Finally passed the ALA exam after two attempts — here's what actually helped

I've been a legal administrator for about six years and finally decided to pursue the ALA certification last year. Failed my first attempt in October by just four points — honestly crushing. The thing nobody tells you is how broad the content is. I thought my day-to-day experience would carry me through, but the financial management and HR law sections absolutely humbled me.

For my second attempt I got serious about structure. I spent about 8 weeks doing focused prep, maybe 90 minutes a night. I found an ALA practice test online that mimicked the actual question format way better than just reading the manual cover to cover. That repetition really helped me identify my weak spots — turns out I was shaky on budgeting concepts I thought I knew cold.

Anyone else mid-prep right now? Happy to share the specific topics I drilled hardest and the study guide breakdown that finally clicked for me. Passing score is 70% and I ended up with a 78, so it's definitely doable with the right approach.