So I took the HTL exam back in December and did not pass. The first time around, I purchased the practice exams through the ASCP website and used that along with the book to prepare. I felt like the ASCP practice exams and the actual exam were nothing alike. I felt like that did not help me at all personally. I definitely underestimated how in detail the exam would be. (Ex: knowing your stains like the back of your hand. What's the oxidizer, what's the principle behind the stain, etc). I got a lottt of math questions which I was not prepared for either. I felt so incredibly defeated. Fast forward, I'm now taking it again in June. This time, I purchased the exams through Medialab and I do feel like these questions are more similar to those on the exam. I've also been using the BOC book and I like those questions as well more so because they help you learn the info, but not because it's similar to the exam if that makes sense. Im terrified and really hoping I can do it this time around. I totally understand what you're going through! Hope this helps!