ICDL AI Essentials exam-day guide
ICDL AI Essentials · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original document, not a photocopy. The name must match your exam registration. needs_review - confirm accepted ID types and name-change rules with your provider before test day.
Appointment confirmation
Keep a printed or offline copy of your confirmation showing date, time, test centre address, or remote-proctoring link. Do not rely solely on email access at the venue.
Test centre directions and contact number
Confirm the location, parking or transport options, and arrival instructions. Save the centre's phone number in case of delay or travel disruption.
Remote-proctoring system check
If testing remotely, run the provider's compatibility check in advance for browser, webcam, microphone, and internet. Confirm operating-system and bandwidth requirements with the provider.
Private, well-lit room
For remote exams, use a quiet room with a closed door, clear desk, and good lighting. Remove notes, second screens, smart devices, and anything that could be mistaken for unauthorised material.
Stable internet connection and backup
Use a wired connection where possible and have a mobile hotspot as backup. Confirm minimum speed and fallback procedures with the provider.
Webcam, microphone, and headphones
Test permissions and audio before the exam. Confirm whether headphones, external cameras, or virtual backgrounds are permitted; rules vary by provider.
Charged devices and charger
Charge your laptop and phone overnight and bring chargers. For remote exams, keep the device plugged in to avoid battery failure.
Scratch paper and pen
needs_review - confirm whether blank paper, a pen, or an on-screen notepad is allowed. Many exams prohibit physical notes; do not assume permission.
Water and a light snack
Have water and a snack before the exam. Confirm whether drinks are allowed at the desk during the test; if not, finish them beforehand.
Exam format and timing notes
Confirm the number of questions, time limit, question types, and whether the test is adaptive or fixed. Write down your pacing plan, for example minutes per question.
Pass-mark and results information
Confirm the pass mark, result timeline, and retake policy with the provider. Do not rely on unofficial thresholds or forum claims.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment, ID requirements, and test centre or remote link. Run the full system check if testing remotely. Review the syllabus and your weak areas, take one timed practice set, and stop heavy study by the evening before. Check travel or login logistics and prepare your bag.
Sleep on a normal schedule and avoid cramming new topics. Prepare ID, confirmation, chargers, and any permitted materials. Confirm the room you will use for a remote exam is private and clear. Set two alarms and plan to arrive or log in early.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and use the restroom before starting. Arrive at the test centre 15–30 minutes early, or log in early for remote proctoring. Close unnecessary applications, silence your phone, and keep your ID visible.
Read the on-screen instructions and confirm the time limit. Take a slow breath and set your pacing target. If a proctor is present, follow their instructions exactly and ask only permitted questions.
Answer easier questions first if the platform allows navigation, flag uncertain items, and return to them. Read each question fully and watch for negatives such as 'not' or 'except'. Answer every question unless penalties for guessing are explicitly stated. If a technical problem occurs, stop and contact the proctor or provider support immediately.
Check for unanswered questions and review flagged items only if time permits. Do not change answers without a clear reason. Submit deliberately and confirm the submission screen before closing the browser.
Rules to check
Bring valid photo ID in the original format; the name must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID types and any name-discrepancy procedure with the provider before test day.
Do not use unauthorised materials, notes, phones, smart watches, or AI tools during the exam. Keep devices silenced and out of reach unless the provider explicitly permits them.
Do not communicate with other people during the test. For remote exams, keep the room private and follow proctor instructions on room scans and camera positioning.
Breaks are not guaranteed. Confirm the provider's break policy in advance; for short exams, assume no breaks and plan accordingly. If a break is allowed, follow proctor instructions precisely.
Follow all proctor and centre instructions. Refusing a room scan, leaving the camera view, or ignoring warnings may void your result.
Scoring and pass marks are set by the provider. Confirm the pass mark, result timeline, and retake rules through official channels rather than unofficial sources.
Report technical problems immediately to the proctor or provider support. Do not attempt to fix exam-platform issues alone, and note any incident reference number.
Academic misconduct can lead to cancellation of your result and further sanctions. If you are unsure whether something is permitted, ask the provider before the exam.