What Good Is an ECDL/ICDL Diagnostic Test?

The ECDL Core is the most wide-spread ECDL certificate. It is aimed at everyone who would like to prove their basic computer skills.
The Core Certificate attests that you

• are proficient in internationally used applications,
• can use the computer efficiently,
• can keep up with further developments in information technology without any difficulties
• and you have the required basics for further IT-education.

The ECDL Advanced comprises of four modules and builds on the Core modules of the same name. For each of these modules an individual certificate can be acquired. Like this for instance Excel experts can acquire an ICDL Advanced certificate in spreadsheets. After passing at least three ICDL Advanced modules of your choice you are entitled to call yourself a specialist in Office applications. You will receive the ICDL Expert certificate, which attests your extensive and professional skills.
In the following article you'll find described, how you can prepare for a certification test most efficiently.
In contrast to the "real" certification, the diagnostic test contains about twice as many questions (60-80), has no time limit set, and after completion shows a detailed analysis of all answers given.
With the completion of it, one significantly increases the chance of passing a real exam, unless one has not performed well in the diagnostic test. If that is the case, with help of the analysis at the end of the diagnostic test, one should be able to detect which areas he has to go through again with some learning.
To have a realistic experience of the certification exams, it is recommended to apply the same rules to the diagnostic testing session. These are:

• No books or documents are allowed whilst taking the exam
• The use of the internet is prohibited
• Using the built-in-functions of the office programs however are allowed

The average candidate needs about 60-80 minutes, in order to complete the test. Try to stick to these time limits in order to see, if you are fast enough in responding to the questions. The certification exams however have a time limit set at 30-45 minutes, but that should be feasible if you were able to answer all questions beforehand in the diagnostic test.
Anyone who is not yet sure whether he / she wants to take a diagnostic test, could also try out first with a free ECDL demo test. The demo test however contains only five questions, but gives a rough idea about what the diagnostic and certification test looks like.