Why an Exercise Attempt Doesn't Show as Failed
Overview
This article explains why an exercise submission might not show as "Failed"—even when the user scores below the passing threshold. Understanding this behaviour helps Admins and Managers configure exercises intentionally and manage learner expectations.
Functionality Breakdown
By default, an exercise will not be marked as failed if it is configured to allow unlimited attempts. In this scenario, the system interprets the attempt as ongoing. Since the learner has infinite retries, there's no final judgement applied until they pass or the scorer intervenes.
This prevents unnecessary negative feedback while the learner is still in progress.
Pre-requisites
You must have one of the following roles to configure exercises:
Curator – Can curate and manage content
Learning Designer – Can create and manage learning content
Admin – Administrative access within their company
Owner – Full access within their company
Additionally, users explicitly added as editors to a specific exercise's item can also edit that exercise.
To score exercises, you need one of the above roles, or be a Reporter, HR (with assessment override), or a Manager (if the exercise is configured to allow manager sign-off).
Quick Start Guide
Navigate to the exercise settings
Navigate to Manage → Learning Content → Exercises in the sidebar navigation
Select the relevant company or shared exercise
Review the submission settings
Check whether "Unlimited attempts" is enabled
If it is, the system will not mark submissions as failed regardless of score
Update settings (optional)
To enforce failure status, disable "Unlimited attempts"
Instead, define a maximum number of attempts (e.g., 1 or 2)
FAQs
Q: Why do I see a "Pending" status instead of "Failed"?
A: If unlimited attempts are enabled, the system considers the attempt in progress until the user passes.
Q: Can scorers manually fail a submission?
A: No. The system applies status based on score and attempt rules. However, scorers can leave comments to guide the learner.
Q: Will learners be notified if their score is below the pass mark?
A: Yes. They will receive a notification after scoring, along with any comments left.
Q: What happens if I change from unlimited to limited attempts after submissions are made?
A: Existing submissions will retain their current status. New submissions will follow the updated attempt limit rules.
Q: Can I see failed attempts even with unlimited attempts enabled?
A: With unlimited attempts, submissions won't show as "Failed" in the system, but you can still see scores and leave comments to guide learners.
Troubleshooting
Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
Submission not showing as failed | Check if "Unlimited attempts" is enabled in the exercise settings. Navigate to Manage → Learning Content → Exercises in the sidebar navigation, edit the exercise, and review Step 7: Completion Settings. |
Learner confused by lack of feedback | Ensure scorers leave comments when scoring low-performing submissions. Consider enabling "Notify Failed" notifications to alert managers or coaches. |
Admin wants to enforce finality | Disable "Unlimited attempts" and set a defined maximum number of retries. This will allow submissions to show as "Failed" when they don't meet the pass threshold. |
Can't find attempt limits setting | Navigate to the exercise edit page, go to Step 7: Completion Settings, and look for "Number of attempts" or "Attempts allowed". |
Last Reviewed: 28/11/2025