Really look on exams as trials of ability (8)
I believe the answer is:
contests
'trials of ability' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'really look on exams' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'on' is found in the answer.
'exams' could be 'tests' ('test' can be a synonym of 'exam') and 'tests' is found within the answer.
A single letter 'c' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'as' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for contests that I've seen before include "Competitions, struggles" , "Disputes; competitions" , "Competitions between rivals" , "Matches" , "sporting events?" .)