Prove you know Computers – ECDL/ICDL

ECDL/ICDL – European (International) Computer Driving License

The ECDL Certificate is marketed as a well known qualification, standardised for Europe (ECDL) and the world (International).

Similar to the IC3 Certification, the ECDL doesn’t focus on programs, rather skills for the digital age.

Applications Covered

• IT user fundamentals
• Internet and email
• Word processing
• Spreadsheet software
• Presentation software
• Database software
• Online collaboration
• Improving productivity
• Project planning
• IT security for users

What Tests are Available?

There are two levels of tests:

Core

This is the main level available.

To achieve the European Computer Driving License you need to take and complete the seven units:

1. IT User Fundamentals
2. IT Security for Users
3. Word Processing
4. Spreadsheets
5. Presentations
6. Databases
7. Using Internet & Email

You can choose to go for the ECDL Essentials certificate when you pass:

• IT User Fundamentals
• IT Security for Users
• Using Internet & Email

Alternatively you can aim for the ECDL Extras certificate when you pass:

• Word Processing
• Spreadsheets
• Presentations
• Database

Advanced

If you’d like to prove that you know the main applications to a higher level, then you can go for the advanced exams.

Each topic is a certificate in it’s own right, or you can pass the four applications and an ECDL Advanced Expert certificate.

• Word Processing
• Databases
• Spreadsheets
• Presentations
• Improving Productivity using IT

The Tests

This is where the ECDL varies from the others already covered.

First – you need to register for the ECDL and have paid the BCS registration fees. That done you’ll receive your EDCL (blank) licence, and “candidate code”.

Once you’ve passed your first exam, you then have up to 3 years to take and pass the other six modules.

The ECDL Core tests are 45mins, while the ECDL Advanced are 1 hour.

Most tests centres should now have the electronic tests (on a computer) which also give you results immediately.

Some centres may still have the manual or paper-based tests – these are valid, but it will take longer to receive your results.

Passing Scores and Validity

The pass mark for all tests is 75%.

As with all of these certificates, the ECDL qualification doesn’t expire, but it will show the age of the certificate and which version of the software used.

Personal Experience – ECDL Certificate

I took the ECDL and ECDL Advanced certificates early 2000’s, as my employer at the time was looking at offering them internally.

Note: We did offer the ECDL and I helped 15 people to pass all 7 units.

As a result I made a point to try the difference testing options (computer based, manual and a third – that I can’t remember).

When I took the exams, you could chose which Office Suite to use, I’m not sure that that is the case today, although you did have to choose one to be tested on.

As you’d expect I chose Microsoft Office, and that remains the main option today. I looked, out of interest, and I don’t think the exams have been written for Google Workspace.

If I remember correctly, it took me longer to find and book the tests than it did to take them.

After I tried the options, I preferred the computer tests, and I think I picked a centre and just sat the remaining 4 tests – which I’m glad to say I passed.

The Advanced Exams, where harder than the core (as you expect), and to be honest, I don’t really remember them that much.

At the end of the day, I haven’t re-taken the ECDL Certificate in all these years, and it’s been a long time since I’ve been asked about them.

Should you take the ECDL/ICDL?

This is a hard question to answer.

First thought, are you prepared for all of the costs?

• You need to register and take 7 tests (assuming you pass each first time).
• You will need to find a location to take your tests at – travel and time.

In terms of the content, I think that the ECDL is a good range, which is a positive, but, so many people and companies don’t use Databases on a regular basis, which makes that one unit less useful.

In my research I found companies that offer training but on older versions of MS Office, and limited companies that offered the testing as well.

So be careful with what you’re buying. I did see items relating to Office 2016, but not M365 that is the current version.

As long as you know what you are going to put in and get out of it – I’d say that the ECDL may be for you.

However, if you want the same overall knowledge but quicker and easier, then I would look at the IC3 Certificate instead. The same general breadth of knowledge but in only 3 exams.

Note: It might not be cheaper, but will be easier to find testing centres.

More information

Have a look at the official ICDL website.

You can also search for an approved Test Centre in your local area and have a look at their website (or call them).

Next Steps

What should you think about and plan for with your computer coaching? How to Get the Most Out of Your Computer Coaching

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