All ECDL tests must be taken at an authorised ECDL test center, where you can also take diagnostic tests. 

Before taking any exams, you need a so-called skills card, which you can buy at any ECDL test center. All the exams you pass are recorded on your personal skills card.

All ECDL exams are online exams using the EnlightKS test system. All authorised test centers in Switzerland work with this test provider.

The exams are available in English, German, French and Italian.

An ECDL Core certificate exam consists of roughly 36 questions. Diagnostic tests are more detailed and assess a candidate's skills level in about 65 questions depending on the module.

The Office modules (M3-M6) are in-application exams. This means that the tasks during the test are completed in the actual application. The help function of this application may be used during the exam.

Candidates have 45 minutes for all Core in-application exams (Office modules 3 - 6) and 30 minutes for all other exams (hot-spot and single choice exams). There is no time limit for diagnostic tests.

All exams can be re-taken as often as necessary, but this entails more costs.

To pass an exam you need to answer at least 75 % of all questions correctly.

ECDL exams are available for the following operating systems and applications:

- MS-Windows (XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8)
- MS-Office (2003, 2007, 2010)
- MS-Outlook (2003, 2007, 2010)
- Internet Explorer (versions 6, 7, 8, 10)

Take a free demo test and gain insight into the test system.