Keep the following in mind before the test:

Being well prepared for the test is the best way to reduce test taking anxiety.
Space out your studying over a few days or weeks and continually review class material. Don’t try to learn everything the night before.
Try to maintain a positive attitude while preparing for the test and during the test.
Exercising for a few days before the test will help reduce stress.

Follow your ProctorU pre-exam checklist. In particular, keep the following in mind:

Test your equipment.
Use a wired connection.
Plan a quiet, private location to test.
Read all of the ProctorU requirements ahead of time. www.proctoru.com/howitworks
Get a good night’s sleep before the test.
Check out this link from UARK Enhanced Learning Center.

If you find yourself tensing up and getting anxious during the test, try the following techniques:

Relax and remember you are in control.
Use relaxation techniques.
Change seating positions to help you relax.
Take slow, deep breaths.
Don’t think about the fear.
Pause and think about the next step and keep on task, step by step.
Use positive reinforcement for yourself. Acknowledge that you have done and are doing your best.
Expect some anxiety. It’s a reminder that you want to do your best and can provide energy. Just keep it manageable
Realize that anxiety can be a “habit” and that it takes practice to use it as a tool to succeed.
Chew gum (if allowed) during the test to help relieve test anxiety.
Read the directions slowly and carefully.
Skim through the test so that you have a good idea of how to pace yourself.
Write down important formulas, facts, definitions and/or keywords in the margin first so you won’t worry about forgetting them.
Do the simple questions first to help build up your confidence for the harder questions.
If you don’t know an answer to a question skip it for the time being and come back to it later if you have time. Remember that you don’t have to always get every question right to do well on a test.
Focus on the question at hand. Don’t let your mind wander to other things.
Budget your test taking time.
If you go blank, skip the question and go on.
If you’re taking an essay test and you go blank on the whole test, pick a question and start writing. It may trigger the answer in your mind.

After the test, take time to review:

List what worked, and hold onto these strategies.
It does not matter how small the items are; they are building blocks to success
List what did not work for you so that you can return to them for improvement.
Celebrate that you are on the road to overcoming this obstacle.
Check out local centers and resources in your school for assistance!
If you are aware that you have a problem with test anxiety, be sure that your teacher or instructor knows well before any testing begins. Not the hour before the exam!

Best Practices for Dealing with Test Anxiety in an Online Setting