European Computer Driving Licence
Encyclopedia
Computer literacy
Computer literacy is defined as the knowledge and ability to use computers and related technology efficiently, with a range of skills covering levels from elementary use to programming and advanced problem solving. Computer literacy can also refer to the comfort level someone has with using...
certification programme provided by ECDL Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation.
ECDL / ICDL certification is a globally recognised information and communication technology (ICT) and digital literacy qualification. According to the ECDL Foundation, the ECDL/ICDL certification is recognized and supported by national governments, computer societies (such as the BCS
British Computer Society
The British Computer Society, is a professional body and a learned society that represents those working in Information Technology in the United Kingdom and internationally...
and ICS
Irish Computer Society
Irish Computer Society was founded in 1967 as the professional body for people in the computer and IT Industry.Its objective is to promote professional information and computer skills. The ICS is a member of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies...
), international organizations and private corporations.
In 1995, the ECDL certification programme was developed through a task force of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies
CEPIS
The Council of European Professional Informatics Societies is a non-profit organisation seeking to improve and promote high standards among Informatics Professionals in recognition of the impact that Informatics has on employment, business and society...
(CEPIS) and was recommended by the EU Commission
European Commission
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union....
High Level Group, ESDIS, to be a Europe-wide certification scheme.
ECDL / ICDL certification
According to ECDL Foundation, ECDL / ICDL is a test of practical skills and competencies and consists of seven separate modules covering computer theory and practice. To achieve ECDL / ICDL certification, the candidate must successfully pass a test in all seven modules. These are:- Concepts of information technology
- Using the computer and managing files
- Word processing
- Spreadsheets
- Databases
- Presentation
- Information and communication
In recent years, ECDL Foundation has introduced six additional ECDL / ICDL modules. These are:
- 2D Computer Aided Design
- Image Editing
- Web Editing
- Health Information Systems Usage
- IT Security
- Project Planning
Modules 8 to 13 are not yet available in all countries offering the ECDL / ICDL certification.
ECDL Advanced
The advanced course ("ECDL Advanced") has four sections, each a qualification in its own right:- Word processing
- Spreadsheets
- Databases
- Presentation