I've work part time in a professional role for many years, without the industry-standard badge of a professional diploma. I don't need the badge, most of my colleagues in my current team don't have it, but others I've worked with in the past do. It was one of my personal goals for this year to get it.
I've completed all the modules needed for the diploma, and passed all the written exams. The final hurdle is an oral exam in front of two examiners who grill you on the entire syllabus. The idea is that you demonstrate understanding, put everything into context, and demonstrate that you can "talk the talk" in a professional setting.
My employer paid for me to go on an oral preparation course (1 day), and gave me 2 days study leave for revision, as well as paying for the exam. But I found out today that I failed 
. Apart from my first driving test I've never failed an exam in my life and I'm really embarrassed!
I haven't had the formal feedback on the reasons yet. I know there were some areas I fluffed due to inadequate revision, so I'm hoping it was relatively marginal. I've booked myself a re-sit for early Jan, out of my own pocket (£400). I'm too embarrassed to tell my manager I failed - he's been too polite/busy to ask - I'm hoping the Christmas break will mean I don't get asked about it in the meantime, and I'll get the chance to revise in the evenings as I certainly can't ask for more study leave.
Anyway, not looking for any particular advice, but just wanted to get all that off my chest, as feeling a bit low about it. I guess it would be interesting to know how employers generally react to failed professional exams - I guess it must be quite common but a bit under the radar.