“I’m sorry — I can’t certify you today” is a phrase no instructor likes to utter, and reactions to these words can be extreme. In the 25+ years I’ve been running my Red Cross first aid agency, I’ve had to gently explain to many students that they will need to repeat the class or the test to be certified. It’s never easy to deliver this news. It can be even harder to receive it.

Some students react graciously with appreciation for the knowledge and skills they’ve gained. Others feel disappointment and frustration unless — as in lemonade-from-lemons scenarios — they realize no learning experience is wasted. The path to success often has speed bumps.

Whenever we set ourselves a challenge and fall short of a goal, our reaction is our choice. We can wallow in self-pity and allow our failure to undermine our confidence, or we can swallow the initial disappointment, pick ourselves up and have another go at the thing. How we deal with life’s challenges will shape our character one way or the other.

Learning for its own sake, rather than for examination or certification requirements, offers several significant advantages. We’re often more deeply motivated by curiosity and personal interest, making the process more enjoyable and fulfilling. Learning that stems from a genuine desire to understand leads to a more profound grasp of the material.

“The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.” — B.B. King

Overcoming barriers and facing failure

Learning new skills is hard at the best of times, but for those with mental and physical challenges, it’s especially tough. I’ve had the privilege of teaching many students who have had the courage to take a first aid course even though certification was not guaranteed. These students from diverse backgrounds, some with physical disabilities, others with language barriers, and many with personal struggles inspire me with their determination and resilience.

I’ve taught students with limited vision and hearing, people with missing limbs, joint problems, mobility issues, learning difficulties and extreme test anxiety — all of which can pose notable obstacles to learning and applying life-saving first aid. Many of these have left my classes proudly holding a Red Cross first aid certificate. However, not everyone is successful the first time around.

Paying for first aid training or any course of study doesn’t mean you will automatically achieve a qualification or receive a certification. You must meet the minimum requirements for an instructor to put their name on a certificate confirming you have the required knowledge and skills. This is news to some people.

I’ve had students get angry or break down in tears when told they had not passed and realize they would have to return for a repeat attempt. For some, getting a first aid certificate is a prerequisite for school or work. It may mean the difference between getting a place in the institution of their choice, being considered for a job and earning money or not. Hearing they have not met the requirements for certification can be devastating.

“Failure is success in progress,” Albert Einstein reminded us. These wise words are worth considering when taking a class or exam in any field or tackling a challenging project that doesn’t go as planned.

Gratitude for learning

Many of my first aid students show up for personal reasons, telling me they’ve registered after dealing with a traumatic medical emergency where they felt helpless and were unable to save a loved one. These people are highly motivated and get the most out of the training. Others take classes to improve their life skills and confidence. New parents and grandparents often take a first aid class to learn how to save a choking baby or learn accident prevention tips to keep their little ones safer. They don’t need a certificate, but the skills they learn are priceless. Several of my students have saved their babies after learning infant CPR.

One student told me he was recovering from a stroke and would need help during his class, so I arranged for an additional instructor to assist him. Despite physical issues and learning struggles, the student did his best but found the class incredibly challenging. As he did not pass the written test and could not demonstrate the first aid skills to the required level, the instructor unfortunately could not issue a certificate. However, the student left the room smiling at the end of his class and thanked me for the training. He said, “The “course was great! I know a lot more now than when I arrived this morning.”

I was so impressed with his attitude. It made me consider how a positive outlook has a significant impact on someone’s level of happiness, regardless of the situation. We can be resentful towards teachers and instructors, or we can see our perceived failures as opportunities for growth. The knowledge we gain from these uncomfortable experiences can give us the courage to move forward.

Failing to get a certificate does not mean you are a failure. It means you have more learning to do, and learning is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. Looked at that way, failure is a gift.

So, if you’re feeling anxious about the possibility of not passing a test or getting a certificate, remember that it’s part of the learning process. It’s okay to fail as long as you learn and grow from the experience.

“Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing,” said Denis Waitley, author of The Psychology of Winning.

Training success tips

Based on my experience running several thousand first aid and CPR classes, I’ve gathered a few tips that can help increase your chances of success at certification — or success however you define it — regardless of your course of study.

Ensure you’ve registered for the correct class and that the certification you are hoping to get is the one your school or employer requires. Get this confirmation in writing.
Ask if there is a book or any online material you can study before the class. Pre-reading is particularly important if the course is not in your first language.
Find out if you’ll be required to complete an assignment or test during the class and how you will be evaluated.

Tell the instructor about your concerns about completing the training. They may find ways to accommodate you. For example, if a course registrant tells me they are eight months pregnant or have joint problems and difficulty getting down onto the floor, I will provide a small table for them to put their CPR manikin on during class. If someone tells me they have dyslexia, I will offer to do a one-on-one verbal test with them rather than have them struggle to fill in a written multiple-choice test. I can only do these things if I know about their concerns beforehand.
Learning is a journey of growth and lessons learned. Sometimes, a leap forward is preceded by a step back, and we may not always see this at the time. However, maintaining a positive outlook despite obstacles and challenges can transform our learning journey into a rewarding experience.

The value of life experience

While certifications can open doors, having a broad base of knowledge and experience allows you to adapt to changes in your life and career more easily since you’re not solely defined by a specific certification but by a deeper, more flexible skill set. The joy of learning and discovery can be profoundly fulfilling in itself. It may lead you to contribute to society in ways that aren’t directly linked to career success, such as through research, volunteerism, or simply sharing your understanding with others.

Education leads to personal development and equips you with the adaptability and resilience to thrive and make the most of whatever life throws your way. A commitment to lifelong learning moves beyond the external validation certifications provide and focuses on the intrinsic rewards of understanding and mastery.

Certifications can be valuable, but how you apply your knowledge is what counts.