ICDL Documents (ICDL) exam-day guide
ICDL Documents · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo identification
Bring the original government-issued photo ID in the name you registered with. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a signature is required.
Exam appointment confirmation
Have your booking confirmation, candidate number, and the test centre address and phone number saved or printed. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Arrival time buffer
Plan to arrive ahead of your scheduled slot so there is time for check-in and ID verification. Ask the provider how early to arrive and what happens if you are late.
Know the test format
ICDL Documents is a practical, performance-based test taken at a computer: you carry out real tasks in a word processor rather than answering multiple-choice questions. Confirm the software version and interface language with your provider.
Practise the task types
Rehearse the skills the syllabus covers: creating and formatting documents, applying and modifying styles, working with tables, inserting and formatting images, using headers/footers and page setup, and using review tools such as spell-check and comments.
Learn your word processor's menus
Know where the key commands live (styles, page layout, table tools, references, review). The test rewards locating and applying features efficiently, not memorising shortcuts alone.
Save and file-management habits
Practise saving files to a specified location and name, and using Save As. The test may ask you to save work in a particular folder or format.
Timing awareness
Practise full tasks under time pressure so you know your pace. Confirm the exact test duration and number of tasks with the provider.
Rest and logistics
Get a normal night's sleep, eat beforehand, and plan your route and transport. Bring water if the centre permits it.
Centre rules on personal items
Ask in advance what you may bring into the test room (phones, notes, bags are usually stored away). Confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
Plan the day
Do a full timed practice run using the official syllabus skill list. Note the two or three task types you are slowest at and drill only those. Re-read the syllabus so nothing on it is a surprise.
Practise in the same word processor version and interface language you will use on the day. Confirm your appointment time, centre address, ID requirements, and what you may bring with the provider.
Light review only: skim your notes on styles, tables, page setup, and review tools. Prepare your ID and confirmation. Check travel time and set alarms. Avoid learning new material late.
Eat a proper meal, arrive early, and re-read your short summary of command locations. Keep calm; do not cram new features in the waiting area.
Present your ID and confirmation, follow the invigilator's instructions, and store personal items as directed. Ask for clarification on any procedural point before the clock starts.
Read each task fully before acting. Work steadily, save as you go in the location requested, and if a task stalls, move on and return to it. Use remaining time to check that files are saved and named correctly.
Rules to check
Bring valid photo ID in your registered name; without acceptable ID you may be refused entry. Confirm the accepted ID types with the provider in advance.
Follow all invigilator instructions and centre rules on personal belongings, phones, and materials in the test room.
The test is individual work: no communication with others, no unauthorised notes, devices, or assistance during the test.
Ask the provider in advance about breaks, restroom policy, and any permitted comfort items; do not assume you can leave the room mid-test.
Results and scoring are set by the certification body and provider; ask them how and when results are issued and what the pass mark is rather than relying on rumour.
If equipment fails or you believe a task is faulty, raise it with the invigilator immediately and ask how it will be recorded; do not attempt to fix centre equipment yourself.
Confirm with the provider the policy on resits, cancellation, and late arrival, and keep any confirmation emails for reference.