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
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. Approved Test Centres are approved and monitored by ECDL
Licensee in each country.
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 and the
training provider chosen, but the average is around 30 hours of
training per Module.
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. There are various
ECDL Foundation approved and Licensee approved training materials
(books and computer based training) available so that a Candidate can
learn in their own time.
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.
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
Syllabus 4.0 and Syllabus 5.0
ECDL
Foundation is the leader in skills and knowledge definition for
end-user computing certification programmes. Since its initial
conception, the ECDL Syllabus has evolved to reflect changes in
technology and current users of technology. Syllabus 4.0 is currently
being used in all territories.
ECDL Foundation has recently conducted a
review of Syllabus 4.0 in order to update it, where necessary, to
reflect ongoing advances in technologies and relevant practices. This
updated version is called Syllabus 5.0 and is currently being localised
for launch by the ECDL / ICDL national operator in your country
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