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Exam stress can be considered as a form of performance anxiety. The pressure that scholars and students are put under, by themselves, their parents and their educators, to perform well in exams can be very intimidating and daunting. Students and scholars vary in their reaction to exam stress. For some individuals the effects, if any, are very mild, while other individuals may experience mental, emotional and physical symptoms of exam stress.

Mental symptoms may include difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness and some individuals even report episodes of "going blank" during an exam. Emotional symptoms include frustration, agitation, irritability, panic attacks, tearfulness, fear, restlessness, and a general decrease in their coping mechanisms. Heart palpitations, diarrhoea, headaches, insomnia, nightmares, nausea, excessive perspiration, difficulty breathing, a dry mouth and trembling are all physical symptoms that may be experienced.

If parents experienced severe symptoms of exam stress then their children are more likely to experience symptoms of exam stress. Certain individuals are more prone than others. Susceptible individuals include those who are highly strung, driven, and often individuals who lack confidence are affected by exam stress as they do not believe they can perform. Perfectionists tend to fear failure and are also therefore prone to exam stress. Individuals who have had a previous negative experience with a test or exam may fear a repetition of the incident, or they may fear making the same mistake. Very susceptible individuals may start to experience symptoms of exam stress long before the actual exam date and worrying about their anxiety and its effects on their ability to perform compounds the problem. Exam stress is also likely to affect individuals who have not prepared for the test/exam.