What to do if You Fail the NERC Exam

Didn’t pass the NERC exam? It’s not the end of the road. Remember, the exam is intentionally difficult. Many people need more than one attempt. After taking time to process your disappointment, review your results to identify what held you back, adjust your study strategy, and use the required 42-day waiting period to regroup. Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing answers. When you’re ready to try again, apply solid test-taking habits and trust your preparation. With the right plan and mindset, you can pass on your next attempt.

Disappointment Happens

The NERC System Operator Certification exam is tough. Deservedly so, as the people who pass it manage power generation and load from utility control rooms. It’s a critical role – the smallest mistake could mean power goes out for hours for millions of people.

You prepared hard for the exam. You followed your training program, completed all the steps, and studied endlessly. But you didn’t pass. Now what?

You’re not alone. Our SMEs have experienced the highs and lows of the NERC certification exams. It can feel overwhelming when you don’t pass. But sit down, take a deep breath, and follow our recommendations to regroup and prepare for your next attempt.

How Do I Prepare to Take the Exam Again?

Start by letting yourself be upset. Failing an exam can be frustrating. It’s OK to be discouraged, and you should recognize the disappointment of not meeting your goal.

Many candidates fail their first attempt. The NERC certification exam is a unique experience. It’s designed to test how you apply what you’ve learned, not just to make sure you understand the concepts.

Next, once you’ve had time to process the results, it’s time to make a constructive plan for the next attempt. Ask yourself:

• What went wrong?
• What went well?

These answers will guide you in your next steps.

NERC requires a 42-day waiting period before you retake the exam. While this may seem like a long time, you can use it to create a plan and put it into action.

Analyze Your Performance

Start by reviewing your exam results. Understanding where you went wrong is key to knowing how to move forward.

• Review content areas where you struggled during the exam. NERC provides results by content area so you can determine your weak areas.
• Identify specific topics or question types that were the most challenging.
• Look for patterns. Did your mistakes come from lack of knowledge, misunderstanding concepts, or poor time management?
• Did “test anxiety” play a role in your results?

Studying Smarter

Now that you know your weak areas, it’s time to develop a plan to address them:

• Prioritize areas where you scored the lowest. Spend extra time on those areas and practice applying the concepts to real-world grid situations.
• Emphasize understanding over memorization. The NERC exam is application-based, so you have to know how to apply everything you’ve learned.
• Develop a study plan. If you didn’t have one before, put one together this time. If you did, update it to concentrate on your weak areas
• Don’t forget the information you know. Don’t focus on your weak areas at the expense of your strengths. Make sure you review everything.
• Limit practice tests. They’re helpful but taking too many leads to memorizing answers instead of learning how to apply concepts.

Where should you start? Go back to the basics. Review core reliability concepts and operational scenarios. Use your training to identify the most effective action, not just the technically correct one. The NERC exam gives you multiple options that could be correct on a question. Your job is to pick the best option.

If you haven’t used a structured training program before, consider enrolling in one now. If you did, talk with the instructors about where you struggled. They can help you focus on key areas to improve your performance on your next attempt. Ask the providers what their pass-rate history is. How successful are they in getting people certified?

It may seem like a good idea to use ChatGPT or another artificial intelligence program to help address scenarios. Use AI tools with caution. They can be useful for practice, but don’t take anything at face value. Always double check information against reliable sources.

Test-Taking Strategies

When you’re ready to try again, keep these strategies in mind:

• Rest and eat well before the exam. Clear focus requires energy.
• Apply your knowledge, don’t just remember it. Many questions are situational.
• Anticipate that multiple answers may seem correct. Focus on identifying the best answer.
• Eliminating wrong answers is sometimes the best way to get to the correct answer.
• Read each question carefully, especially the final line in long scenarios.
• Answer the easy questions first, then go back to the harder ones.

Remember, the NERC certification exam is tough because certified operators play a critical role in grid reliability. You may have failed the exam this time, but it’s a stepping stone to success. Now you know what to expect and how to better prepare. With the right approach, preparation, and mindset, passing is within reach.