Exams can be stressful, but there are a few simple things that you can do to help alleviate the pressure. Here are our top tips on how to prepare for assessment day.

Avoid last minute cramming

It is widely accepted that this is not the best way to approach an exam. A good night’s sleep will leave you well rested and ensure that you can be fully focused during the assessment. If you have been having trouble sleeping, you could try the Sleep Council’s nodcasts. These feature soothing sounds, which include birdsong and the sound of the sea, to help you off to sleep at night.

Don’t panic

Whilst exam nerves are normal, it is important to try not to panic as this will only make things worse. If you are feeling worried or depressed about the assessment, talk to somebody. Do not bottle things up. Speak to your friends, family or tutor about how you are feeling or call us to arrange for a chat with one of our Listening Friends. You could also take a look at our Anxiety fact sheet.

Positive thinking

Believe in yourself. After all, you have already sat and passed many exams in the run-up to becoming a pre-registration trainee. This one is no different.

Look after yourself

Do not set yourself unrealistic goals. You will still need time to eat, sleep and socialise. Neglecting your own health and wellbeing will not help you to pass the assessment. Have a look at our fact sheet on Wellbeing for further tips.

Top up your energy levels

Have a selection of healthy snacks on hand to keep your energy levels topped up. Think fruit, dried nuts and water rather than crisps, cake and too much caffeine.

Advance preparation

Make sure you have everything prepared in advance. Plan your route and journey time. If you have a long way to travel and are concerned about not arriving in time, you might consider booking into a hotel near the assessment venue on the Wednesday night. This will cut down on your travel time on the day and keep your stress levels to a minimum.

Pack your bag the night before ensuring you have included essentials such as your calculator and proof of identity.

Fit to Sit

On the day, do not sit the assessment unless you feel well enough. You can withdraw at any point up until the chief invigilator’s introductory speech at the start of the assessment sitting. The invigilator will make clear in their introductory speech the final point at which you can withdraw. You will not lose your registration fee if you withdraw, the fee will be refunded within 28 days of the exam to the card from which the initial payment was made.

Arrive early

Ideally you should try to arrive at the assessment venue well in advance of the assessment starting time. If you are late for the assessment you will not be given additional time and you run the risk of having insufficient time to complete the assessment. If you do arrive late, you might wish to consider withdrawing as an alternative to sitting the assessment with less time than all of the other candidates.

For further information check out our pre-registration assessment fact sheet