I Didn't Pass. What Now?
Updated: 4 days ago
Not getting the result you hoped for in a competency-based examination can be disappointing, especially after the time, effort and preparation that went into it.
But one examination result does not mean that your journey to admission is over.
What you do next depends on your result and the options available to you. The important thing is to understand your position, consider your options and use the experience to improve your preparation going forward.
Start by Understanding Your Result
The first step is to look carefully at the mark you received for each paper. Under the current examination arrangements:
50% or more: You have passed your exam.
40% to 49%: You are required to complete an oral examination in respect of that paper.
Below 40%: You have failed that paper.
The Legal Practice Council's published examination results confirm these thresholds.
A result between 40% and 49% is therefore different from receiving a mark below 40%. If you fall within that range, your next step is the oral examination process rather than simply treating the written examination as a final failure.
If You Received Between 40% and 49%
If you obtained a mark of between 40% and 49% in a paper, you will be required to undergo an oral examination in respect of that paper.
Pay close attention to the information provided by the Legal Practice Council regarding the oral examination, including the date, time, venue or online arrangements and any requirements you must meet.
Take note: LPC oral examination notices have required candidates to present acceptable identification and have provided specific instructions regarding the examination process.
Do not assume that your written mark is the end of the process. Prepare for the oral examination and make sure you understand the LPC's instructions.
If You Scored Below 40%
A mark below 40% constitutes a fail in that paper.
This can be difficult to receive, but it also gives you an opportunity to identify where your preparation needs to improve.
Before immediately starting to study again, take some time to assess what happened. Ask yourself:
Did I understand the relevant areas of law?
Was I able to apply the law to the facts?
Did I struggle with time management?
Did I understand what the question was asking?
Did I practise enough questions under examination conditions?
Was my drafting sufficiently clear and accurate?
Did I rely too heavily on memorising instead of understanding and applying the law?
Were there areas of the syllabus that I neglected?
Your next attempt should be based on what you learned from the previous one.
Consider Applying for a Remark
If you are dissatisfied with your result, you may also consider applying for a remark.
The LPC provides a remark process and applications are subject to the applicable requirements and fee. The LPC's published examination information directs candidates to its remark application platform. Before applying, make sure you understand the current remark procedure, applicable fee and deadline.
Do not rely on information from previous examination cycles. Always check the latest information published by the LPC.
If You Have to Write Again
If you need to rewrite a paper, resist the temptation to simply repeat the exact same study method.
Instead, ask yourself:
What went wrong?
Your result can help you identify where you need to focus. Perhaps you knew the law but struggled to apply it. Perhaps you ran out of time. Perhaps you needed more drafting practice. Or perhaps there were gaps in your knowledge of the syllabus.
What needs to change?
Once you have identified the problem, adjust your preparation accordingly. This could mean:
revisiting the relevant parts of the syllabus;
strengthening your understanding of legislation and case law;
doing more practical questions;
practising drafting;
working through past examination questions;
completing timed practice sessions;
improving your examination technique; or
seeking additional assistance or an examination preparation provider.
The goal is not simply to study more. It is to study more effectively.
Don't Let One Result Define You
It is easy to look at an unsuccessful result and feel as though you have taken a step backwards. But you have gained something that you did not have before: experience of the examination itself. You now know more about the examination environment, the pressure involved, the areas you found difficult and the way you personally respond to the demands of the assessment.
Use that experience. You do not have to be perfect on your next attempt. You need to be better prepared.
Keep Going
The competency-based examinations are one part of the journey towards becoming an admitted legal practitioner.
If you did not get the result you wanted, take a breath. Understand your result. Consider whether an oral examination or remark is applicable. Identify what needs to change and make a plan for your next step.
You are not back at square one. You are going back with experience.
Useful Resource
For the most current information about examination results, oral examinations, remarks, examination requirements and other notices, always refer to the Legal Practice Council.
A setback is not the end of the journey. Learn from it, adjust your approach and keep moving forward.
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