Just got my score back. So close it hurts.
I felt okay going in but clearly there were gaps. Looking back at my prep, I spent a lot of time on "CSSD" but I think I underestimated how deep they go on CSSD exam.
The weird thing is I scored fine on the concept questions but tanked on the application ones. Like I understood the theory but when it came to scenario-based questions I kept second-guessing myself.
For anyone who's failed and then passed — what changed? Did you switch study materials? More practice tests? Different time of day?
Also curious whether the CSSD score report tells you which sections you were weak in. Mine just shows an overall score and I have no idea where exactly I lost points.
For what it's worth from someone who's been through it:
The CSSD is one of those exams where the practice tests really do prepare you well. The style of questioning is pretty consistent. If you're comfortable with "CSSD" material under timed conditions, you'll be fine.
The one thing I'd add: read the question stems very carefully. They sometimes add a qualifier that completely changes the right answer and it's easy to miss when you're going fast.
Also check whether you need to schedule the exam in advance — some testing centers book up 2-3 weeks out.
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