European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), known as ICDL outside Europe, is the global standard in end-user computer skills, offering Candidates an internationally recognised certification that is supported by governments, computer societies, international organisations and commercial corporations globally.

ECDL / ICDL is the world’s largest end-user computer skills certification programme, with more than 7 million Candidates in 148 countries.

ECDL / ICDL raises the level of ICT and computer skills and allows Candidates to be more productive at home and at work. ECDL / ICDL also improves job prospects by providing an internationally recognised qualification. With a superior syllabus – uniquely validated to ensure that it is always relevant, up-to-date and meaningful – Candidates can be confident that ECDL / ICDL offers a certification of unrivalled quality.

What is it?

The European Computer Driving Licence® (ECDL) is the European-wide qualification which enables people to demonstrate their competence in computer skills.

The ECDL syllabus is designed to cover the key concepts of computing, its practical applications & their use in the workplace & society in general. It is broken down into seven modules, a test must be passed before the ECDL certificate is awarded. ECDL is open to anyone regardless of age, gender, experience or background.

ECDL is a test of practical skills and competencies and consists of seven separate modules covering computer theory and practice. To achieve an ECDL certification, the Candidate must successfully pass a test in all seven modules. There are some huge benefits for businesses & individuals who earn this award

ECDL Module 1 is a theoretical test of computing knowledge at a general level and modules 2-7 are practical skills tests, as follows:

• Module 1 - Concepts of Information Technology
  
• Module 2 - Using the Computer and Managing Files
  
• Module 3 - Word Processing
  
• Module 4 - Spreadsheets
  
• Module 5 - Database
  
• Module 6 - Presentation
  
• Module 7 - Information and Communication
  

The ECDL programme is for anyone who needs to demonstrate to an international standard that they are fully competent in the use of a personal computer and common computer applications and that they know the essential concepts of Information Technology.

Prospective Candidates should ideally have used computers and the common software applications before. Other programmes are also available for those with other requirements.

Benefits of ECDL
Today, computer skills are increasingly important to people in all walks of life. ECDL is an information technology certificate for all citizens. It is intended for those who need to, or wish to, know how to use a personal computer. It is suitable for people from every work discipline, for people entering the job market, and for all ages.

Benefits for Candidates:

• Increases essential ICT knowlege/skills
  
• Increases confidence in computer use
  
• Provides internationally-recognised qualification
  
• Improves job prospects and job mobility
  
• Provides a platform from which to move on to
• higher-level ICT education

Benefits for Employers:

• Increases productivity
  
• Reduces costs
  
• Increases the quality of employee output
  
• Reduces time wasted
  
• Makes better use of ICT resources
  
• Provides a better return on ICT investment

How does it work?
When Candidates register to start the ECDL certification process they purchase a Skills Card on which their progress through the seven tests is recorded. Skills Cards may be purchased from any approved Test Centre. Only an approved Test Centre can carry out testing and issue Skills Cards.

How much training is required?
Usually the Candidate will undertake training on each Module of the syllabus prior to taking the test, although this is not compulsory. The amount of training will depend on the Candidate’s skills levels.

Some Candidates may feel competent enough in one area to forego training and move onto testing immediately, while others may require full training prior to testing. We recommend that you plan your test timetable with us, or sit a sample paper so that you can get a feel as to what to expect.

How long are the tests?
Each module is tested separately and each Test generally lasts 45 minutes. The seven tests can be attempted in any order and at any time.

ECDL is unique in that it has been designed to be vendor-neutral. This means that ECDL is not tied to one type of software. It therefore gives Candidates the flexibility and freedom to acquire core ICT skills and confidently apply them in any software environment they may be required to use.

What is it?

ECDL Advanced is a higher-level programme designed for those who have successfully reached ECDL skills levels and wish to further enhance their computer proficiency. ECDL Advanced covers the following modules:

• Advanced Word Processing
  
• Advanced Spreadsheets
  
• Advanced Database
  
• Advanced Presentation
  

The ECDLAdvanced modules give Candidates the opportunity to become expert in the use of these applications, acquiring skills sets over and above the routine features of the software.

ECDL Advanced Candidates can demonstrate that they are:

• Organised and efficient
  
• More productive
  
• Capable of confidently exploiting the full potential of the applications
  
• Expert at producing attractive, professional-quality outputs

The ECDL Advanced qualification is:

• Internationally-recognised
  
• A demonstration of certified advanced skills
  
• Vendor-neutral (i.e. applicable to all brands of the relevant software)
  
• Backed by the reputation of the ECDL certification

How does the ECDL Advanced programme work?
Each Advanced module has been designed as a stand-alone certification in each respective area and Candidates who successfully complete a module will be certified as Advanced users in that application.

Each module typically requires 8-15 hours of training prior to testing, although Candidates may forego training if they choose (assuming they already have advanced skills).

Each module is assessed in a one-hour test. On successful completion of each Advanced Test, Candidates are awarded Advanced certification in that module.

Candidates who choose to complete all four Advanced modules are awarded with the new ECDL Expert certification, signifying expert-level ECDL competence.