So I've been studying for the FCA certification for about three months now and I just got my second failed attempt back. I scored a 71 both times and the passing threshold is 75. It's honestly demoralizing because I feel like I'm putting in the hours. I work in financial compliance and thought my on-the-job experience would carry me further than it has.
I've been using a mix of a study guide I bought online and just reviewing the official FCA materials, but I'm starting to think I need to change my approach. A coworker mentioned that doing timed FCA practice test runs helped her more than passive reading — something about how the exam's phrasing trips people up even when you know the underlying concept.
Has anyone else struggled specifically with the regulatory framework sections? That's where I keep losing points. I'm targeting my third attempt for late July, so I have about six weeks. Would love to hear what actually worked for people — specific study strategies, which topics to prioritize, any exam tips that made a real difference for you.