What is ECDL ?

The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is the world's leading end-user computer skills certification programme. It is internationally recognised as the global benchmark for end-user computer skills and is the leading certification to be adopted by governments, international organisations and corporations alike.

The (ECDL /ICDL certifies that the holder is fully competent in the use of a personal computer and common computer applications and knows the essential concepts of IT.

The( ECDL /ICDL Syllabus is unique in that it has been designed to be entirely vendor-independent. This gives candidates the flexibility and freedom to acquire these core skills and confidently apply them in any software environment they may be required to use.

The( ECDL /ICDL is a test of practical skills and competencies and consists of seven separate modules covering computer theory and practice. Module 1 is a theoretical test of computing knowledge at a general level and modules 2-7 are practical skills Tests, as follows:

• 1 Concepts of Information Technology (IT)
• 2 Using a Computer and Managing Files
• 3 Word Processing
• 4 Spreadsheets
• 5 Database
• 6 Presentation
• 7 Information and Communication

What is ICDL?

Outside of Europe, the (ECDL) is known as the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL).

Is there any difference between ECDL and ICDL?

No.

How does the ICDL programme work?

To achieve an ICDL, the candidate must successfully pass one theoretical and six practical tests. When a candidate registers to start the ICDL certification process he/she receives a skills card on which his/her progress through the seven tests is recorded. When all seven modules are completed the candidate receives the ICDL certification.

These tests can be attempted in any order and at any time and must be successfully completed within a maximum duration of three years. Each successfully completed test is endorsed on an ICDL Skills Card. Only an approved test centre can carry out testing and issue Skills Cards. This timeframe may be changed from time to time for specific programs or requirements.

When tests for all seven modules are successfully completed and the Skills Card is endorsed by the test centre, it is sent to ICDL GCC Foundation and a personalised certificate (Licence) is issued.

What is a skills card?

The Skills Card records a candidate?s progress through the seven tests that form the ICDL certification.

Upon registration each candidate must purchase a Skills Card and once all seven tests have been completed, the skills card must be submitted in order to receive the final ICDL certification.

As each module is passed, the accredited test centre will endorse the Skills Card confirming that the module has been successfully completed and tested. When all modules have been successfully completed, the Skills Card is forwarded to ICDL GCC Foundation and an ICDL licence/certificate is issued.

How do I get a skills card?

Skills Cards may be purchased from any approved test centre. Test centres in your country can be accessed via your country link, which you will find on this website.

What are the benefits of ICDL?

The ICDL represents a variety of benefits for the candidate, for employers and for society.

Benefits of ICDL for the employer:

• Increased productivity
• Reduced costs
• Increased quality of output
• Reduction in time wasted
• Better use of IT resources
• Better return on IT investments
• Establishes a tangible benchmark for computer user skills

Benefits of ICDL for the candidate:

• Increased skills levels in essential IT and computer use
• Internationally recognised qualification
• Improved job prospects/job mobility
• Passport to higher-level IT education
• Confidence building

At a societal level:

• ICDL = Gateway to the Information Society
• Raise the general level of competency in computer skills
• Improved job prospects/job mobility
• Promote computer literacy

How do I find out more about ICDL in my country?

Refer to the 'Country link' section of this website or contact the ICDL GCC Foundation office nearest you.

How do I get a copy of the ECDL Syllabus?

A copy of the ICDL Syllabus is available free for download from the Syllabus section of this website or from the ECDL Foundation website at www.ecdl.org/syllabus.

How is the Syllabus Validated?

The ICDL is the world?s leading end-user computing skills standard. It is underpinned by documented expert opinion from the world's leading computer societies and other expert groups.

Syllabus content for the ICDL certification programme has been developed with inputs from the ECDL-F expert working groups comprised of professionals with wide-ranging specialist IT skills and through consultation with courseware providers and end-users.

The ICDL is based on a single agreed syllabus document. The syllabus lists the facts to be known and the skills that must be mastered for a candidate to achieve the ICDL certification.

To maintain the ICDL as the worldwide standard, the ICDL syllabus has evolved over the last six years from Version 1.5 to Version 4.0.

Who should I contact about ICDL Testing?

For ICDL testing, you should contact an approved test centre.

For ICDL training, please contact approved training centres in your area. Candidates should ensure that the training they receive meets the requirements of the official ICDL Syllabus.

What is the procedure for becoming an accredited Training or Test Centre?

See the country links for application details.

Can we use the ICDL logo on our website & marketing material?

No. The ECDL & ICDL Logos and concept are registered trademarks and may only be used by prior agreement or as part of a formal agreement between ECDL and third parties. For more information or queries, please contact ICDL GCC Foundation.