So I finally passed the OAA last month after two failed attempts and I honestly can't believe it's over. My first two tries I went in thinking my architecture school background was enough — big mistake. The exam is its own beast and it tests things in ways that caught me completely off guard, especially the project management and business practice sections.
What actually turned things around was being strategic about it. I spent about six weeks this time using a solid OAA study guide that broke down the competency categories instead of just reading through the handbook cover to cover. I also did a ton of OAA practice test questions — probably 400+ across different topics — which helped me get used to the scenario-based format. The mock exams were humbling at first but they pinpointed exactly where I was losing marks.
For anyone else grinding through this, my biggest OAA exam tip is don't underestimate the regulatory and professional practice sections. They felt dry but accounted for way more of my weak spots than I expected. Happy to answer questions if anyone's in the middle of prep right now.