So I've been lurking here for a while and wanted to share my experience since this community honestly saved me. I work in local government and my supervisor basically dropped the FOI certification requirement on me six months ago with zero guidance. My first two attempts were embarrassing — I scored a 61 and then a 64, both below the passing threshold. I had no idea what I was doing wrong.
What finally clicked was finding a solid FOI practice test that actually mirrored the real exam format. I started doing timed sections instead of just reading through material passively, and my retention went through the roof. The study guide I'd been using before was way too broad — I needed something that focused specifically on exemptions, response timelines, and appeals procedures, which make up a huge chunk of the actual questions.
Third attempt I scored an 81. If anyone's prepping right now, I'm happy to share exactly what I focused on in my last three weeks of studying. Exam tips from people who've actually been through it are worth so much more than generic prep material.