Long post, but I hope this helps someone. I failed the CALA the first time by 4 points and was completely demoralized. I'd been working in assisted living for three years and figured my experience would carry me through. It didn't. The exam is way more specific about regulatory requirements and resident rights than I expected — stuff I sort of knew in practice but couldn't articulate in the precise way the questions wanted.
Second attempt I gave myself 8 weeks and actually had a plan. I used a CALA practice test to baseline myself in week one (scored 61%, needed 70% to pass), then focused my study guide work on the areas I bombed: infection control protocols, fire safety documentation, and administrator responsibilities under Title 22. Those three areas showed up heavily on both my exams.
Passed with a 76% on attempt two. Happy to share my full breakdown if anyone wants specifics — what resources I used, how I scheduled my study time, and the exam tips that made the biggest difference in the last two weeks before test day.