Certification – Introducing Your Options

Computer Skills Certification

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)

European Computer Driving Licence - all round certification.

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:

ICDL - Digital Skills Standard
  • 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)

IC3 Computing Fundamentals - shorter all round certification.

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)

Microsoft Office Specialist Certifications - specific to Microsoft Products

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.

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