Preparing for ICDL Certification
By Jenny Mather
The International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) is a program designed to prepare students and working professionals for certification. It is open to anyone regardless of age, gender, education, experience or background and is designed to help people both at work and at home.
The ECDL Foundation is the global governing body of the world's leading end-user computer skills certification programme, the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), which is known as the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) outside Europe.
ICDL is a standard definition and an actual measure of computer skills that is internationally recognised, and it provides a balance between employer needs and employee skills. ICDL certification means that you have mastered basic IT concepts and are able to use a personal computer and common computer applications at a fundamental level of competence.
ICDL has become the standard qualification used for non-European countries and studying for this qualification will teach you: Basic concepts of IT, Using the computer and managing files, Word processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Presentation, Information and Communication Using IT. Candidates who pass all seven module tests receive an ICDL Certification card, to be shown to prospective employers as an achievement of fundamental knowledge in all seven computer skill areas. ICDL helps provide proof of the computer competency of potential employees.
ICDL Training Employers, educational institutions and Government agencies in over 140 countries have hailed the ICDL as the international standard for computer literacy. ICDL is the counterpart of ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) in non-European countries.
ICDL establishes a tangible IT benchmark for new employees and helps to ensure consistent levels of IT ability throughout an organisation. ICDL also improves the productivity of staff using PCs.
At least 15 million ICDL tests have been administered to date. Tests are delivered on-line at Accredited Testing Centres and the result will be known immediately after taking the test. Digital skills necessary to succeed in today’s schools and workplaces are attained as ICDL demonstrates competence and provides confidence.
In the United States, ICDL is used by schools and academic institutions, corporations, Workforce Investment Boards, and government economic development programs to help prepare individuals for success in a world where proficient use of information and communication technology is critically important.
Jenny is a freelance journalist and has written numerous articles on ICT qualifications
