ICDL Présentation (avancé) exam-day guide
ICDL Presentation · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring a current, valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or national ID card). The exact ID types each test centre accepts vary, so confirm the accepted list with your approved ICDL test centre or provider before exam day.
Appointment confirmation
Bring the confirmation email or reference number for your booked session so staff can locate your registration quickly.
Candidate/registration number
Have your ICDL candidate number or login details with you if your provider issued them; confirm with the provider whether these are needed on the day.
Know your test centre location and route
Confirm the address, entrance, and travel time in advance. If testing remotely, confirm the platform, link, and system requirements with the provider.
Arrive early
Plan to arrive comfortably ahead of your slot to allow for check-in and ID verification. The exact required arrival margin is set by the centre, so confirm it with the provider.
Review the exam format
Know that the ICDL presentation module is a practical, task-based test performed in the application rather than a multiple-choice paper. Confirm the specific software version and time limit with your provider.
Practise the core skills hands-on
Be ready to create and edit slides, apply and modify slide layouts and masters, insert and format text, images, charts, tables, and shapes, apply transitions and animations, and prepare a slide show for delivery.
Practise saving and file handling
Rehearse opening, saving, and saving-as files in the required format, and locating files in specified folders, since tasks often depend on correct file management.
Know the interface and shortcuts
Be familiar with the ribbon/toolbar, dialog boxes, and common keyboard shortcuts for the presentation software version used at your centre.
Rest and plan your day
Get normal sleep and avoid cramming new material in the final hours; a calm, rested candidate performs practical tasks more reliably.
Check accessibility or special arrangements
If you need extra time or other accommodations, confirm well in advance that they are approved and booked with the provider; needs_review: policies differ by centre and country.
Read the task instructions carefully
During the test, read each task fully and note exactly which file, slide, or element is named, as practical tasks are marked against specific required actions.
Plan the day
Do timed practice runs in the actual presentation software, focusing on weak areas such as slide masters, animations, and chart insertion. Review file save/export steps and confirm your appointment details, ID, and centre logistics with the provider.
Do one full mock task set under time pressure, then stop heavy study. Prepare your ID and confirmation documents, lay out travel plans, confirm the start time and arrival margin, and get a full night's sleep.
Eat a proper meal, re-check the appointment time and location, pack your ID and confirmation, and arrive with buffer time. Avoid last-minute cramming; a brief glance at a shortcut list is enough.
Read the on-screen instructions and each task fully before acting, work steadily, save your file as instructed, and use any remaining time to re-check that every required element (text, formatting, transitions, file format) has been applied.
Rules to check
Bring valid photo identification as specified by your test centre; without acceptable ID you may be refused entry, so confirm the accepted documents with the provider in advance.
Follow all instructions from invigilators and centre staff, including rules on personal items, phones, and permitted materials; the specific rules are set by the centre, so confirm them with the provider.
Work only on the assigned tasks and files; do not use unauthorised software, notes, or assistance, as this is treated as misconduct.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test and remain in your seat unless a break or leaving procedure is authorised by staff.
If you need to leave the room or take a break, raise your hand and follow staff instructions; whether breaks are permitted and how they affect your time must be confirmed with the provider.
Scoring is based on completing the specified practical tasks correctly; partial credit depends on the actions performed, so follow each instruction precisely rather than improvising.
If you experience a technical problem, stop and alert the invigilator immediately rather than attempting to fix equipment yourself.
Report any concerns about the test conditions or conduct to the invigilator or provider through their stated process; do not discuss exam content with others afterwards.