Finally passed ABST after two attempts — here's what actually worked

by Alex G. 4 views3 replies
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Alex G.OP
May 27, 2026

So I just got my results back yesterday and I passed the ABST on my second try. Honestly I cried a little. First attempt I scored a 71 and needed a 75, so I was devastated but not completely shocked — I'd only studied for about three weeks and mostly just re-read my textbook chapters. Big mistake.

This time around I completely changed my approach. I spent six weeks total, averaging maybe 90 minutes a night after the kids went to bed. The biggest difference was actually doing timed ABST practice test questions instead of passive reading. I'd do a 50-question block, then go back and understand every wrong answer, not just mark it and move on. Wound up scoring an 82 on the real thing.

Anyone else currently in the middle of studying? Happy to share which topic areas tripped me up the most — the inventory management and financial statements sections were brutal for me and I wish I'd found a solid study guide earlier. What resources are you all using?

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Preethi N.
May 28, 2026
Congrats!! This gives me so much hope. I'm scheduled for mine in 6 weeks and the financial statements section is killing me too. I've been using a study guide I found online but it feels outdated. Did you use anything specific for that part or just practice questions? I'm hovering around 68-70 on my practice tests right now and really need to bump that up.
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Hannah K.
May 28, 2026
The inventory section destroyed me too lol. FIFO vs LIFO under different market conditions — make sure you can do those calculations cold without thinking. That stuff shows up more than you'd expect. You've got this!
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Sarah M.
May 28, 2026
Second attempt success stories are genuinely the most motivating thing on this forum. I passed on my first try but barely — scraped a 76. Looking back my biggest exam tip would be don't ignore the ethics questions. I skimmed that section thinking it'd be common sense and got burned. They're weirdly specific about procedural stuff. Also timing yourself matters more than people realize, I almost didn't finish.

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