So, you deferred your exam. Maybe life got busy. Maybe you felt overwhelmed. Maybe you just needed a break.
Now you are thinking about coming back. That’s a big step. And it can feel intimidating. You might be asking yourself:
- “Where do I even start?”
- “Can I still pass?”
- “What if I’ve fallen behind everyone else?”
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone and you absolutely can get back on track. Here’s how to do it in a way that feels clear and manageable.
- Acknowledge Where You Are!
First things first: give yourself credit for deciding to return. It takes courage to step back into study mode. Don’t waste time beating yourself up for deferring. Instead, focus on what you can do now.
Ask yourself:
- What made me defer in the first place?
- What would I like to do differently this time?
This reflection will help you make better choices moving forward whether that’s better time management, more support, or clearer boundaries with work.
- Start Small. Really Small.
The biggest mistake students make when returning is trying to dive in at full speed. That’s a recipe for burnout.
Instead, start small:
- Re-read one topic summary.
- Watch a short, recorded lecture.
- Complete a single practice question.
Momentum builds from small wins. The goal isn’t perfection, it is progress.
- Create a Simple Study Plan You will Actually Stick To
You don’t need a fancy spreadsheet or colour-coded calendar. You need a realistic plan that fits your current life.
Try this:
- Break your syllabus into weekly chunks.
- Use short, focused study blocks (like the Pomodoro method).
- Schedule catch-up sessions and regular reviews.
And don’t forget to build in time for breaks and rest.
- Reconnect with Support
You don’t have to do this alone. Reach out to:
- A study buddy or colleague who’s also preparing
- Your training manager or tutor for guidance
- Online forums, WhatsApp groups, or past students
- Be Honest at Work About What You Need
Balancing work and study is hard. Don’t wait until you’re drowning to ask for help.
Talk to your manager early. Let them know you’re back in study mode. Ask about:
- Adjustments to your workload during key study weeks
- Using study leave effectively
- Avoiding client deadlines right before exams
Most managers will appreciate your proactiveness and want to see you succeed.
- Watch Out for the Comparison Trap
It’s easy to look around and feel like everyone else is ahead. But remember, this isn’t a race. Everyone’s path is different, and success isn’t about how fast you qualify it’s about whether you get there at all.
Focus on your journey, your progress, and your pace.
- Prepare for Exam Day with Confidence
When exam day comes, remind yourself: you have done this before. You know the format, the process, the pressure.
This time, you’re returning stronger. You have learned how to rest, reflect, and rebuild. That’s a skill not every trainee has and it will serve you well far beyond exams.
Final Thoughts
Be kind. Be consistent. Ask for help. And keep moving forward, even if it’s one small step at a time.
You’ve got this.