So I've been a med aide for about two years now and finally decided to get serious about the MACE. Failed it in January with a 68% and again in March with a 71% — passing is 75%, so I kept just missing it. I was honestly ready to give up. My DON recommended I stop just reading the Hartman's textbook cover to cover and actually start doing a MACE practice test regularly to get used to the question style. Game changer.
The biggest thing I wasn't prepared for was how tricky the medication error and documentation questions are. They're not just "what does this drug do" — they test your judgment in specific scenarios. I also completely underestimated how much the infection control and residents' rights sections would show up. My study guide had those listed as minor topics but they were everywhere on my actual exam.
Passed last week with an 82%. Happy to share what finally worked if anyone's struggling like I was. The third time prep felt completely different.