Taking tests can be stressful. That’s a fact most of us know from experience. But in today’s increasingly competitive world filled with high-stakes exams, far too many students find themselves overwhelmed by severe test anxiety.

Unaddressed, this stress can become debilitating and prompt teens and young adults to avoid academic and professional pursuits. Fortunately, some simple anxiety management strategies can make a big difference for test-takers of all ages.

So what should parents, educators, and providers know about the often-complex relationship between text anxiety and academic performance? How can students learn to accept and navigate their stress around exams? And when is professional help warranted?

Alex Jordan, PhD, and Benjamin J. Lovett, PhD, discuss how test anxiety is assessed and treated, offer practical, evidence-based tips for improving studying and test-taking skills, and answer audience questions about the pros and cons of testing accommodations and other interventions.