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I have anxiety. It’s human to experience it. For those going through the CFRE certification process, it’s not uncommon to experience test anxiety when preparing for the CFRE exam. But I do know this … if you don’t control your test anxiety, it’ll be harder to pass the CFRE exam.

In the novel, Dune, they say, “Fear is the mind killer.” I’d add that anxiety is the test-taking killer.

Here are six strategies I suggest to help control your CFRE exam anxiety:

1. Get enough sleep and eat healthy meals. That means giving up ice cream sandwiches, Good & Plenty, Milk Duds … I could go on. You must eat healthily and get enough sleep so you’re mentally and physically set up for success.
2. Exercise. Really, do I have to include this? You already know. One candidate I know would take a walk after studying for the CFRE exam. It was her way of reducing test anxiety. It worked for her—she passed!
3. Learn relaxation techniques, like breathing and meditation. Since I already must breathe, when I experience anxiety, I try deep breathing. I take a deep breath, hold it, then release and imagine all my anxiety leaving my body with that exhale
4. Mindfulness. As you prepare, imagine yourself in a relaxing place, perhaps Hawaii, Patagonia, Colorado, or St. John’s in Newfoundland. I usually imagine myself at a winery in Northern California. Then, imagine you’re leaving the testing center with a passing score … as you’re leaving, tell the attendant, “Today I’m a CFRE!”
5. Spend time outside. You know those 4-legged creatures you love so much? Take them for a walk—to a park, by a stream, anywhere you find relaxing. When you’re outside, don’t think about the test, your work, that crazy supervisor, or your kids asking for those ice cream sandwiches you’ve given up. Be mindful and enjoy nature.
6. Talk to others taking the CFRE test. Here’s where smaller study groups are so important—you can pass along knowledge, learn from each other, share your fears, and talk about your anxiety. Remember: It’s human to experience it and you’re not alone.

Lastly, YOU got this!