So I just got my results back and I finally passed the CPCT exam on my third attempt. Honestly I'm still in shock a little. The first two times I went in feeling like I'd studied enough but the medical terminology section just destroyed me both times. I was scoring around 68% on practice tests and thought that was close enough — it wasn't.
What actually made the difference this time was slowing way down on the CPCT practice test sections covering pharmacology abbreviations and ICD-10 coding basics. I spent about 3 weeks doing timed drills, 45 minutes every morning before work. I also printed out a study guide and taped the drug class abbreviations above my desk. Sounds dumb but seeing them constantly helped it stick.
Anyone else here prepping for their first attempt or retaking it? Happy to share the specific topics I focused on or the timeline I used. The exam tips I wish I had earlier were mostly about time management — don't get stuck on the coding questions or you'll run out of time on the back half.