Failed CMP once — what actually worked for my second attempt?

So I bombed the CMP on my first try back in February — got a 68% when you need a 75 to pass. I'd been in event planning for six years and honestly thought my experience would carry me through. It didn't. The strategic management and financial sections absolutely destroyed me.

After that I got serious. I bought a CMP study guide and actually read it cover to cover instead of just skimming. I also spent a lot of time doing a CMP practice test every weekend for about eight weeks. That's what really changed things — seeing which domains kept tripping me up and drilling those specifically. I focused hard on meeting/event design and stakeholder management once I saw my weak spots.

Took it again in April and passed with an 81%. The practice tests were genuinely the turning point. Anyone else here prepping right now? Happy to share which topics I'd prioritize if you're cramming in the next few weeks. The exam tips I wish I'd had earlier were mostly about time management during the actual test.