What To Do If You’ve Failed an Exam and Feel Like You Need to Move Firms

In the world of accountancy, exams are more than just a rite of passage - they’re a cornerstone of progression, identity, and professional credibility. So when you fail one, it can feel like the bottom’s fallen out. The self-doubt creeps in. You question your intelligence, your future, and sometimes, even your choice of career.

But here’s the truth: failing an exam doesn’t define you. How you respond does.

And for some, that response might include making a move.

First - Let’s Remove the Shame

Failure in professional exams is far more common than it feels. ACA, ACCA, and CTA exams are deliberately tough. They test not just technical ability but mental resilience, especially when studied for alongside the relentless demands of busy season, client deadlines, and personal commitments.

If you’ve failed, you’re not alone. Many successful accountants, Partners included, have stumbled along the way. The key is not whether you failed, but what you learn from it.

Ask: Why Did This Happen?

Before making any career moves, take a moment for honest reflection:

• Were you under-supported by your current employer?

• Was your study leave inadequate or poorly timed?

• Were you expected to do the job of two people while revising at night?

• Or was it simply a matter of personal circumstances that made this sitting more difficult than usual?

Be clear on the “why.” It will shape your next step, whether that’s staying put with clearer boundaries or finding a firm that better supports its trainees.

When Moving Firms Makes Sense

Sometimes, a failed exam is a symptom, not the root cause. You might be in the wrong environment altogether. A culture that burns out trainees, skimps on study support, or shows little empathy when things go wrong isn’t setting you up to succeed.

Here are a few signs that moving firms could be the right decision:

• You’re in a firm with a poor track record of exam support.

• You’re pigeonholed with no clear path to progression.

• You feel more pressure than support from your managers.

• The failure has highlighted long-standing concerns you've had for a while.

In these cases, a move isn’t “running away” - it’s choosing better.

But Be Strategic

If you’re thinking of making a move, here’s how to approach it smartly:

1. Be Honest, But Balanced
   Don’t try to hide your failed exam in interviews. Own it. Talk about what you learned, how you’re planning to retake it, and the actions you’re taking to ensure a different result next time.

2. Choose the Right Kind of Firm
   Some firms are more supportive of re-sitters than others. Look for ones with robust study packages, good internal mentoring, and a track record of helping people get back on track.

3. Work With a Specialist Recruiter
   A good recruiter who understands the nuances of practice accountancy can help position your experience honestly and positively, and open doors with firms who see your potential, not just your latest result.

4. Don’t Delay
   Time matters. If you know a move is on the cards, act sooner rather than later. You’ll need time to settle into your new role before your next sitting, and a fresh environment could be the reset you need.

Your Career Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Failing one exam doesn’t define your ability or your career. But how you respond just might.

For many, it becomes the catalyst for real growth - a chance to find a firm that values you, supports you, and gives you space to fulfil your potential.

So if you’ve failed an exam and are questioning your next move, breathe, reflect, and then decide.

Not out of panic.

But with purpose.