DH exam freaking out - help me to help him?

[romanrainsalot]

DH is prepping for an exam. He absolutely knows his stuff, but when it comes to sitting an exam, he goes into panic.

He told me on the last exam he was distracted by worrying about the time remaining. This led to him just guessing the last 10-15 questions (multiple choice).

He is bravely putting himself forward for it again and has decided to use practice papers. I suggested why not try taking the time element away and just sitting the exam, just to see how he gets on.

I'm afraid my suggestion tanked big time. He was stressing, needing to look at a clock, flapping about, couldn't focus - for 2 hrs.

I really want to help him, but I don't know how. He really wants this and he can do it, just needs the piece of paper. Any suggestions please? Thanks.

[NoTimeToDillyDally]

How old is he? Which exams is he prepping for? How many times practice papers has he done?

[PurpleDaisies]

I would say if he's well prepped and it's the panic that's stopping him, address that instead of focussing on the exam. Do you think he'd be willing to try any relaxation techniques? There are loads of mindfulness apps that could help him to calm down so he can show what he actually knows.

What's the exam? Has he talked to his teacher about what's going wrong?

[PurpleDaisies]

Might you be better asking for this thread to be moved to the education/secondary education board?

[romanrainsalot]

He's 40. Its a trades qualification. He's done about 5-6 mock tests now (this is his 2nd attempt at the test)

I think he'd be willing to try if it didn't seem too "out there" IYKWIM

Might have a look for some apps and test them out.