You're not alone! Every year, approximately 15-20% of all apprentices fail their exams. This means it's completely normal and definitely not the end of your career. In this article, you'll learn all the important steps, rights, and alternatives after failing a training exam.
Working anyway: Your rights after failing your training
First things first: You have the right to continued employment!
Failing your training doesn't automatically mean you'll lose your job. Your company is legally obligated to continue employing you.
Many trainees ask themselves: "Can I still work even if I failed my training ?" The answer is clear: Yes! Here are your most important rights:
- Automatic contract extension: Your training contract will continue until the next possible retake
- Continued employment: The company must continue to employ you as a trainee, not as an unskilled worker
- Remuneration remains the same: You keep your training remuneration during the extension of the training contract after failing the exam
- Protection against dismissal: Dismissal solely because of a failed examination is not permitted
What happens if you fail the training?
Legally, nothing dramatic happens at first! The Vocational Training Act (BBiG) protects you: Your apprenticeship will be automatically extended until the next retake – for a maximum of one year.
Failed 2 or 3 times - what are your options?
If you are wondering " I failed my training exam twice - what now? " or even " I failed my training exam three times - what now? ", here are the most important facts:
First repetition
Usually 3-6 months after the first attempt. Use this time to specifically prepare for your weak points.
Second repetition
Even if you experience diarrhea for the second time, you still have a chance. You should seek professional help now.
After 3 diarrhea
Failure to pass isn't the end! There are various alternatives and recognition options.
Strategies for the retake exam:
- Vulnerability analysis: Analyze exactly where the problems lay
- Professional support: tutoring or special preparation courses
- Learning groups: Exchange with other trainees in a similar situation
- Practical exercises: Particularly important for skilled trades
- Time management: Realistic planning of preparation time
Important for the re-examination training
You usually only have two retakes! Use them wisely and prepare even more strategically this time. Good preparation is the key to success.
Generalist nursing training: Why so many fail
A special case is the generalist nursing training exam failure —here, failure rates are particularly high (30-40%). This is due to several factors:
Challenges in nursing education:
- Complex theory-practice link: Medical expertise must be applied practically
- High psychological stress: dealing with illness, suffering and death
- Staff shortage: Little time for intensive support of trainees
- Generalist training: Very broad field of knowledge from child care to geriatric care
If you failed your nursing exam, there's no reason to despair. Many successful nurses have needed several attempts. The important thing is:
- Take advantage of special nursing support
- Deepen practical skills in everyday nursing
- Prepare mentally for the emotional aspects of the job
- Consider alternative nursing training (e.g. geriatric care, nursing assistant)
Intermediate exam vs. final exam failed
It makes a big difference whether you failed the intermediate examination or the final training examination :
Failed intermediate exam
Usually, there's no reason to panic! The intermediate exam is primarily intended to measure your performance. You can still take the final exam and complete your training as normal.
Failed final exam
This is where things get serious. Without passing the final exam, you won't receive a certificate. However, you have the opportunity to retake the course, and your training contract will be extended!
Extending your training: rules and options
Extending your training due to a failed exam usually happens automatically. Here are the key facts about extending your training in case of a failed exam :
- Automatic extension: Until the next possible re-examination
- Maximum duration: One year extension in total
- Company approval: Normally a formality, but legally required
- Same conditions: remuneration and working conditions remain identical
When does the training contract end if the exam is not passed?
The contract ends only after the last possible retake or upon successful completion. There is no automatic termination simply due to failure!
Successful without a degree: recognition and alternatives
Even if you didn’t complete your training , there are various paths to a successful professional future:
Have professional experience recognized
Are you wondering, " Can I get my training recognized for not passing it?" Yes! After a few years of professional experience, you can:
- Take an external examination
- Prove partial qualifications
- Have your professional experience formally assessed
Working without a degree
If you have completed your training but failed , this does not mean the end of your career:
- Continued employment as a semi-skilled worker
- Gaining professional experience
- Completing the degree later
- Advancement through further training
"Many successful people didn't complete their training the first time. The important thing is not to give up and to learn from mistakes."
Practical tips: What to do now
If you are asking yourself the question " I failed my training and what now? ", here is a practical checklist:
keep Calm
First, take a deep breath. It's not the end of the world, and you have options!
Have a conversation
Talk openly with your trainer about your situation and future plans.
Organize support
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Develop a plan
Decide: repeat course, alternative training or direct entry into the job market?
Additional support options:
- Career advice: Employment agency offers free advice
- Tutoring: Targeted support for weak points
- Learning groups: Exchange with other affected people
- Mental support: Seek professional help if you have exam anxiety
Conclusion: Your path continues
Failing a training exam is a setback, but definitely not the end of your professional career. Key takeaways:
You should remember this:
- You have the right to continued employment and contract extension
- You are legally entitled to two retries
- Even without a degree there are career prospects
- Professional support can make the difference
- Many successful people have repeated their exam
Remember: Statistically, over 80% of trainees pass their retake exam. With the right preparation, support, and a positive attitude, your
