At CodeChef, we constantly stay in touch with CCDSAP holders to make the experience better for you and to fine-tune the certification. We spoke to Avjot Singh, a CCDSAP Foundation Level Certificate holder who is placed at Cleartax as an Intern Software Developer. We asked him about his CCDSAP experience and his tips for aspiring candidates.
Pure interest! Avjot was actually studying at the Delhi Technological University to be an Electronics Engineer, but his career took a sharp left turn in his second year when when his interests expanded to include Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. As he learned more about these subjects, Avjot realised that he could be a better student of these disciplines by investing some time and energy into learning the basics of computer science.
In an effort to learn more about how he could strengthen his DSA skills, Avjot began some dedicated research on the subject. Soon enough his journey of internet research led him to CCDSAP and he knew it was the right path for him. Avjot didn’t know anybody who had taken the test, but he was confident in the CodeChef name and was happy with the detailed instructions and information he found about the certification.
Diligence and practice are the only secrets according to this young developer! He thoroughly studied the practice materials and explored the mock tests in order to prepare for the test. As a student with no previous background in computer science, he started readying himself for the test around two months before the exam and he recommends that candidates work on at least 5 problems a day. Avjot found himself sufficiently armed for the foundation level certificate exam after studying the materials provided, but his advice to anyone considering the advanced level is to venture out and find more problems and mock tests to work on. “Be confident in yourself, and be clear with the fundamentals before jumping straight into complex problems,” he said.
Avjot certainly thinks so! He had been impressed with the study materials before, from a learning perspective, but once he began his internship, the software development intern found that much of what he had studied and been tested on, could now be practically implemented into his day-to-day assignments and responsibilities. Avjot is now considering appearing for the advanced certificate exam to take his knowledge and abilities to the next level.
The next CCDSAP exam takes place on the 20th of January. Check this link for details and get in touch if you have any questions for us!
For Sujeet Sawala, an engineering student from Pune, tackling programming sets in front of a screen held as much interest as weaving past pawns and bishops on a chessboard. But it was the drive to learn more each day that fuelled his passion to be a better coder. Sujeet never wanted to start his job hunt but armed with his humble and dedicated approach towards programming, and learning on the whole, today he is placed in Directi through his CCDSAP certification.
But his journey started a long time back, during his college days, where he explored online contests and took to competitive programming like a fish to water. Here is an excerpt from the session we had with Sujeet about his experience with competitive programming.
Get to know me!
1. Tell us about yourself!
Hi. I’m Sujeet. I’m currently studying Computer engineering in my final year at Pune Institute Of Computer Technology, Pune. I am interested in programming and like solving complex problems. I also enjoy playing Chess. I’m an Internationally rated chess player with a FIDE rating of 1725.
2. When did you actively begin competitive programming? What did you like about it?
It was during my 3rd Semester that I explored contests with online judges and also ACM-ICPC. Since then, I gradually and actively started competitive programming. I especially liked the data structures and algorithms part of competitive programming and the challenges they throw. The logical abilities developed by attempting and overcoming those challenges are always helpful.
About CCDSAP
3. What was your motivation behind taking the CCDSAP?
I regularly participated in CodeChef Long Challenges. I was placed first on the college leaderboard. I was particularly interested in testing my skills and knowledge in a program which would also provide me a certification. That was one of the motivators for taking the CCDSAP. I was happy to learn that I scored 1000 out of 1000 in the CCDSAP in the very first attempt!
4. What specific feature did you like most about the CCDSAP? (Is there anything different that isn’t offered in other certifications?)
According to me, CCDSAP is the only program that offers certifications in Data Structures and Algorithms through programming contests. This makes it a unique certification program.
5. How did you prepare for the CCDSAP? (Any tips for beginners?)
I regularly used to practice algorithmic problems on various online judges like CodeChef, Codeforces, Hackerearth, Hackerrank, Lightoj etc. This ensured that my preparation for CCDSAP was thorough.
6. Tell us in brief about your interview process with Directi!
My interview process consisted of three interviews based on Data Structures and Algorithms. After I cleared these rounds, there was a final technical interview round. It was based on the projects done, and computer science related concepts like operating systems, databases, networking, etc.
Feedback
7. How can the overall CCDSAP exam experience be improved?
I felt the level of questions could be upgraded a notch higher so that the CCDSAP could gear up to be even more challenging.
8. Would you recommend the CCDSAP to friends/colleagues? If so, why?
Indeed. It is a good program to test one’s skills and knowledge across a wider community. The certification is a valuable one. Moreover, it helps get an interview with Directi 
Cheers!
The Chef
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