General FAQ
What is "ICDL"?
ICDL stands for International Computer Driving Licence. It is a standard of basic computer competence endorsed by the UNESCO Cairo Office (UCO). It recognizes the skills people already have or the skills they attain through training. To achieve an ICDL,
the CANDIDATE must successfully pass one theoretical and six practical tests on
- Basic concepts of IT
- Using the computer and managing files
- Word processing
- Spreadsheets
- Databases
- Presentation
- Information and Communication
These tests can be attempted in any order and at any time and must be successfully completed within maximum duration of three years. Each successfully completed test is endorsed on an ICDL Skills Card. Only an accredited Test can carry out testing and issue Skills Cards.
When tests for all 7 modules are successfully completed and the Skills Card is fully endorsed by a Test , it is sent to the UCO and a personalized Certificate (Licence) is issued.
ICDL is not a training course and UCO does not provide training. If training is required, this can be acquired through training providers. Trainees should ensure that the training they receive meets the requirements of the ICDL Syllabus.
Training providers do not have to be accredited by the UCO to deliver training, but they must be accredited to administer ICDL tests.
The ICDL concept began in Europe in 1996, has spread to other continents and is now available in over 31 countries. There are now more than one million ICDL/ECDL registerants around the world.
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How does ICDL Work?
The ICDL syllabus is designed to cover the key concepts of computing, its practical applications and their use in the workplace and society in general. It is broken down into seven modules, each of which must be passed before the ECDL certificate is awarded. Candidates obtain, usually from an accredited test centre, a Skills Card listing all the modules. As they pass each module, the accredited testing body will sign the Skills Card.
The modules may be taken in any order and over any period of time (up to three years) - even all at once - offering maximum flexibility. When all the modules have been successfully completed, the Skills Card is exchanged for a certificate.
The seven modules that make up the ICDL are:
1- Basic concepts of IT
2- Using the computer and managing files
3- Word processing
4- Spreadsheets
5- Database
6- Presentation
7- Information and Communication
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What are the benefits?
The International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) is the International qualification which enables people to demonstrate their competence in basic computer skills.
The ICDL has countless benefits for the individual, the employer, as well as for the whole community.
As an individual, the ICDL will benefit you as it:
- Raises your level of competency in IT and computer skills
- Improves your productivity at home and work
- Requires no prior knowledge of IT or computer skills
- Improves job prospects
As for the employer, ICDL confirms to potential employers that its holder has a
professionally recognized, relevant and up-to-date qualification. Its key benefits for the
employer are:
- Establishes a tangible IT benchmark for new employees
- Helps to ensure consistent levels of IT ability throughout an organization
- Provides evidence to clients of an organization's ability to deliver effectively
- Helps to reduce IT support costs Is a highly effective and innovative model for
education and training
- Helps to motivate staff and complements an organization's investment in people
improves the productivity of staff using PCs.
The benefits of ICDL also encompass positive impacts on the whole community, which
include:
- It addresses the issue of IT skills shortage
- Closes the IT skills gap
- Attracts inward investment
- Creates new business opportunities
The ICDL is designed specifically for those who wish to gain a basic qualification in computing to help them with their current job, develop their IT skills and enhance their career prospects. No prior knowledge of IT or computer skills is needed to obtain the ICDL, however, you may need to do some training before setting for the tests.
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Why ICDL is effective?
ICDL is not like any other qualification - although it utilises the positive aspects of the best. It is fast becoming the most widely recognised qualification in the field of work-related computer use, because it is targeted at the full spectrum of the population. It is a qualification which targets everyone regardless of age and education background.
Furthermore, it is generic and does not demand a specific application product. Finally and most importantly, the qualification has countless benefits for its holder, for the employers, and for the whole community.
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