MCTS KEY

Number of questions: 57
Number of questions to pass: 36
Time allowed: 90 mins
Status: Live

The test consists of eight sections containing a total of approximately 57 multiple-choice questions. The percentages after each section title reflect the approximate distribution of the total question set across the sections.

Section 1 – Planning, Installation, and Migration 11%
Identify the pre-requisites for installing and implementing an IBM MQ configuration, including multi-instance queue managers.
Plan the appropriate logging options for a recovery strategy.
Explain the usage of IBM MQ Managed File Transfer and MQ Advanced Message Security.
Install IBM MQ on different platforms.
Plan for the co-existence of IBM MQ V8.0 with previous versions.
Outline migration considerations, including impact on existing applications.

Section 2 – Configuration 18%
Create the necessary IBM MQ objects to support an application.
Configure IBM MQ channels based on the network topology.
Configure IBM MQ objects for triggered applications and channels.
Create and manage the objects required to enable queue manager clustering and workload management.
Predict the final destination of a message given a scenario containing alias or remote definitions.
Define the objects to support a publish/subscribe topology.
Configure IBM MQ objects to support JMS.

Section 3 – Security 11%
Control access to IBM MQ objects.
Configure IBM MQ channels with SSL/TLS.
Configure Channel Authentication (CHLAUTH) and Connection Authentication (CONNAUTH).
Administer a security exit.

Section 4 – Admimistration 16%
Administer queue managers and their objects.
Configure IBM MQ Explorer for remote administration.
Monitor and alter IBM MQ objects using commands [ MQSC scripting, PCF (Programmable Command Format),
Command Language (CL) ] and administrative tools [ IBM MQ Explorer ].
Define procedures to recover messages and objects in the event of failure.
Implement dead-letter queue handling.
Acquire and apply maintenance.

Section 5 – Availability 9%
Configure and manage a multi-instance queue manager.
Configure IBM MQ for automatic client reconnection.
Implement backup, restart and recovery procedures.
Implement a Queue-Sharing Group for high availability.
Enable the extended log RBA (Relative Byte Address) for z/OS.

Section 6 – Monitoring 14%
Explain the IBM MQ capabilities for monitoring.
Enable and monitor IBM MQ events.
Monitor message and application activities.
Gather and analyze IBM MQ accounting and statistics data.
Use IBM MQ administration tools or commands to monitor the status of a queue manager, channel or queue.

Section 7 – Performance Tuning 9%
Identify the tools available to assist with IBM MQ performance.
Use accounting and statistical data to identify and resolve performance issues.
Tune IBM MQ object definitions for performance.
Tune the channel initiator (CHINIT) on z/OS.
Tune client and server connection channel parameters.

Section 8 – Problem Determination 14%
Locate problem information such as IBM MQ error logs, FFST files and IBM MQ dumps.
Produce an IBM MQ trace.
Identify the steps to evaluate and recover a non-responsive queue manager.
Identify and solve security issues with a user, application, or channel.
Determine the route that a message took through a queue manager network.
Report a problem to IBM Support.

The sample test is designed to give the candidate an idea of the content and format of the questions that will be on the certification exam. Performance on the sample test is NOT an indicator of performance on the certification exam. This should not be considered an assessment tool.

To prepare for this test, it is first recommended that you are familiar with the job role description and the parameters this certification is based on, as well as have knowledge of the topics outlined in the test objectives/skills measured on the test. Compare your own technical level to the test objectives and the recommended training resources, and then determine for yourself how much preparation you require. Note that these educational sources are recommended, but not required (*) before taking a certification test.

Before preparing for the certification test, it is recommended that you measure your current level of skill by taking the Sample Test (located from the “Sample/Assessment test” link above)..

You can prepare for the test through the Tutor Approach (classroom, instructor led course, and other sources) or the Self-Study Approach. Sources within each approach collectively cover the skills measured on the test.

To prepare via the Tutor Approach, take course {WM102G + [(WM207G or ZM207G) or (WM209G] + (WM212G or ZM212G)}, and refer to the sources with an * in front of them. Note that per this formula, you are required to take only 3 courses.

To prepare via the Self-Study Approach, omit the courses, and refer to all other sources with and without the * in front.

(*) Notes:
The recommended educational resources listed are not intended to be a substitute for, but should complement, relevant practical experience.
Extensive product knowledge is required to pass the test.
Every effort has been made to make the recommended educational resources as complete and as accurate as possible, but no warranty of fitness is implied. The resources provided are on an as is basis. IBM shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages arising from course or publication content..
Classroom Course

Course Title: Technical Introduction to IBM MQ

Course Duration: 1 Day

Course Number: WM102G

Course Abstract: This course describes the concepts of message-oriented middleware as implemented by IBM MQ V8. The course is designed for new administrators, but also includes topics that are critical to architects and business users.

In this course, you learn about IBM MQ V8 basic components, and learn the trajectory that messages follow when they are exchanged between two servers. You learn how IBM MQ V8 administrative responsibilities can include the management of topic-based publish/subscribe messaging, managed file transfer, and deployments to the cloud. The course also includes basic architectural topics, best practices, and lessons from real production environments. Finally, you learn about security, publish/subscribe, clusters, administration, logging, auditing, managed file transfer, MQTT, and cloud options.

Note: This course fully covers test objective 1C

This course partially covers test objective 2B

This course does not cover test objectives 1A, 1B, 1D, 1E, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F

Course Title: IBM MQ V8 System Administration (using Windows for labs)

Course Duration: 4 Days

Course Number: WM207G

Course Abstract: Please also see alternative option ZM207G (listed under “Online Course”)

This course is designed to provide technical professionals with the skills needed to administer IBM MQ queue managers on distributed platforms such as Windows 2008 Server and Linux.

Note: This course fully covers test objectives 1B, 1D, 1E, 2C, 3D, 4B, 4F, 6D, 7A, 7B

This course partially covers test objectives 2A, 2B, 3A, 4D, 6E

This course does not cover test objectives 1A, 1C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4C, 4E, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6E, 7C, 7D, 7E, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F

Course Title: IBM MQ V8 Advanced System Administration (Distributed)

Course Duration: 4 Days

Course Number: WM212G

Course Abstract: Please also see alternative option ZM212G (listed under “Online Course”)

This course expands the basic skill sets that are developed in Technical Introduction to IBM MQ (WM102G), and IBM MQ V8 System Administration (WM207G) and/or IBM MQ V8 System Administration (Using Linux for Labs) (WM209G).

This course focuses on features and facilities of IBM MQ, such as clustering and security. Specifically, you learn about implementing a cluster and authenticating connections, channels, and users. Other topics include securing channels with Secure Socket Layer (SSL), channel exit administration, advanced client features, event and message monitoring, and publish/subscribe administration.

Note: This course fully covers test objectives 2D, 2F, 3B, 3C, 4E, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7C, 7E,

This course partially covers test objectives 3A, 4A, 4C, 6C, 6E, 8D

This course does not cover test objectives 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 3D, 4B, 4D, 4F, 5C, 5D, 5E, 6D, 7A, 7B, 7D, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8E, 8F

Course Title: IBM MQ V8 System Administration (Using Linux for Labs)

Course Duration: 4 Days

Course Number: WM209G

Course Abstract: This course is designed to provide technical professionals with the skills needed to administer IBM MQ queue managers on distributed platforms such as Windows 2008 Server and Linux.

Note: This course fully covers test objectives 1B, 1D, 1E, 2C, 3D, 4B, 4F, 6D, 7A, 7B

This course partially covers test objectives 2A, 2B, 3A, 4D, 6E

This course does not cover test objectives 1A, 1C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4C, 4E, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6E, 7C, 7D, 7E, 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F
Online course

IBM MQ V8 System Administration (Using Windows for Labs) – SPVC

Please see alternative option WM207G

IBM MQ V8 Advanced System Administration (Distributed) – SPVC

Please see alternative option WM212G
Web Resource

Backing up queue manager data

Multiple WebSphere MQ installations

* Giving access to a WebSphere MQ object on UNIX and Linux systems and Windows

Queue statistics information

Choosing an installation name

* Managing the command server for remote administration

* JMS 2.0 delivery delay

Enabling queue depth events

Distributed queuing components

Message presistence

Using self-signed certificate for mutual authentication of two queue managers

Alias Queues

Tuning client and server connection channels

Statistics message generation

* Error logs on IBM i

SMF records for the channel initiator (1)

* dspmq

Queue accounting information

Accounting messages

Ensuring that all DLQ messages are processed

Queue service interval events

Running the Put sample programs

Bitesize Blogging: MQ V8 – keeping track of your topics and subscriptions

Configuring a WMQ Requestor-sender channel pair

* amqmfsck

* strmqtrc

Stopping and quiescing channels

crtmqinst

Statistics messages

* Setting up a common queue for trace-route reply messages

* Before contacting IBM Software Support

Automatic Client Reconnection

Adding a queue manager that hosts a queue

Setting up WebSphere MQ Explorer

* Recovering units of recovery on another queue manager in the queue-sharing group

FFST: WebSphere MQ classes for JMS

Processing overview

* Damaged queue manager object

* Disconnect interval

Define QLOCAL

Enabling queue service interval events

* Bitesize Blogging: MQ V8 – JMS 2, delivery delay

Application activity trace

Putting messages on remote queues

SSL Cipher Specification (SSLCIPH)

Using WebSphere MQ AMS with WebSphere MQ Managed File Transfer

* Generating IBM MQ trace on Linux and UNIX

* Stopping queue managers in WebSphere MQ for UNIX and Linux systems

Blocking Specific IP Address

* Task 18: Tailor the channel initiator parameters

Improving performance on non.persistent messages

Create a multi-instance queue manager

Displaying queue and channel monitoring data

Performance Events

* Controlling activity recording

Event types

Making sure that message are not lost (logging)

Directory structure on UNIX and Linux systems

* Display Queue Manager Status (DSPMQMSTS)

runmqsc

Reducing the number of unwanted topics in the topic tree

* Preventing Security Access Checks

Authorizations for MQI calls

* Queue-manager aliases and clusters

* IBM WebSphere MQ, Version 8.0 – z/OS: OPMODE

Creating local definition of a remote queue

Types of logging

* Making an existing queue manager the default

dspmqver

Working with dead-letter queues

MQI application activity trace information

Queue accounting message data

The version naming scheme for WebSphere MQ on platforms other than z/OS

Connection authentication: Configuration

DISPLAY CLUSQMGR

Changes to the runmqsc command: New client modes for MQSC

CLWLWGHT channel attribute

Enabling and Disabling Read Ahead

SMF records for the channel initiator (2)

* Getting a dump

Checking that messages on the queue are available

* Implementing the larger log Relative Byte Address

Triggering channels

* setmqaut

* Define Queues

* ALTER QMGR

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QUESTION 1
On a Linux system, a system administrator needs to change the default queue manager from QM1 to a newly created queue manager QM2.
How can the system administrator do this?

A. Re-create QM2 with the –d option.
B. Use the ALTER QMGR command.
C. Edit the DefaultQueueManager stanza in qm.ini replacing QM1 with QM2.
D. Change the queue manager name on the Name attribute of the DefaultQueueManager stanza to QM2 in mqs.ini.

Answer: D
Reference:
https://www-01.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/nl/en/SSFKSJ_7.5.0/com.ibm.mq.con.doc/q015220_. htm

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QUESTION 2
A system administrator needs to ensure IBM MQ is at the Fix Pack 8.0.0.2 level.
a. What command should the system administrator use to find out the current version of IBM MQ?
b. If the current IBM MQ version is 8.0.0.0, which Fix Pack(s) need to be installed to upgrade it to 8.0.0.2?

A. a. dspmq
B. 8.0.0.2
C. a. dspmqver
D. 8.0.0.2
E. a. mqver
F. 8.0.0.1 and 8.0.0.2
G. a. dspmqver
H. 8.0.0.1 and 8.0.0.2

Answer: B

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QUESTION 3
An MQI Client application, which is run from different client machines, wants to benefit from the read ahead performance advantages for non-persistent messages.
While the client programs are changed on some machines to specify the MQOO_READ_AHEAD option, some other machines have to run the existing client application code without that option for a certain period of time.
What must the system administrator configure to support the coexistence of the two different versions of the client application?

A. SHARECNV(0) on the SVRCONN channel and DEFREADA(YES) for the queues
B. SHARECNV(>0) on the SVRCONN channel and DEFREADA(NO) for the queues
C. SHARECNV(>0) on the SVRCONN channel and DEFREADA(YES) for the queues
D. SHARECNV(>1) on the SVRCONN channel and DEFREADA(ENABLED) for the queues

Answer: A
Reference:
ftp://public.dhe.ibm.com/software/integration/support/supportpacs/individual/mp1h.pdf

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QUESTION 4
IBM MQ V7.0.1.3 is running on a server.
A system administrator receives request to install IBM MQ V8.0 as a second installation on a server where IBM MQ V7.0.1.3 is running. Both the product versions need to co-exist.
What should the system administrator do first to ensure both versions will run without impacting each other?

A. Upgrade IBM MQ V7.0.1.3 to 7.0.1.6.
B. Define a separate installation name.
C. Define a new data directory for IBM MQ V8.0.
D. Set up environment variables to have both product versions installed in the same path.

Answer: D
Reference:
https://www-01.ibm.com/software/integration/wmq/library/

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QUESTION 5
A system administrator of a z/OS queue manager expects to have 1000 client channels connecting with the queue manager at the same time.
What should system administrator do to tune the channel initiator to handle this work?

A. Use the default values for the channel initiator parameters.
B. Increase MAXCHL, ACTCHL, TCPCHL, CHIADAPS, and CHIDISPS from the default values.
C. Increase CHIADAPS and use the default values for CHIDISPS, MAXCHL, ACTCHL, TCPCHL.
D. Increase CHIADAPS and CHIDISPS and use the default values for MAXCHL, ACTCHL, TCPCHL.

Answer: B
Reference:
https://www-01.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/SSFKSJ_7.0.1/com.ibm.mq.csqzaj.doc/sc10620_.html