Test Anxiety and Your Job

If you work at a full-time or part-time job, you may find it more difficult to concentrate as the test date draws closer. For some people, their job keeps them from studying well enough for the exam. For others, test anxiety may interfere with their job performance. If either of these describes you, check out the following tips: Schedule time to study. If you haven't yet come up with a solid study plan, then pull out your calendar and do it now! Knowing when you will study can help you to let go of that burden during the rest of your day, so you can focus on other important things like your job.

Practice coping with anxiety during your workday. If you often experience test anxiety, then it's likely that other performance-based events at work may also trigger an anxiety response. So the next time you have to make a presentation, use that as practice for test taking. Do some deep breathing, go for a walk around the building before your presentation, and use muscle-relaxation techniques.

Compartmentalize. If test anxiety interferes with your job performance, then try to avoid thinking about the test while you're at work. Make work a "no-test zone," and designate another time of your day to focus on the test.

Work smarter, not harder. If your job commitments interfere with studying, you may need to cut back some hours on the job to free up more time to study. However, you don't want this to interfere with your job performance. If cutting hours isn't an option, find ways to work more efficiently during your shift so that you can leave on time.

Enlist help if possible. If you will be taking a certification or continuing-education exam designed to increase your knowledge in the field, your supervisor may fully support your studying efforts and even encourage you to leave early so you can hit the books. Most managers value professional development because it strengthens their department. It probably wouldn't hurt to ask for some extra understanding and leeway, especially in the days before the exam. But don't push it - if your boss isn't receptive, then just focus on working efficiently so you can leave on time and study after hours.

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