ICDL Coding Principles (ICDL) exam-day guide
ICDL Coding Principles · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name you registered with. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted for remote versus test-centre delivery.
Appointment confirmation and login details
Have your booking confirmation, candidate number, and any portal username/password ready. Confirm with the provider whether login credentials are issued in advance or on the day.
Knowledge of the exam format and duration
Re-read the official candidate handbook for question types, number of items, time limit, and pass mark. Do not rely on secondhand summaries; confirm specifics with the provider.
Test-centre logistics confirmed
Verify address, arrival time, parking or transport, and what to do if you arrive late. Confirm the provider's late-arrival policy in advance.
Remote-proctoring setup tested (if applicable)
Check camera, microphone, browser, and internet stability, and run any required system test. Confirm with the provider the minimum technical requirements and permitted room conditions.
Permitted-items list reviewed
Check whether scratch paper, pen, calculator, or reference material are allowed. Do not assume; confirm with the provider and bring only what is explicitly permitted.
Personal items plan
Plan where phone, watch, bag, and notes will stay during the test. Most providers restrict these; confirm storage rules with the provider.
Rest and travel buffer
Schedule sleep and leave extra travel time so you arrive calm and early rather than rushed.
Access arrangements confirmed (if needed)
If you require extra time or other accommodations, verify approval and how it will be applied. needs_review - arrangements vary; confirm with the provider.
Scoring and results process understood
Know how and when results are released and whether a resit is available. needs_review - confirm the exact policy with the provider.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Review your own summary notes and weak areas, do a short set of practice questions under timed conditions, and confirm all logistics (ID, booking, location or tech setup).
Re-read the official format and rules once. Prepare and lay out your ID, confirmation, and permitted items so nothing is left to the last minute.
Do a light review only. Test remote equipment if applicable, check travel plans, avoid cramming, and go to bed at a normal time.
Eat a normal meal, arrive or log in early, keep the session calm, and leave your phone and notes out of the testing area as instructed.
Read each question fully, answer the straightforward items first, flag uncertain ones to revisit, and watch the clock so you leave time to review. If a question is unclear, choose the best-supported answer and move on.
Follow the provider's sign-out and results process, note anything useful for a future attempt, and avoid comparing answers in a way that adds stress.
Rules to check
Bring only the identification and permitted items specified by the provider; confirm the permitted-items list in advance.
Keep phones, smartwatches, notes, and other unauthorized materials stored as directed for the entire session.
Follow all proctor or invigilator instructions; if unsure about a rule, ask before the test begins rather than guessing.
Know the break policy before you start - confirm with the provider whether breaks are allowed and how they affect your time.
Answer every question unless the format penalizes wrong answers; confirm the scoring rule with the provider before adopting a guessing strategy.
Do not communicate with others or use outside help during the test; treat all exam content as confidential.
If you experience a technical or personal issue, notify the proctor or provider immediately and follow their documented process.
Confirm scoring, pass mark, and resit policies with the provider rather than relying on unofficial sources.