lock limits, checkpoint frequency, etc.
Tuning IMS databases and applications to improve performance, such as segment compression, secondary indexing, parallel processing, etc.
Tuning IMS systems and resources to improve performance, such as Fast Path databases, shared queues, coupling facility structures, etc.
How to prepare for IBM C9050-549 exam?
To prepare for the IBM C9050-549 exam effectively, you need to follow a systematic approach that covers all the exam objectives and topics. Here are some steps that you can take to prepare for the exam:
Study materials and resources
The first step is to gather the study materials and resources that you need to learn the concepts and skills related to IBM C9050-549 exam. You can use various sources of information, such as:
Practice tests and questions
The second step is to practice the exam questions and test your knowledge and skills related to IBM C9050-549 exam. You can use various sources of practice tests and questions, such as:
The official IBM website: You can find some sample questions and answers on the IBM website that give you an idea of the type and format of the exam questions. You can also take a free assessment test that provides you with feedback on your strengths and weaknesses.
The online test providers: You can find many online test providers that offer practice tests and questions for IBM C9050-549 exam, such as IT-Tests.com, FreeTestShare.com, ExamPlusPlus.com, TestSimulate.com, etc. These online test providers usually have updated and accurate questions that cover all the exam objectives and topics. They also provide you with explanations and references for each question, as well as score reports and analytics that help you identify your gaps and areas of improvement.
The books and guides: You can find some books and guides that provide practice tests and questions for IBM C9050-549 exam, such as IBM IMS 15 Technical Overview by Lydia Parziale et al., IBM IMS 15 Application Programming by Steve Nathan et al., IBM IMS 15 System Administration by Margaret Wilson et al., etc. These books and guides usually have comprehensive and detailed questions that test your understanding and application of the concepts and skills related to IBM C9050-549 exam. They also provide you with answers and rationales for each question, as well as tips and tricks for taking the exam.
Tips and tricks
The third step is to apply some tips and tricks that can help you prepare for the IBM C9050-549 exam more efficiently and effectively. Here are some tips and tricks that you can use:
Plan your study schedule: You should plan your study schedule according to your availability, learning style, and exam date. You should allocate enough time to study all the exam objectives and topics, practice the exam questions, review your mistakes, and revise your weak areas. You should also set realistic and achievable goals for each study session, and track your progress and performance regularly.
Focus on quality over quantity: You should focus on quality over quantity when studying for the IBM C9050-549 exam. You should not try to memorize everything, but rather understand the concepts and skills related to IBM C9050-549 exam. You should also not try to answer all the questions, but rather focus on the ones that are most relevant and challenging for you. You should also not try to study for long hours, but rather study in short intervals with breaks in between.
Use multiple sources of information: You should use multiple sources of information when studying for the IBM C9050-549 exam. You should not rely on one source of information, but rather use a combination of sources, such as the official website, online test providers, books and guides, etc. You should also compare and contrast different sources of information, and verify their accuracy and validity. You should also use different formats of information, such as text, audio, video, etc.
Review and revise regularly: You should review and revise regularly when studying for the IBM C9050-549 exam. You should not forget what you have learned, but rather reinforce your memory and retention. You should also not repeat your mistakes, but rather learn from them and correct them. You should also not ignore your weak areas, but rather improve them and strengthen them.
How to pass IBM C9050-549 exam?
To pass the IBM C9050-549 exam successfully, you need to follow a systematic approach that covers all the exam requirements and expectations. Here are some steps that you can take to pass the exam:
Exam format and structure
The first step is to familiarize yourself with the exam format and structure, such as:
The number of questions: The exam consists of 103 multiple-choice questions that you have to answer within 150 minutes.
The type of questions: The questions are based on six sections that cover different aspects of IBM IMS: Installation (10%), Database Administration (23%), Application Programming (17%), System Operation (15%), Recovery (18%), and Performance Tuning (17%).
The passing score: The passing score is 65%, which means you have to get at least 67 correct answers out of 103 questions.
The delivery mode: The exam is delivered online or at a testing center, depending on your preference and availability.
The language options: The exam is available in English only.
Exam registration and fees
The second step is to register for the exam and pay the fees, such as:
The registration process: You can register for the exam online or by phone, depending on your preference and convenience. You can also reschedule or cancel your exam online or by phone, subject to some terms and conditions.
The registration fee: The registration fee for the exam is $200 USD, which is subject to change depending on your location and currency. You can pay the fee online or by phone, using various payment methods, such as credit card, debit card, PayPal, etc.
The registration deadline: You can register for the exam anytime before the exam date, but it is recommended that you register at least two weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time.
Exam day and policies
The third step is to take the exam and follow the policies, such as:
The exam location: You can take the exam online or at a testing center, depending on your preference and availability. If you take the exam online, you need to have a reliable internet connection, a webcam, a microphone, and a quiet and comfortable environment. If you take the exam at a testing center, you need to have a valid identification document, such as a passport, a driver's license, etc.
The exam rules: You need to follow the exam rules and regulations, such as not using any unauthorized materials or devices, not communicating with anyone during the exam, not copying or sharing any exam content, etc. You also need to agree to the exam terms and conditions, such as the non-disclosure agreement, the code of conduct, etc.
The exam feedback: You will receive your exam result immediately after completing the exam. You will also receive a score report that shows your performance in each section of the exam. You can also request a certificate of completion that shows your certification status.
What to do after passing IBM C9050-549 exam?
After passing the IBM C9050-549 exam successfully, you can do several things to enhance your career and professional development, such as:
Certification and validation
By passing the IBM C9050-549 exam, you will earn the IBM Certified System Programmer - IBM IMS certification. This certification is valid for three years from the date of passing the exam. You can validate your certification status online or by phone, using your candidate ID and authentication code. You can also download and print your certification logo and badge that you can use on your resume, business card, social media profile, etc.
Career opportunities and benefits
By earning the IBM Certified System Programmer - IBM IMS certification, you will open up many career opportunities and benefits for yourself, such as:
Job roles and responsibilities: You will be qualified for various job roles and responsibilities related to IBM IMS system programming, such as IMS system programmer, IMS database administrator, IMS application developer, IMS system analyst, IMS system consultant, etc.
Salary and compensation: You will be able to demand a higher salary and compensation for your skills and knowledge in IBM IMS system programming. According to some surveys and reports, the average salary for an IBM Certified System Programmer - IBM IMS is around $90K USD per year.
Recognition and reputation: You will be recognized and respected as an IBM Certified System Programmer - IBM IMS by your peers, employers, clients, and industry partners. You will also be able to join and participate in various professional communities and networks related to IBM IMS system programming.
Growth and development: You will be able to enhance your growth and development as an IBM Certified System Programmer - IBM IMS by learning new skills and technologies related to IBM IMS system programming. You will also be able to access various resources and opportunities related to IBM IMS system programming.
Continuing education and recertification
Conclusion
In conclusion, the IBM C9050-549 exam is a challenging but rewarding exam that tests your skills and knowledge in IBM IMS system programming. By passing this exam, you will earn the IBM Certified System Programmer - IBM IMS certification that can boost your career and professional development. To pass this exam, you need to prepare well by studying the exam objectives and topics, practicing the exam questions, and following the exam format and structure. You also need to register for the exam, pay the fees, and follow the exam policies. After passing the exam, you need to validate your certification status, explore your career opportunities and benefits, and continue your education and recertification.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the IBM C9050-549 exam:
Q: How much does the IBM C9050-549 exam cost?
A: The IBM C9050-549 exam costs $200 USD, which is subject to change depending on your location and currency.
Q: How long is the IBM C9050-549 exam?
A: The IBM C9050-549 exam is 150 minutes long, and consists of 103 multiple-choice questions.
Q: What is the passing score for the IBM C9050-549 exam?
A: The passing score for the IBM C9050-549 exam is 65%, which means you have to get at least 67 correct answers out of 103 questions.
Q: What are the prerequisites for taking the IBM C9050-549 exam?
A: There are no formal prerequisites for taking the IBM C9050-549 exam, but it is recommended that you have at least two years of experience in IBM IMS system programming.
Q: How can I register for the IBM C9050-549 exam?
A: You can register for the IBM C9050-549 exam online or by phone, depending on your preference and convenience. You can also reschedule or cancel your exam online or by phone, subject to some terms and conditions.
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