In this guide, we explain everything you need to know to overcome these academic hurdles and continue your studies without wasting valuable time.
Table of contents
What happens if you’ve failed a subject in vocational training?
How do you retake outstanding vocational training subjects?
Doing work experience whilst you’ve still got a subject to retake
Number of resits and exam sessions in Higher Vocational Training
Can you progress to the next year with outstanding subjects?
What happens if you fail your vocational training work placement?
What happens if you fail a module or several subjects?
The impact on your academic record
Practical advice on retaking outstanding vocational training subjects
What happens if you have one subject left to pass in your vocational training?
If you finish a vocational training course with a subject still outstanding, there’s no need to panic. The system is designed to give you several opportunities to retake it. The key thing is to find out about the specific procedures at your centre, as these may vary depending on the autonomous community and the mode of study (face-to-face or online).
How do you retake outstanding vocational training (FP) modules?
Generally, you have two exam sessions per subject each academic year: one ordinary and one extraordinary. The ordinary sitting usually takes place at the end of the academic year and the extraordinary sitting, normally in September. If you do not pass the subject in either of these, you will have to retake it the following year, subject to a maximum limit of four attempts per module, in accordance with general regulations.
There are different ways to retake failed vocational training subjects:
- Specific resit examinations
- Assignments, projects or supplementary activities set by the teaching staff
- Remedial or support programmes made available by some centres
- Monitoring of continuous assessment, if the traditional option is not available
Undertaking work placements whilst still having a subject to pass
Completing the Workplace Training Phase ( FFE), i.e. work placements, usually requires you to have passed all your modules.
However, some autonomous communities allow you to undertake the FFE even if you have failed one subject, provided you have passed at least 70 per cent of the course and have received approval from the teaching staff. If you have one subject left to pass, always check the regulations at your centre and in your region, as different rules and restrictions apply.
Number of resits and examination sessions in Higher Vocational Training
As a general rule, you are entitled to two examination sessions per academic year and per subject (ordinary and supplementary), up to a maximum of four per module throughout the entire course. If you have used up all your exam sessions, you may apply for an extraordinary exam session (sometimes called a ‘grace’ session) or sit the Open Vocational Training Exams.
Can you progress to the next year with outstanding subjects?
In most regions, you can enrol in the second year with outstanding subjects, provided that these do not exceed 20 per cent of the total hours in the first year. If you fail more than 20 per cent of your subjects, you will have to repeat the entire year. There are limits on how many times you can repeat a year: normally, a maximum of three repetitions per year.
What happens if you fail the vocational training work placement?
Failing the FFE means you cannot qualify until you have passed it. You will only need to retake the FFE if you have passed the rest, without having to retake modules you have already passed. The key is to make the most of the opportunity for improvement offered by your tutors and to adapt your learning for the next examination session.
What happens if you fail a module or several subjects?
If you fail a vocational module, you’ll need to re-enrol in that module and sit the exam in subsequent exam sessions, whilst always adhering to the maximum number of attempts permitted. If you fail several subjects, but within the permitted margin (less than 20 per cent of the hours), you can progress and catch up on what’s outstanding.
The impact on your academic record
Unpassed subjects are recorded on your academic record, but not as a permanent negative mark. Once you have retaken and passed them, they will appear as passed with the mark you achieved in the exam session in which you passed them.
It is important to understand that failing a module does not define your ability as a student. Many successful professionals have been in this situation during their training. What makes the difference is how you manage the catch-up process.
Practical tips for retaking outstanding vocational training modules
Time management
Dealing with outstanding modules whilst taking new ones requires very organised time management. You need to balance studying new material with catching up on the outstanding modules.
- Create a timetable that includes the dates of all your upcoming resits. This will help you spread your effort out efficiently and prevent all your resits from piling up at the end of the course.
- Set aside specific time each week for each module you need to retake. Don’t leave everything until the weeks leading up to the exam, as you’ll probably also have to focus on the assessments for your current modules.
Long-term planning
Having modules to retake shouldn’t hold back your career plans, but it does mean you’ll need to adjust your timelines. If your aim is to enter the job market quickly, prioritise retaking the modules that are most critical to your professional profile.
If you plan to continue with higher education, ensure that your outstanding modules do not affect the entry requirements for university or other study programmes.
Institutional support and available resources
Educational institutions often offer specific resources for students with outstanding modules. These may include additional tutorials, supplementary materials or even catch-up groups.
Don’t hesitate to make the most of these resources. Tutors understand the challenges involved and are there to help you overcome them.
You should also consider seeking external support, such as specialist tuition centres or private tutors, particularly if you have failed a specific module on several occasions.
Conclusion
Catching up on outstanding vocational training modules may seem like a hurdle, but it is also an opportunity to demonstrate your perseverance and ability to overcome challenges. The education system is designed to give you multiple opportunities for success.
The key is to maintain a proactive attitude, make the most of all available resources and plan your resits strategically. With the right approach, those outstanding modules will soon be nothing more than a memory on your path to qualification.
Remember that every exam session is a new chance to demonstrate what you’ve learnt.
Don’t give up, and seek the support you need to achieve your academic goals!
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