So I finally passed last month and I honestly can't believe it took me two tries. First attempt I scored a 68 when I needed a 75, and I was devastated. I'd been studying for about six weeks using just the official materials and thought that was enough. Spoiler: it wasn't.
What changed everything for round two was actually doing a proper CGA practice test under timed conditions every single weekend for eight weeks. I'd been reading the study guide cover to cover but never actually simulating exam pressure, and my brain just froze on test day. Once I started timing myself strictly — 90 seconds per question, no going back — my performance on practice sets jumped from low 70s to consistently hitting 80+.
The topics that killed me first time were financial reporting standards and managerial accounting ratios. If those are your weak spots too, focus there first. Anyone else retaking or prepping right now? Happy to share more specific exam tips if it helps.