Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) and Principles of Fiqh
Scope
The exam tests both substantive rulings (fiqh) and methodology (usul al-fiqh). Keep them separate in your mind: fiqh is the ruling, usul is how the ruling is derived.
Sources of law
Know the four agreed sources: Quran, Sunnah, Ijma' (consensus), and Qiyas (analogy). Know the disputed ones: Istihsan, Maslahah Mursalah, 'Urf, and Istishab. The trap is confusing Ijma' (consensus of scholars) with Qiyas (analogy), or treating Istihsan as a primary source.
Rulings (ahkam)
Distinguish the five categories: fard/wajib (obligatory), mandub (recommended), mubah (permitted), makruh (disliked), and haram (forbidden). Know the difference between fard 'ayn (individual duty) and fard kifayah (communal duty).
Worship essentials
Know the conditions (shurut), pillars (arkan), and nullifiers (mubtilat) of Salah, Wudu, Sawm, Zakah, and Hajj. For example, Wudu has four obligatory acts in the Shafi'i view: intention, washing the face, washing the arms, and wiping the head plus washing the feet.
Worked rule of thumb
Use a three-step check: (1) Is there a clear text? If yes, apply it. (2) If not, is there consensus? (3) If neither, apply Qiyas by identifying the effective cause ('illah) shared between the new case and the original ruling. Example: the 'illah of intoxicants is intoxication, so any intoxicating substance is treated analogically.