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

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." 

Most cybersecurity certifications offer feedback after your exam. Typically broken down by domain or topic, this report is a goldmine of information. For example, ISC2 states, "For those who failed an examination, a breakdown of the domains in proficiency levels will be provided." Both CompTIA and ISACA also provide similar breakdowns. Analyze this report closely to identify the areas that tripped you up. Once you know your weaknesses, you can create a targeted study plan to solidify your understanding, which we'll cover in the next section. 

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Did you find yourself grasping the material but getting tripped up by the wording of the questions? This is a common hurdle. Cybersecurity exams often use technical jargon and can be phrased in a way that throws even seasoned professionals. As Infosec instructor Tommy Gober explained in a recent webinar, "There's the real-world answer, and then there's the test answer." 

Remember, these exams test not only your knowledge but also your ability to think strategically within the specific framework they present. Here's another thought Infosec Instructor Rod Evans shared during the same webinar: "There are three ways of knowing this material: the way you know it, the way the industry wants you to know it and the way exam providers want you to know it." By understanding this distinction and practicing within the exam's framework, you can significantly improve your chances of success. 

Tip 2: Address the emotional and physical side 

Failing a cybersecurity certification exam can be a frustrating and demoralizing experience. It's essential to acknowledge your emotions and permit yourself to feel disappointed or frustrated. It's normal to feel this way, and it's important to recognize that it's a normal part of the learning process. 

To address the emotional side of failure, seek emotional support from peers, online communities or forums. This response on TechExams to someone who just failed their CCNA exam is a great example of the support and encouragement that can be found in online communities. 

Reflect on psychological factors that may have contributed to your failure. Did anxiety, lack of confidence or imposter syndrome play a role? Harman Singh, who failed this CREST Certified Infrastructure Tester exam, discovered that "The key takeaway for me was to remain calm and believe in my ability to perform well."  

It's also essential to consider your physical preparation and how it may have affected your test results. Did you get enough sleep, eat well and stay hydrated? Gober recommends scheduling the test when you're at your sharpest, whether that's in the morning or "in the afternoon if you need a little time to boot up." And don't forget to fuel up — Gober enjoys a nice meal at his favorite restaurant before afternoon exams. 

Beacon provides a cautionary tale about the importance of physical preparation. He admitted, "I took the test on an empty stomach because this is how I spent my lunch break — no time to eat. I didn't focus on wearing comfortable clothes, nor did I get a good night's sleep." 

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Tip 3: Use proven methods from peers and experts 

Now that you've examined areas to improve, it's time to craft a winning study strategy. Let's explore some powerful techniques used by cybersecurity veterans to consistently pass their exams. 

The first step is familiarizing yourself with the retake policies for your specific exam or training provider. Can you retake the exam immediately, or is there a wait period? How much is the cost of the retake? Check the exam's official site for its retake policy and full list of rules, like this one for CompTIA. Although CompTIA doesn’t provide a free retake, training providers like Infosec have an Exam Pass Guarantee with their live CompTIA boot camps, meaning you can get a second exam attempt at no cost to you — as well as the ability to re-sit your training. 

Next, create a structured study plan that covers all the exam objectives and allocates sufficient time for each topic. Infosec Instructor Chris Stevens, who failed his IAPP CIPP/C certification, shares his approach: "I had developed a time-tested process for passing the IAPP privacy certifications. The process included purchasing the certification examination textbook, reading it twice, and using the examination blueprint to identify concepts and topics." 

In addition to your study plan, use additional resources to enhance your preparation. This can include study guides, practice exams and online resources. "You need to get 75% of the answers right in the official practice test, and it needs to be questions you've never seen before," says Infosec's CISSP Boot Camp instructor Steve Spearman.  

“It's okay if you failed,” adds Mari Galloway, co-founder of the Women's Society of Cyberjutsu. Galloway explained that she failed her Security+ and CISSP exams before ultimately passing. “Find a study group; it's really helpful just to go through questions and talk to other people and understand how to answer the questions.” 

A structured boot camp can also be helpful as it was for Lili-Ann Mitchell, Partner and COO of Mirades Security. She notes that before the boot camp, she was averaging a 60% success rate on test exams, but she was able to hit 85% after the boot camp and go into her actual exam with confidence. 

Tip 4: Rise stronger from the setback 

Remember that feeling when you saw that "fail" notification? Beacon felt the same sting after failing his Security+ exam, but he didn't let that setback define him. He went on to pass that exam, earn his master's degree and pass many more certification exams. "In many ways, I would say that this failure was the catapult to the success I've had since,” he said 

During those long study sessions, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. That's when you should refocus on your goals. Why are you pursuing this certification? Visualize yourself passing the exam and the doors that will open in your career. "You can never allow failure to derail your dreams,” says Stevens. “Failure is a part of life, and we all fail at some point." 

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Self-care is also important. Prioritize activities such as exercise, healthy eating and ensuring you get enough rest. Being physically and mentally prepared will enhance your ability to tackle the challenges ahead with resilience and focus. 

Failure can make you stronger. It teaches valuable lessons and strengthens your determination. Don't let "imposter syndrome" hold you back. Failing an exam doesn't diminish your abilities or potential. "You're not alone. There are plenty of other professionals out there who are facing the same challenges as you. Just keep moving! Every time we fail, we learn something new that we can use to help us be successful on our next attempt," says Singh. Countless seasoned cybersecurity professionals have been where you are right now. The key is to keep moving forward. 

Persistence is key, and failure should be viewed as a temporary obstacle on your path to success. With the right mindset, a solid study plan and the support of the cybersecurity community, you can overcome this hurdle and achieve your certification goal. Every misstep is a chance to learn and grow, making you even more prepared for your future as a cybersecurity professional.