You can’t believe your eyes when you see the results. You didn't pass the CBAP® or CCBA®. And, the sad news is that you were shy by only a few points. Believe it or not, this is an unfortunate situation that happens more than I’d like to hear.

After taking multiple exams (certifications or college exams), and passing some and not passing others, I have been in that seat way too many times. Fortunately for me, I learned my lesson before I sat for a life changing exam as the CBAP®.

In college, I remember reviewing my results, and being disappointed at the mistakes that I made during the exam. I remember wishing that I had taken just a little time to read the question entirely or ensuring that I understood the difference between each answer choices. That little tiny second would have made a huge difference between a pass or a fail.

My advice this week is: as you sit for the CBAP® or CCBA®, do not rush through the questions. You have three and a half hours to complete this exam and that is plenty of time. Taking just a few seconds to read the questions thoroughly or understand all the answer choices, could boost your chances at becoming the next Certified business analyst in the world.