4 things you should do if you fail your cybersecurity certification exam

Ellen Pincus
August 15, 2024 by
Ellen Pincus

From analyzing your gaps to addressing the emotional impact, developing an effective study plan and maintaining a positive mindset, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you turn failure into fuel for future triumphs. 

Failing an exam can feel like a major setback, especially when you've invested significant time and effort into preparing. However, it's important to remember that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process. Countless cybersecurity professionals have experienced exam failures, only to emerge stronger and more determined than ever before. 

This guide will explore four practical steps to help you bounce back from an exam failure and achieve success. You'll learn from the experiences and advice of industry experts who have overcome similar challenges and emerged victorious on their certification journeys. 

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Tip 1: Analyze gaps and learn from your failure 

Failure is not the end; it's a pivot point. When you find out that you failed a certification exam, remember that setbacks are part of the learning process. They're road signs guiding you toward improvement. 

Jerich Beacon, Chief Information Security Officer at Epiq, failed his first Security+ exam. "That was one of the lowest moments in my professional career," says Jerich. "As a Type A person, I'm always trying to better myself, and there was no way I was going to let that failure define me. Because of that experience, I was able to use that motivation to not only re-take the Security+ but to pursue and earn multiple other reputable certifications."