Set Yourself Up for a Calm Exam Day
The days leading up to an exam are not the time to change things. Your best bet for feeling calm and confident is to stick to a familiar, consistent routine without introducing extra stress or new hurdles to manage while you’re preparing.
Go to bed early and aim to get a full night’s sleep. Eat regular meals, ideally well-balanced and rich in healthy foods, like whole grains, fruits, vegetables and protein.
Most importantly, avoid cram sessions or trying to learn new material. Instead, aim to do light studying only, and review material you already know well. That way, you’ll feel confident about what to expect and avoid unnecessary exam anxiety.
You might also review the instructions the day before your test about where to go, if it’s in person, or how to check in for a remote exam. This kind of test prep helps remove uncertainty and lower anxiety before the day.
How To Calm Test Anxiety Before Your Exam Begins
On exam day, give yourself extra time to get ready and account for traffic. Show up early or log in early to the exam, and avoid adding extra and unnecessary stress from rushing.
Once you arrive, take a few minutes to calm your brain and body before the exam starts. Try taking a few deep, slow breaths to lower your stress and calm any jitters or certification exam nerves.
Don’t forget to be kind to yourself and fill your thoughts with positive self-talk. Reframe your nervousness about not being ready or being nervous with a reminder that you’ve prepared, and you’re capable.
What To Do If Anxiety Hits During the Exam
If you feel a blast of anxiety during the exam, try to stay calm. Skip any question you’re unsure or anxious about and come back to it at the end. That way, you won’t get stuck in your anxiety and can return to the question after you’ve gone through the other questions. Chances are some of the material might jog the answer loose in your memory.
Additionally, take a brief moment to breathe and reset between sections. Don’t linger too long, but give yourself a quick moment to collect your thoughts and stay focused, especially during a longer exam.
Finally, stay positive and steady. A passing mark is based on a majority of right answers, so one hard or confusing question doesn’t mean you’ve flopped the whole thing. Once you’re done, reward yourself for taking the test, like stopping and treating yourself to a sweet treat or a drink from your favorite cafe.
Taking a certification exam is a big step in your career journey, but preparation and a calm environment and mindset are key to banishing exam anxiety and nerves.
