The ECDL or the European Computer Driving License is a vocational qualification in basic personal computing skills. It is highly popular and respected worldwide.
ECDL is not meant for information technology professionals, it is instead created for people who aspire to have some general qualification in computing. This will help them with any work they have, their studies, or just to enable them to improve their skills and increase their chances of finding better work. In 146 countries all over the world, it has at least 7 million candidates, making it the most recognized and highly popular qualification in the work-related computer industry.
The ECDL Foundation designed and supervises ECDL qualifications. The foundation is regarded as the promoter and coordinator of the development of the ECDL concept. It also takes on the role of the ECDL standard guarantor. This foundation sees to it that the ECDL is managed fairly and justly all through Europe and worldwide. This role has now evolved to include the International Computer Driving License or the ICDL.
The British Computer Society (BCS) coordinates all the programs related to the ECDL in United Kingdom alone. It is just one among the 19 computer societies across Europe approving and supporting the ECDL.
What is included in ECDL qualification?
There are 7 specific tests to be passed to avail the ECDL. The theories and practical uses of computers and latest office software are included in these tests.
The Modules in the ECDL Qualifications course
Module 1- Concepts of Information Technology
Module 2- Using the Computer and Managing Files
Module 3- Word Processing
Module 4- Spreadsheets
Module 5- Database
Module 6- Presentation
Module 7- Information and Communication
It is not necessary to do the tests in order. All tests may take up to 45 minutes each to finish. The test result is shown on screen a few minutes right after the exams. A score of 75% is considered a passing rate for all the individual module tests.
The tests and the syllabus are not linked to any specific type of software package. As an example, the goal of the tests covering word processing is just to show competence and know-how in the vital features which is offered in any package of word processing. These can be things like handling page layout, cutting and pasting, text formatting, saving documents, printing out documents, creating various tables and a lot more.
What are the uses of ECDL Qualifications?
• The ECDL is a logically appropriate latest qualification proving to employers that the applicant has a good and sturdy basic knowledge in computer skills.
• It enhances computer skills, making the user more confident and effective in the use of IT.
• It improves computer skills thereby allowing the person to solve computer glitches on his own and lessening the incidences of needing the help of the IT.
• It is generally good for the improvement of a person’s profession and enhances one’s career opportunities.
• It can give a good return of investment for organizations in IT training.
