Waiting for your ACCA results is nerve-wracking. Whether you’ve passed, failed, or fall somewhere in between, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions. But what truly matters is what you do next.
In a recent Learnsignal webinar, expert tutor Arvind Suridev, an ACCA top scorer himself, shared powerful tips on how to regroup, reset, and plan your next move, no matter the outcome. Here’s a breakdown of what he shared, so you can take the right steps forward.
1. Didn’t Pass? Here’s How to Reflect and Recover
First of all, if you didn’t pass, don’t be discouraged. You’re not alone, and this doesn’t define your ability or potential. Many students fail an exam, even high performers.
Arvind emphasised the importance of asking yourself three key questions:
- What topics did I skip or not study thoroughly?
Be honest about what you avoided or didn’t fully grasp. - Did I run out of time in the exam?
Time pressure is a common issue. Did you spend too long on earlier questions? - How confident was I in applying what I learned?
Understanding the concepts is one thing, applying them under pressure is another.
Use your failure as feedback, not a reason to give up. Take a couple of days to process, then revisit your approach with clarity. Look at how much time you studied, how well you practiced exam questions, and whether you truly understood the examiner’s expectations.
2. Resit the Same Paper or Take a New One?
Many students wonder if they should move on to a different paper after failing one.
Arvind’s advice is clear: resit the same paper, especially if you came close to passing. The material is fresh in your mind, and you’ve already done the groundwork. Starting a new paper might feel easier emotionally, but it often leads to longer delays in overall progress.
However, if you struggled with the paper conceptually and found it extremely difficult, then speak with a tutor or mentor. They can help you assess whether a change makes sense for your learning style and goals.
3. Passed? Don’t Lose Momentum
If you passed your paper, congratulations. That’s a big achievement. But now’s the time to stay on track and use your momentum wisely.
Here’s what Arvind recommends:
- Don’t take a long break. The longer you wait, the more knowledge you forget, and the harder it becomes to restart.
- Plan the next paper strategically. Choose a combination of papers that balances workload, for example, pairing one theory-heavy paper with a more calculation-based one.
- Build on what you’ve learned. For example, if you just passed Financial Reporting (FR), it may make sense to take Strategic Business Reporting (SBR) next while the concepts are still familiar.
Think long-term and align your next paper with your career path, work schedule, and learning preferences.
4. Study Smart, Not Just Hard: How Learnsignal Helps
One of the main reasons students struggle with ACCA exams is poor study technique, not necessarily a lack of effort.
Learnsignal’s platform is designed to help you study effectively:
- Structured weekly study plans tailored to each exam
- Short, focused video lessons you can watch anytime
- Downloadable summary notes and practice questions
- Computer-Based Exam (CBE) style mocks with expert marking and feedback
- Real exam technique lessons; how to approach questions, manage time, and avoid common mistakes
Arvind pointed out that many students feel like they’re studying hard, but aren’t studying in a way that builds exam confidence. The key is to understand the why behind the concepts, not just memorise the what.
5. Your Mindset Will Define Your Journey
The most powerful part of the webinar came in the closing message:
“Failing doesn’t make you a failure, but giving up does.”
Every ACCA member has had a tough exam experience. What separates them is persistence. Take ownership of your journey. Use every result, good or bad, as a learning opportunity. The path to qualification is rarely smooth, but with the right mindset and support, you’ll get there.
And remember, the ACCA qualification is not just a test of knowledge, but also of resilience, planning, and self-discipline. The journey teaches you just as much as the destination.
Next Steps
- Review your exam performance carefully,
- pass or fail.
- Choose your next paper based on both logic and long-term planning.
- Use a structured study resource like Learnsignal to improve how you study, not just how much you study.
The next sitting is closer than you think. Whether you’re reattempting a paper or preparing for your next one, now is the time to refocus and act.
Explore Learnsignal’s ACCA courses, mock exams, and guided study plans to make your next attempt your best one yet.
