So I just got my results back and I actually passed this time. Honestly couldn't believe it when I saw the score. First attempt back in February I went in way underprepared — thought my work experience would carry me through and I was wrong. Failed by about 12 points, which was a gut punch.
This time around I gave myself eight weeks and actually followed a structured plan. The biggest game-changer for me was doing a solid CDCP practice test every few days toward the end of my prep. Not just reading through study materials but actually simulating test conditions — timer running, no notes, the whole thing. Helped me figure out I was weak on data governance and privacy frameworks specifically.
Anyone else currently studying for this cert? Happy to share my full study guide breakdown or swap notes on which topic areas are worth the most points. The exam tips I picked up the second time around were pretty different from what I'd read online, so I want to make sure others aren't walking in blind like I did the first time.