You just finished an assessment, and the result wasn’t great. Maybe you failed—or scored well below expectations. And now you’re wondering: will a bad assessment score disqualify me from other jobs at this company?
The short answer: it might. The longer answer depends on how your score is used, how long it stays in the system, and whether it applies across roles.
Let’s break it all down so you know exactly where you stand—and what to do next.
Can a Bad Assessment Score Disqualify You from Other Roles?
Yes, it can—especially when companies reuse scores across job applications. This is often how a bad assessment score disqualifies candidates behind the scenes.
Many large companies use a shared vendor or ATS (like Workday) to deliver tests across multiple roles. When you fail a test for Job A, that result may apply to Jobs B and C if they use the same assessment.
How Long Does a Bad Score Disqualify You? (Retest Windows Explained)
Most companies impose a retest window—usually 6 to 12 months—during which your result is still considered valid. So yes, a bad assessment score can disqualify you from other jobs at the same company for months after the first attempt.
SHL is one example of a vendor that enforces a six-month retest policy.
Is That One Score Permanent, or Does It Expire?
It’s rarely permanent. But a bad assessment score may disqualify you temporarily if the same test is reused across roles or business units.
The good news? Many systems wipe the slate clean after the retest window, or if the company switches vendors, platforms, or updates its test bank.
Are Test Scores Shared Between Companies?
Sometimes—but only with your consent.
Certain vendors allow score sharing between companies that use their platform, especially for high-volume or skill-based assessments. But it’s optional. You control whether your score travels with you.
Harver describes how candidates can share scores between employers—but only if they choose to.
Examples of vendors offering this:
- Codility (for developers)
- Harver (hourly and customer-facing roles)
- Vervoe and Modern Hire (for role-specific skills or simulations)
Can a Recruiter Override a Bad Score?
In rare cases, yes. But it’s not common.
Some recruiters can override results when there’s a strong referral, exceptional experience, or an obvious testing error. But in most cases, companies avoid doing this to preserve fairness and reduce legal risk.
When Does a Test Score Not Disqualify You?
There are plenty of cases where a bad score doesn’t carry over:
- You’re applying to a different job family.
- The role uses a different vendor or tool.
- The test has expired or been replaced.
- The new hiring team has no access to prior results.
So even if a bad assessment score disqualified you once, it won’t follow you forever.
What Should You Do If You Failed an Assessment?
- Check the retest timeframe — Wait it out if needed.
- Apply for other roles with different assessments — Different jobs = different tests.
- Study and prepare for the next one — Sites like Practice Aptitude Tests or JobTestPrep help.
- Reach out to a recruiter — Ask (professionally) if your score is still valid or reused.
- Stay proactive — One test doesn’t define you.
Bottom Line: A Bad Score Isn’t the End of the Road
So, does a bad assessment score disqualify you from future jobs at the same company? Sometimes—but only temporarily, and not always across the board.
Treat it like what it is: a data point, not a judgment. Learn from the experience, practice, and try again when the time is right. Most importantly, don’t let one failed test define your job search.
The hiring process isn’t always fair—but understanding it helps you work the system, rather than letting it work against you.