Okay so I want to share my experience because I wish someone had told me this stuff before my first attempt. I'm a data analyst at a mid-size logistics company and my manager basically said get the CDO cert or get passed over for the senior role. No pressure, right? First time I sat the exam I scored a 67 — passing is 72 — and I was devastated. I'd spent maybe three weeks skimming the official handbook and thought that was enough.
Second attempt I actually had a plan. I gave myself six weeks, blocked off 45 minutes every morning before work, and started using a CDO practice test site to figure out where my gaps were. Turns out data governance frameworks and stewardship accountability were killing me. Once I identified those weak spots I could actually focus instead of just re-reading everything.
The thing that pushed me over the line was treating the study guide less like reading material and more like a checklist. For every topic I made sure I could explain it out loud without looking. Passed with an 81 on attempt two. Happy to answer questions if anyone's prepping right now.