preparation for the dlab includes multiple study guides and practice tests. these resources give one the appropriate means by which to prepare for the test and gauge a possible outcome. however, a study guide for the dlab is not like traditional studying - you are not learning content that will be on the dlab, but rather learning the style of the dlab. someone failing the test or getting a low score can always retake the dlab but only after a wait of 6 months. for most service members, this is too long and will cause them to miss the deadline for submitting their scores. adequate preparation is thus a near-necessity.