ECDL drive your IT career ahead (The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL))

Member Name: karenroach

Product:	The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
Date:	03/06/09 (47 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Internationally recognised, Certificate to prove competence

Disadvantages: Not Really, it's hard work

I have to declare an interest here, I make my living teaching ECDL (European Computer Driving License) and other similar qualifications, so you know where I am coming from.

ECDL version 4.5 is as has already been mentioned an Internationally recognised qualificaion. In these troubled times, you never know when you might need a qualification that is recognised in a different country (only kidding).

It is from The BCS (British Computer Society) suite of qualifications. The BCS is the regulatory body for computer profesionals in this country, in much the same way that The Law Society regulates Lawyers and the British Medical Council regulates Doctors. This means that unlike some ICT qualifications out there, it is worth the paper it is written on.

You can do ECDL at levels 1, 2 and 3. At level 1 you learn about Computer Basics, File Managenmet and Electronic Communication. At level 2 you learn how to use Microsoft Word processing, Excel Spreadsheet, Access Database and Powerpoint presentation packages properly. You then take a general pop up, unit E, this rounds off your computer knowlege, and gives you the piece of paper to prove it. After you complete each module you sit a 45 minute exam which usually consists of about 20 questions. You require a 75% pass mark. Some of the tests are done online.

What some people don't realise is that you can go on to do ECDL at Advanced Level with Modules in Microsoft Word processing, Excel Spreadsheet, Access Database and Powerpoint presentation. When you reach this stage you are entitled to be called Microsoft Expert. The Exam for this level lasts and hour with 20 questions. It is quite hard to reach this level but, the skills you gain will allow you to enter a teaching course in ICT, Demonstrate a high level of skill in the workplace or run your own business effectively.

It's worth remember ing that your ECDL is equivalent to a GCSE and ECDL Advanced is Equivalent to an A-level so you really will have achieved something worthwhile.

Summary: Hard work but well worth it