So I just got my results back and I passed! Honestly didn't think I'd make it after failing the first time by 4 points back in February. I'm a nursing assistant at a long-term care facility in Ohio and my supervisor basically told me I needed to get this done or I'd lose my position. No pressure, right?
The first time around I just skimmed some notes and figured my on-the-job experience would carry me. Big mistake. The second time I spent about 6 weeks really grinding — I used a NCDAP practice test every single day for the last two weeks, timed myself, and actually reviewed every wrong answer instead of just moving on. The clinical judgment questions caught me off guard the first time but once I understood what they were really asking, it clicked.
For anyone just starting out, don't underestimate the written portion. I found a solid NCDAP study guide that broke down infection control and residents' rights section by section — those two areas alone probably make up a third of the exam. Happy to share what resources I used if anyone's interested.