Take and pass are often confused when talking about exams. The difference is simple: take means you do the exam, while pass means you succeed.
Take an exam → do the exam
Use take when you do the exam, whatever the result.
- I will take the exam next week.
- She took the test yesterday.
- They are taking their final exams.
You can take an exam and fail it.
Pass an exam → succeed
Use pass when you get a good enough result.
- He passed the exam.
- She hopes to pass her driving test.
- They have passed all their exams.
Fail an exam → not succeed
- I failed the exam.
- He didn’t pass the test.
British vs. American English
In British English, people often say sit an exam instead of “take an exam”.
- I will sit my exams next week. (British)
Key difference
- Take → the action (do the exam).
- Pass → the result (success).
Typical mistake
- ❌ I passed the exam yesterday. (if you only mean you did it and don’t know the result yet)
- ✅ I took the exam yesterday.
