The
ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) is an entry-level computer certification
designed to demonstrate a user’s competence in all-round computer
use within a typical office-like environment (outside of Europe, the ECDL
is known as the ICDL (International Computer Driving Licence), and apart
from the name, there is no difference between the two). As an entry-level
computer certification, no prior computer experience is necessary to study
for the ECDL certification.
There are essentially two variants of the ECDL certification. The ECDL,
and the ECDL Advanced (candidates who wish to complete any of the advanced
modules must first pass the respective core exam). The ECDL certification
consists of 7 individual exams, all of which must be successfully completed
before the ECDL certification is awarded. The subject matter for each of
the exams is:
• Basic concepts of IT (basic hardware questions)
• Using the computer and managing files (using applets like Windows Explorer,
etc.)
• Word processing (i.e. Microsoft Word)
• Spreadsheets (i.e. Microsoft Excel)
• Databases (i.e. Microsoft Access)
• Presentation (i.e. Microsoft PowerPoint)
• Information and Communication (using programs like Outlook and IE)
More specific information about each of the ECDL certification modules can
be found by downloading the syllabus for the exams here (Pdf
format).
A candidate has 45 minutes with which to complete each ECDL exam. ECDL Module 1 (Basic
concepts of I.T.) is a theory-based exam with approx. 35 multiple-choice
questions, while ECDL modules 2-7 are various exercises designed to test the practical
skills of the candidate. A successful passing score is between 60-80% depending
on the module. It is a good idea to ask the testing centre how many questions
and what the passing score is when you book your exam so you don’t
encounter any unexpected surprises. The modules can be taken all at once,
or individually, and in any order. ECDL candidates have up to three years
to complete all seven of the modules.
Before taking a module, ECDL candidates must register with an authorised
ECDL testing centre in their country, click
here for info, and then purchase a ‘skills
card’ or ‘log
book’. At the successful passing of each ECDL exam, the skills card / log
book will be updated by the testing centre and, when all seven are completed,
the skills card / log book will be exchanged for the actual ECDL certificate.
In addition to purchasing the skills card (one time only), ECDL candidates
must pay for each of the individual exams.
The ECDL certification is not vendor-specific, so candidates are not tied
solely to using Microsoft Office products. Exams can also be taken using
Lotus software, but check with your ECDL testing centre before you book your exam.
Exams can be marked manually or automatically depending on the testing centre
that you have registered with. In the case of automatic marking (computerised),
a candidate will be offered feedback about mistakes in the event of an exam
fail. Manually marked exam papers will not be handed back to the candidate,
so that is something to keep in mind when booking choosing the testing centre.
If an ECDL exam is failed, a candidate may re-sit the exam upon payment of the
exam fee again. Once all seven ECDL exams have been passed, the testing centre
will complete the skills card / log book and forward it to the appropriate
ECDL governing authority. The ECDL certification will be mailed back to the
candidate.
There are no exemptions for prior certifications with the ECDL certification
(you must pass all seven modules irrespective of any other certifications
the candidate holds), nor are there any specific training requirements for
the ECDL certification. If a candidate feels that he/she has sufficient knowledge
in any of the subjects then they may take the exam at any time (all that
is required is to register for the exam, purchase the skills card / log book
and then take the exam). There are though, of course, numerous training facilities
that offer specific training for the ECDL certification if a candidate requires
it, but self-study is also a viable option.
Is the ECDL certification worth it?
The ECDL certification would be primarily useful for office or clerical
workers looking to improve their general computer knowledge and skills and
for enhancing their C.V. and job prospects, or simply for people just wanting
to learn about using computers. For those wishing to embark upon a career
in I.T., the ECDL is not be the most useful certification to gain in terms
of cost, time involved, and skills developed.
For those wishing to pursue
an I.T. career, then entry-level certifications like A+ or MOS / MOUS would
be more beneficial and provide a better platform to more advanced I.T. certifications.
If candidates are considering doing both MOS/MOUS and the ECDL certification,
then the ECDL should be attempted first and treated as a stepping stone to
the MOS/MOUS exams.
In essence, if you’re fairly competent at using a computer for most
day-to-day activities, then you’ll find the ECDL certification a good
way to endorse that fact on your resume, but that’s all. You’ll
most probably be comfortable with most of the syllabus without too much (if
any) extra training, although the database section can cause a few problems
if you’re not used to working with them regularly. If you’re
new to computers then the ECDL certification is a good way to train yourself
in the basics and might just help you get a foot in the door to a clerical
or administrative job.
