Failed my CPS exam twice — what finally helped me pass

So I just got my results back and I finally passed the Certified Professional Secretary exam on my third attempt. I'm not embarrassed to admit it took me three tries because I think my experience might actually help someone else. The first two times I went in thinking my work experience would carry me through — big mistake. I was a legal secretary for 11 years and still couldn't crack a 70 on the office technology section.

What changed for my third attempt was actually committing to structured prep. I spent about 6 weeks this time, roughly 45 minutes each morning before work. I used a CPS study guide that broke down the three exam domains properly, and I found a CPS practice test site that had timed simulations. That combo made a huge difference — I stopped guessing on the financial knowledge questions that had been killing me.

Anyone else studying for this right now? Happy to share the specific exam tips that helped me on the technology and administrative functions sections specifically. Those two tripped me up more than I expected.