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About the Program |
The ICDL is a test of
practical skills and competencies and
consists of seven separate modules covering
computer theory and practice. To achieve an
ICDL certification, the Candidate must
successfully pass a test in all seven
modules.
ICDL Module 1 is a theoretical test of
computing knowledge at a general level and
modules 2-7 are practical skills tests, as
follows:
Module 1 - Concepts of Information Technology (IT)
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
The ICDL programme is
for anyone who needs to demonstrate to an
international standard that they are fully
competent in the use of a personal computer
and common computer applications and that
they know the essential concepts of
Information Technology.
Prospective Candidates should ideally have
used computers and the common software
applications before.
When Candidates register to start the ICDL certification process they purchase a Skills Card on which their progress through the seven Tests is recorded. Skills Cards may be purchased from any approved Test Centre. Only an approved Test Centre can carry out testing and issue Skills Cards.
How much training is required?
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Usually the Candidate will undertake
training on each Module of the Syllabus
prior to taking the Test, although this is
not compulsory. The amount of training will
depend on the Candidate’s skills levels and
the training provider chosen, but the
average is around 30 hours of training per
Module.
Some Candidates may feel competent enough in
one area to forego training and move onto
testing immediately, while others may
require full training prior to testing.
How long
are the Tests?
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Each Module is tested separately and each
Test generally lasts 45 minutes.
The seven Tests can be
attempted in any order and at any time.
The ICDL is unique in that it has been
designed to be vendor-neutral. This means
that the ICDL is not tied to one type of
software. It therefore gives Candidates the
flexibility and freedom to acquire core IT
skills and confidently apply them in any
software environment they may be required to
use.
Today, computer skills are increasingly important to people in all walks of life. The ICDL is an information technology certificate for all citizens. It is intended for those who need to, or wish to, know how to use a personal computer. It is suitable for people from every work discipline, for people entering the job market, and for all ages.
Benefits for Candidates:
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Increases essential IT knowlege/skills H
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Increases confidence in computer use
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Provides internationally-recognised qualification
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Improves job prospects and job mobility
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Provides a platform from which to move on to higher-level IT education
Benefits for Employers:
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Increases productivity
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Reduces costs
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Increases the quality of employee output
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Reduces time wasted
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Makes better use of IT resources
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Provides a better return on IT investment



