ICDL Word Processing exam-day guide
ICDL Word Processing · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID
Bring a current, valid photo ID (passport or national ID card). Confirm with the test centre which specific documents they accept before test day.
Appointment confirmation
Bring the booking confirmation email or reference number so staff can locate your registration quickly.
Arrival time
Arrive at least 15–30 minutes before your scheduled start to allow check-in. Confirm the exact arrival window with the provider.
Centre location and route
Check the test centre address and plan your route in advance, including parking or public transport. Do a dry run if the location is unfamiliar.
Know the software version
Confirm with the provider which word-processing application and version the test uses (e.g., desktop Word vs. an online editor) so you practise on the same interface.
Practise core skills hands-on
Rehearse creating and saving documents, formatting text and paragraphs, using styles, inserting tables, images, headers/footers, page setup, spell check, and printing/previewing.
File management practice
Practise saving to a specified folder, using Save As with correct filenames, and opening existing files. The test may require saving to a particular location.
Time budget plan
Plan how to pace yourself: skim all tasks first, do straightforward ones first, and leave time to save and review. Confirm the test duration with the provider.
Accessibility or special arrangements
If you need extra time or other accommodations, confirm the request process and deadline with the provider well in advance.
What not to bring
Leave study notes, phones and smart devices outside the test area unless the centre says otherwise. Confirm the centre's personal-item rules.
Rest and logistics
Get a normal night's sleep, eat beforehand, and bring water if permitted. Confirm whether drinks are allowed in the test room.
Plan the day
Do two or three full timed practice sessions on the target software. Focus on weak areas: tables, styles, page layout, and file saving. Stop learning new features; consolidate what you know.
Review a one-page summary of key commands and menu locations for the specific software version. Confirm your appointment time, centre address, and ID requirements.
Do one light practice run only. Prepare your ID and confirmation, lay out your route and transport plan, and set two alarms. Avoid cramming late into the night.
Eat a proper meal, arrive early, and re-read your key-commands summary once. Keep calm and avoid last-minute panic practice on unfamiliar features.
Read each task fully before acting. Skim the whole paper first if allowed, do easy tasks first, save frequently with correct filenames and locations, and reserve the final minutes to check and save everything.
Rules to check
Bring valid photo ID as specified by the test centre; you may be refused entry without it. Confirm accepted documents with the provider.
Follow all instructions from invigilators and centre staff; their directions take precedence during the test.
Do not use phones, smart watches, notes, or other unauthorised materials in the test room. Confirm the centre's rules on personal items and storage.
Work independently. Do not communicate with other candidates or seek help during the test.
If you need to leave the room (e.g., for a break or toilet), raise your hand and follow staff instructions. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are permitted and how they affect your time.
If a computer or software problem occurs, stop and alert the invigilator immediately rather than trying to fix it yourself.
Save your work regularly and in the required format and location; unsaved work may not be marked.
Scoring and pass marks are set by the awarding body. Confirm the pass mark, result timeline, and any retake policy with your provider rather than assuming.