When I started my CIMA journey, I thought the key to success was getting everything right on the first try. Pass every exam in one attempt, move quickly, and prove to myself that I could do it. But reality taught me something else: failure isn’t the end — it’s part of the process.

Taking a test can be nerve-racking. The pressure to perform perfectly in one sitting is real. But the truth is, even with hard work and dedication, sometimes things don’t work out as planned. That doesn’t mean you’re unintelligent. It doesn’t mean you’re not capable. And it definitely doesn’t mean you’re rejected by success.

One of the best things I heard after failing an exam was:
“We try again. Harder this time.”

That simple phrase made me realize that failure isn’t a dead end. It’s a lesson. Each attempt shows you what you already know and what you need to improve. It’s an opportunity to refine your strategy, strengthen your weak areas, and build resilience.

As someone once said,
“Failure is not a loss but a lesson learned.”

So if you’re approaching an exam — whether it’s your first attempt or your third — give yourself permission to let go of the fear. Work hard, prepare as best as you can, but remember that failure is not rejection. It’s simply redirection.

Every step, even the missteps, moves you closer to the qualification. And when you finally pass, the victory will taste even sweeter knowing how much you’ve grown along the way.