Someone wanted the Coach's advice on pre-test anxiety:

1. Review your knowledge/skills about 2-3 days before the exam. Then put
away all books and references.
2. Give yourself positive affirmations, in the present tense: I am a smart
person; I know how to help mothers breastfeed; The answers come to me
easily, etc.
3. Use any calming/centering techniques that you've used in other stressful
situations.
4. Do something FUN on the two days prior to the test. Go swimming, dancing,
read a trashy novel that does NOT mention BF, go to a concert, go camping or
on a picnic etc. Get some fresh air and a change of pace the day before. Buy
new earrings or a hot fudge sundae. Go to dinner at a fancy restaurant or a
comedy club. Etc....
5. Anxiety isn't always a bad thing. Allow yourself to feel the anxiety - it
will pass, just like a labor contraction does. My personal anxiety-wave
pattern lasts about 90 seconds, then it's gone and my body feels calm again.
6. The worst part, IMHO, is getting to the site, registering, getting
seated, and waiting while the proctor reads the rules. Once you open the
booklet, anxiety usually lessens for most people.
7. At lunch, RESIST THE TEMPTATION to discuss your answers with other
candidates. This is a terrible strategy - you start second-guessing yourself
and doubting your knowledge!  Talk about anything BUT the test - your kids,
the weather, your spouse, your city/state politics not related to BF, etc
etc.
8. Nobody has ever aced this test. The highest score EVER was a 93. In some
years, a score of 85 or so gets you into the top 5%. That means you can miss
nearly 30 questions and still be in the top scorers!
9. Remember, it's only one day. Shorter than most labors. You won't die from
the anxiety, and if the worst happens - you don't pass - you can take it
again next year. There are worse tragedies in life. You learned a lot during
your preparation that will serve you and your clients well, regardless of
the exam results.
10. Once again, best wishes!

Linda J. Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC
Bright Future Lactation Resource Centre
Dayton, OH USA
http://www.bflrc.com