Failing SBL is common. About half of students fail each sitting, with the pass rate averaging 49.9% since 2018 (see pass rates). Most resit students already know the syllabus. They fall short on applying it to the case, answering the exact requirement, and the professional skills marks. A focused resit plan built on feedback from your own answers is usually the fastest route to a pass.
What your SBL score tells you
| Score | What it usually means | Focus for the resit |
|---|---|---|
| 45 to 49 | Close. Knowledge is there; a few marks lost on technique. | Answer the exact requirement, apply every point to the case, and pick up professional skills marks. |
| 35 to 44 | Technique and timing problems, or some weak syllabus areas. | Timed practice with feedback, plus revision of weaker areas. |
| Below 35 | Gaps in knowledge and technique, or the exam did not go to plan on the day. | Rebuild with a structured plan, then move to timed practice. |
The most common reasons students fail SBL
- Not answering the question set. Writing everything you know about a model instead of what the requirement asks.
- Generic points. Points that could apply to any business score little. Each point needs a fact from the case.
- Missing professional skills marks. 20 marks depend on how you communicate, show commercial sense, analyse, show scepticism and evaluate. See the professional skills guide.
- Running out of time. Over-writing early requirements and rushing the last ones.
- Not knowing the pre-seen. Time lost on the day reading what could have been analysed in advance. See the pre-seen guide.
A resit plan that works
- Week 1: request your exam feedback from ACCA if available, and honestly list where time and marks went.
- Weeks 2 to 4: practise individual requirements from past exams, getting feedback on each.
- Weeks 5 to 6: analyse the new pre-seen and revise weaker syllabus areas using the model guides.
- Weeks 6 to 8: sit one or two full timed mocks and get them marked. See SBL mock exam marking.
Resit tutoring
Resit students often need fewer sessions than first-time students, because the work is targeted. In 1-to-1 sessions we start from your previous attempt and practice answers, find the patterns costing you marks, and fix them one by one. Prefer to learn with others? Join a small online class.
About your tutor
I am Adam Niazi, a Fellow of the ACCA (FCCA) with an MSc in Professional Accountancy from UCL and an Executive MBA from the University of Exeter. I wrote Becoming A Strategic Business Leader, a 19-chapter guide to the SBL syllabus, after coaching students through the exam. I also use these models in senior business roles, so sessions connect the theory to how real organisations work.
FAQs
Is it normal to fail SBL?
Yes. Around half of students fail each sitting. The pass rate has ranged from 45% to 53% since 2018.
How soon can I resit SBL?
SBL is sat four times a year, in March, June, September and December, so you can usually resit at the next sitting.
I got 48. What should I focus on?
Scores just under 50 usually point to technique: answering the exact requirement, tying every point to the case, and picking up professional skills marks.
Should I change how I study for the resit?
Usually yes. More timed practice with feedback on your own answers is more effective than re-reading notes.
Can a tutor help with an SBL resit?
Yes. A tutor can review your practice answers, identify where marks are lost, and give you a focused plan to your next exam date.
Request tutoring details
Tell me a little about where you are with SBL. You will receive the session options by email straight away, and you can reply to book or ask questions.
More SBL tutoring options
- ACCA SBL tutor (1-to-1)
- SBL online classes (small groups)
- SBL mock exam marking
- SBL tuition providers compared
- SBL tutor for UAE students
- SBL tutor for Ireland
- SBL tutor for Malaysia
Free study guides: ACCA SBL exam guide · SBL models · Professional skills · Pre-seen guide · Pass rates