My stutter is at its absolute worst when I'm speaking in front of groups, so I hope I can understand how hard it is-- for me, and it sounds like for you, not only in the moment but also in the build-up when you're worrying about what you're going to say and your heart starts beating out of your chest. It sucks. For me, it's worse when I'm winging it and better when I have more of a script, even better if I can rehearse. Is it similar for you? You have the benefit of having days to prepare, so maybe write out your little intro and plan what you'll say. This way, you also have the advantage of planning around words or sounds that are more likely to trip you up.  Something from my very limited experience talking with a professional, what's the absolute worst outcome if you get up and stutter? The instructor and a bunch of randos you'll never see again raise an eyebrow? Everyone these days knows what a stutter is. No one will think you're dumb. Your turn will be 25% longer than the next guy, I guess. You won't fail the certification , you won't get fired. Is that really so bad to be *this* stressed out? (I'm not trying to be dismissive, just an example of how you can try to start changing your mindset to understand how small this one thing really is in the grand scheme of things.) It's hard. It sucks. This is a price you gotta pay to keep pursuing your career, but you're that much stronger and more dedicated to it than the average guy for going through it. Also, I'm interested in the way you're framing it as a blow to your masculinity, saying a grown man shouldn't be embarrassed by his speech or ask for accommodation. I haven't heard that aspect before. Anyway, I think gender discourse these days is pretty clear that asking for help is something men need to do *more* and the past however many generations are all the worse off for pressuring men into going through their struggles alone. You're obviously not any less of a man for having an uncontrollable quirk in your speech, and being nervous about little things is something everyone experiences and doesn't mean you're any weaker for it.