One aspect of test taking is the emotional/psychological dimension.

My advice to those who develop high anxiety about test situations is to try all or some of the following.

If you suspect that this is a really deep fear(your heart races,you sweat,your mouth becomes dry)I recommend you try EFT. Emotional Freedom Techniques is a really simple technique that quickly frees you from fears and doubts in the vast majority of cases.You can learn it in minutes and positive results are immediate.Download a free manual from www.emofree.com

Use visualization to see yourself successfully completing the test smoothly and comfortably.

Write down a short description of what happens on your day of the test.In your description identify the points that cause you fear and write down a successful out come. (e.g. I get up early,I'm confident, I eat my favorite breakfast, I arrive on time, I am focused, I choose the correct answers easily, I finish in good time, I leave the center feeling that I comfortably accomplished optimal performance).

Preparation includes knowing exactly what is required of you in the test situation.You must not put extra pressure on yourself by not having the correct information about test date,time and place. Make sure that you give yourself enough time to get to the building and room in good time.

Also be quite clear as to the nature of the test. What type is it? Is it multiple choice? What of the many variations of multiple choice is it? Is it essay type or short answer?How long will the test be? How many items are in the test?What decisions have to be made during the test? What content areas are being tested and for what purpose?

In other word try to place yourself in the shoes of the person setting the test. What does this person expect the test taker to accomplish in the test.

I also underscore the writing of notes. The kinetic energy involved in writing things down helps to imprint it in your brain.

Beware of what you say to others about your intended performance. It's a waste of energy to send out into the ethers negative predictions about what you will do. (e.g. I'm bound to fail. I always do badly on...,This is not my best area etc).

If you find it difficult to envisage a positive outcome it makes it worse to enlist others to join you in a negative prediction.Even if you think it,don't say it aloud.