---
title: What is test anxiety?
description: "Kids with test anxiety worry about failing and dread taking tests. Test anxiety is common with kids with learning disabilities and ADHD. Learn about testing anxiety and how to help.\n"
slug: what-is-test-anxiety
author: Gail Belsky
reviewer: Kristin J. Carothers, PhD
published: '2022-02-24T20:36:46.740Z'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/6IbLqj5ClkNO4rwrQMTqTA/10afd518f765003950df30bf090ed1e1/G1352646477__1_.png
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-test-anxiety
lang: en
---

# What is test anxiety?

It’s natural for kids to sometimes feel stressed about taking tests and exams, especially if the stakes are high. But when the stress is ongoing, it can lead to test anxiety. 

With test anxiety, kids worry in advance about doing poorly — sometimes to the point of dreading going to school on test day. Any child can have it, but test anxiety is common in kids who learn and think differently. (So is general anxiety.)

Kids with differences may struggle with skills needed for taking tests or with understanding the material. And if they have a history of not doing well on tests, it can increase the fear of failure.

Test anxiety may begin days or even weeks before the test and build as the time gets closer. It can interfere with studying or other schoolwork. And the anxiety itself can affect how well kids do on tests. 

Having test anxiety doesn’t mean kids have an anxiety problem — especially if their worrying is limited to this one area. But it can still take a toll on their well-being and self-esteem.

---

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