Failed my BHS exam twice — what am I missing in my prep? — Forums

priya.testOP

May 27, 2026

So I've been trying to pass the BHS certification for about eight months now and I'm honestly starting to wonder if I'm just not cut out for this. First attempt I scored a 68, second time a 71. I need a 75 to pass and it feels like I keep hitting this wall. My biggest weak spots seem to be the equine health and nutrition sections — I know the practical stuff from working in stables for four years but the written exam questions are worded so differently from how we actually talk about this stuff on the job.

I've been using a BHS study guide I found online but it feels pretty outdated. Someone at my barn mentioned using a BHS practice test to simulate the actual exam conditions, which I hadn't really done before. I've mostly just been re-reading my notes. Has anyone found specific exam tips that helped them break through a plateau like this? Especially for the stable management and horse health sections?

I'm booked for my third attempt in six weeks and I really can't afford to fail again, both financially and honestly just emotionally at this point. Any help appreciated.

Nicole F.

May 28, 2026

I was in almost the exact same spot — kept scoring 72-73 on practice runs. What finally clicked for me was doing timed practice tests rather than just studying content. When you're under pressure your brain works differently. Also the BHS examiners love asking about specific temperatures and vital signs, like normal resting heart rate ranges. Drill those numbers until they're automatic. Went from 72 to 81 on my next sitting.

Samantha C.

May 28, 2026

The wording thing is SO real. I had years of practical experience too and kept second-guessing myself because the exam language felt clinical and weird. What helped me was joining a study group with people who were at a similar stage — we'd quiz each other out loud and someone would always catch a knowledge gap you didn't know you had. Six weeks is genuinely enough time if you focus on your weak areas only rather than reviewing everything.

Preethi N.

May 28, 2026

Nutrition questions tripped me up too. Make sure you know the difference between hay types and their protein percentages cold — that comes up more than you'd expect. Good luck on your third attempt, third time really was the charm for a lot of people I know who passed.

Failed my BHS exam twice — what am I missing in my prep?

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