We all like to have something to prove that we know something – in other words a certification!
The Information Technology world is full of certifications to choose from – they are aimed at technical knowledge.
Not something that you or I are interested in.
The good news – there are three options to prove your skills and knowledge with applications.
European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)

The first one to consider is the ECDL (now being called ICDL (Internal Computer Driving License)).
It focuses on computer skills and doesn’t refer to a specific suite.
Modules:

- IT user fundamentals
- Internet and email
- Word processing
- Spreadsheet software
- Presentation software
- Database software
- Online collaboration
- Improving productivity
- Project planning
- IT security for users
For more information have a look at the office ICDL Europe site.
Internet Core Computing Certification (IC3)

Similar to the ECDL, IC3 also focuses on computer skills rather than a specific suite.
The key difference between them is that the IC3 requires just 3 exams to complete.
Modules:
- Fundamental concepts and essential components.
- Working knowledge of each of the seven skill groups.
- Advanced understanding of digital literacy.
Check the details Certiport website (direct link) for information on IC3.
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

As the name suggests, this one is specific for Microsoft and the programs in their Office Suite.
You select the specific software, the version and the level you want to prove.
Exams:
- Word Core
- Word Expert
- Excel Core
- Excel Expert
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- Access Expert
The Certiport website (direct link) also has details on MOS.
In some of the future blogs, I’ll be looking into each of these in more detail and looking at the pros and cons of them.
Sharing information and offering suggestions for those who want a certificate and if so, which one could work best for you.
Latest Posts
- Excel Paste Values – Get Exactly What You See, Every TimeIf you’ve ever copied something in Excel and ended up with a completely different result than you expected, you’ve probably fallen foul of one of Excel’s little quirks. The good news is that once you understand Excel Paste Values, you’ll know exactly how to handle it – and it only takes a couple of extra… Read more: Excel Paste Values – Get Exactly What You See, Every Time
- Excel Sparklines: The Tiny Charts Making a Big DifferenceIf you’ve ever stared at a column of numbers and thought “I just want to see the pattern” — Excel Sparklines are about to become your new favourite thing. These miniature charts sit inside a single cell, right next to your data, giving you an instant visual snapshot without the faff of building a full… Read more: Excel Sparklines: The Tiny Charts Making a Big Difference
- Do You Know All the Excel Flash Fill Tricks?If you’ve ever exported data and thought “why is everything jumbled together in one column?”, Excel Flash Fill is about to become your new best friend. It’s one of those features that looks impressive but is actually really simple to use — and once you know it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and… Read more: Do You Know All the Excel Flash Fill Tricks?
- Loop Tasks in Microsoft To Do — Your New Favourite ShortcutIf you’ve been juggling Microsoft Loop tasks in To Do alongside a separate task list, I’ve got good news for you. You don’t have to. Loop and Microsoft To Do can work together, syncing your tasks automatically so you’ve only got one list to manage. It’s one of those little connections within Microsoft 365 that… Read more: Loop Tasks in Microsoft To Do — Your New Favourite Shortcut
- Loop or OneNote? Here’s What Actually Makes Sense for Your BusinessIf you’ve been using OneNote for years, you might be wondering whether Microsoft Loop is here to replace it. Time to put things to the test – Microsoft Loop vs OneNote. The reality is these two tools aren’t really competing. They’re designed for different things, and once you understand that, it all starts to make… Read more: Loop or OneNote? Here’s What Actually Makes Sense for Your Business





