The phrase “claiming to pass the exam” is ambiguous. This guide addresses the two most common interpretations: the process of officially announcing a pass, and the unethical act of falsely claiming to have passed.

1. How to Officially Claim/Report a Passing Exam Score:
For professional, academic, or military exams, you don’t simply “claim” a pass you provide official verification. This typically involves:

Official Score Report: A digital or physical document from the testing body (e.g., ASVAB, NCLEX, CPA, college board).
Transcript or Certificate: For course-based exams, an official transcript or awarded certificate serves as proof.
Verification Portal: Many professional licenses can be verified through state or national online databases.

2. The Risks of Falsely Claiming to Have Passed:
Falsely claiming to have passed a high-stakes exam is considered fraud or misrepresentation and can have severe consequences:

Academic: Expulsion, revocation of degrees, permanent transcript notation.
Professional: Loss of job, suspension/revocation of a professional license, legal liability, and permanent damage to your reputation.
Military (e.g., ASVAB, Physical Fitness Test): Punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), administrative separation, and a less-than-honorable discharge.

For a resource focused on legitimate, last-minute preparation, you can review our guide on How to Pass an Exam the Night Before.

For an external perspective on academic integrity and the consequences of cheating, you can visit the International Center for Academic Integrity.