The purpose of this paper is to substantiate the importance of using diagnostic instruments in a distributed information educational system which allows evaluating the level of development of university students’ basic cultural competencies. The grounds for creating such an information system are considered. Its essential components are presented. The author makes no pretence to give a perfect model of the above-mentioned information educational system but expresses their view to: provide a matter for discussion and/or serve as a guidemark for creating such a system.