VCE (Visual CertExam) files are a specialized file format used for IT certification exams and test preparation. They are created using the Visual CertExam software suite, which includes a test designer to build exams and a test engine to take exams.
While very useful for exam preparation, VCE files have some limitations:
- They require the Visual CertExam software to open and take the practice exam. Without it, you cannot access the test questions.
- They are not compatible with all devices and operating systems. The VCE software only runs on Windows.
- They can be difficult to share and print as study materials.
Converting VCE files to PDF documents solves these problems, making them easy to open, share, print and access from any device. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to convert VCE files to PDF using free software tools.
Table of Contents
Why Convert VCE Files to PDF?
Here are the main benefits of converting your VCE practice exams to PDF format:
- Universal Compatibility – PDF files can be opened on any desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet device using free PDF reader apps. VCE files require the paid VCE software.
- Easy Sharing – PDFs can be easily shared via email, cloud drives, social media and more. VCE files are more difficult to share.
- Printing – With the PDF format, you can easily print practice exams. VCE does not allow printing.
- Study Offline – PDFs can be viewed offline without an internet connection. The VCE test engine requires an internet connection to download exams.
- Read On Mobile Devices – You can view and study PDF practice exams on smartphones and tablets. The VCE software only runs on desktop Windows.
Software Tools To Convert VCE to PDF
There are several free software tools available to convert VCE exam files into PDF documents. Here are the best options:
1. DoPDF
DoPDF is a free virtual PDF printer that runs on Windows. Once installed, it lets you “print” any file to a PDF document.
To convert VCE, you will also need the free VCE Designer software to open VCE files. Then:
- Open a VCE file in VCE Designer
- Go to File > Print
- Select the doPDF printer and print to a PDF
DoPDF creates high-quality PDFs while retaining all images and formatting. It’s a simple tool anyone can use to convert their VCE exam files.
2. VCE to PDF Converter
This is a dedicated free tool for converting VCE files to PDF. With a couple clicks, it quickly converts any VCE file into a PDF document.
The conversion retains all images, graphics and formatting. It supports VCE files up to version 4.2. The tool is portable, requiring no installation on your Windows PC.
Overall, it’s one of the easiest and most reliable methods for converting VCE exams to PDF format.
3. CutePDF Writer
CutePDF Writer is another free virtual PDF printer for Windows. It works the same way as DoPDF – you print any file to the CutePDF printer and it saves as a PDF.
To convert VCE:
- Open the VCE file in VCE Designer
- Go to File > Print
- Select the CutePDF printer and save to PDF
CutePDF may offer slightly better compatibility for some VCE file versions. For best results, try both it and DoPDF.
Online VCE to PDF Converters
If you don’t want to download any software, there are a couple good online VCE to PDF converters:
- VCEPlus – A free online service that converts VCE files submitted via email or file sharing links. Just upload your file to Google Drive or Dropbox and share the link. Usually takes 12-24 hours to process the conversion.
- VCE to PDF – Paid online service charging $3.99 per VCE file conversion. But conversions are done much faster, usually within 1 hour.
Accessing PDFs Everywhere
Once converted to PDF format, your VCE practice exam files can be easily opened, printed and shared from any device:
- Windows/Mac – Use free PDF readers like Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader or PDF-XChange Viewer.
- iPhone/iPad – The built-in Books app can open PDFs. Or use Apple’s free iBooks app.
- Android – Download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader app or other PDF apps like Xodo Docs or Foxit MobilePDF.
- Tablets – Amazon Fire tablets come with a pre-installed Docs app for PDFs. Or download Adobe Reader or other free PDF apps from app stores.
- Online – You can view any PDF for free using Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive or Dropbox document previewers.
So convert your VCE exam files now to unlock all the benefits of the universal PDF format for test prep and studying on the go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about converting VCE files to PDF format:
Q: Is converting VCE to PDF free?
A: Yes, there are several free software tools like DoPDF, CutePDF Writer and VCE to PDF Converter that let you freely convert VCE files to PDF on Windows. There’s also the free online converter VCEPlus.
Q: How long does it take to convert VCE to PDF?
A: When using free desktop software tools, VCE to PDF conversion only takes a minute or two. Online converters can take 12-24 hours (for the free VCEPlus service) or 1 hour or less for paid services.
Q: Can I edit the VCE test questions after converting to PDF?
A: No, the conversion process makes the VCE exam content read-only. Any changes would require converting back to the VCE format (which is not possible with most tools).
Q: Does VCE to PDF conversion retain all images and formatting?
A: Yes, the recommended software converters accurately retain all images, graphics, fonts, layouts and formatting during the conversion to PDF.
Q: Can I use VCE to PDF conversion on Mac?
A: Unfortunately the VCE file format and conversion tools only work on Windows, not MacOS. You would need access to a Windows PC.
Summary
Converting VCE certification exam files to portable PDF documents solves many issues with accessibility, sharing, printing and device compatibility.
Using free PDF printer tools like DoPDF or CutePDF Writer, you can easily convert VCE test files to PDF yourself in just a couple minutes on Windows.
The resulting PDF practice exam documents can then be viewed, printed, annotated and shared on any desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone for ultimate flexibility.
