What is the International Computer Driving License (ICDL)?

ICDL is the name given to the ECDL program in countries outside of Europe .

What is the European Computer Driving License (ECDL)?

ECDL stands for "European Computer Driving License". ECDL is an internationally recognized qualification that enables people to certify their competence in essential computer skills & knowledge. It certifies to a set standard the IT skills people already have or the skills they attain through training.

How does the ICDL program work?

ICDL consists of 7 Modules which are the most needed computer topics and skill areas, to achieve an ICDL, the candidate must successfully pass one theoretical and six practical tests, 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.
When tests for all 7 modules are successfully completed and the Skills Card is endorsed by the Test Centre, it is sent to the National ICDL Operator and a personalized Certificate (License) is issued.

The seven modules are:

•  Concepts of Information Technology (IT). •  Using the Computer and Managing Files. •  Word Processing. • Spreadsheets. •  Database. •  Presentation. •  Information and Communication.

(Module 1) Concepts of Information Technology (IT)

Requires you to know about the basic physical make-up of a personal computer and understand some of the basic concepts of Information Technology (IT) such as data storage and memory, the context for computer-based software applications in society, and the uses of information networks within computing. You will be aware of the uses of computer-based software applications in everyday situations; and how personal computers can affect health. You will also be aware of some of the security and legal issues associated with computers.

(Module 2) Using the Computer and Managing Files

Requires you to demonstrate knowledge and competence in using the basic functions of a personal computer and its operating system. You will be able to operate effectively within the desktop environment, manage and organize files and directories/folders and know how to copy, move and delete files and directories/folders. You will demonstrate the ability to work with desktop icons and to manipulate windows. You will demonstrate the ability to use search features, simple editing tools and print management facilities available within the operating system.

(Module 3) Word Processing

Requires you to demonstrate the ability to use a word processing application on a personal computer. You will understand and be able to accomplish basic operations associated with creating, formatting and finishing a word processing document ready for distribution. You also will demonstrate competence in using some of the more advanced features associated with word processing applications such as creating standard tables, using pictures and images within a document, importing objects and using mail merge tools.

(Module 4) Spreadsheets

Requires you to understand the basic concepts of spreadsheets and to demonstrate the ability to use a spreadsheet application on a personal computer. You will understand and be able to accomplish basic operations associated with developing, formatting and using a spreadsheet. You will be able to accomplish standard mathematical and logical operations using basic formulas and functions. You will demonstrate competence in using some of the more advanced features of a spreadsheet application such as importing objects, and creating graphs and charts.

(Module 5) Database

Requires you to understand the basic concepts of databases and demonstrate the ability to use a database on a personal computer. The module is divided into two sections; the first section tests your ability to design and plan a simple database using a standard database package; the second section requires you to demonstrate that you can retrieve information from an existing database by using the query, select and sort tools available in the database. You will also be able to create and modify reports.

(Module 6) Presentation

Requires you to demonstrate competence in using presentation tools on a personal computer. You will be able to accomplish basic tasks such as creating, formatting and preparing presentations for distribution and display. You will demonstrate the ability to create a variety of presentations for different target audiences or situations. You will demonstrate the ability to accomplish basic operations with graphics and charts and to use various slide show effects.

(Module 7) Information and Communication

This Module is divided into two sections. The first section, Information, requires you to accomplish basic Web search tasks using a Web browser application and available search engine tools, to bookmark search results and to print Web pages and search reports. The second section, Communication, requires you to demonstrate your ability to use electronic mail software to send and receive messages, to attach documents or files to a message and to organize and manage message folders or directories within electronic mail software.