What is the difference between failing an exam and failing a course?
Failing an exam means not meeting the passing standard on a particular exam within a course. A retest, supplementary exam, or other work may sometimes provide a way to recover, so it does not necessarily mean that you cannot earn credit for the course. Failing a course means that the final assessment results in no credit for that course. Exams, assignments, attendance, and practical work may all be included in the assessment.
Key points
- Failing one exam does not necessarily mean failing the whole course.
- Course assessment may include assignments, attendance, practical work, and other requirements as well as exams.
- What happens after no credit is awarded depends on the course's status and the university's rules.
Things to check
- The availability of retests, assessment methods, and the consequences of not earning credit vary by university, faculty, and course, so check the syllabus and academic regulations.