What is a European Computer Driving Licence?

The European Computer Driving Licence is a recognised qualification in computer literacy.

It is broken down into seven modules, each of which must be passed before the ECDL certificate is awarded.

The modules are:
 Basic concepts of IT
 Using the computer and managing files
 Word processing
 Spreadsheets
 Database
 Presentation
 Information & Communication.

The ECDL was launched in the UK in 1998 and has been promoted by the British Computer Society.

Now in its third year, the total number of candidates has reached over 1 Million worldwide, over 140.000 of those candidates being from the UK.

The beauty of ECDL is that it is open to everyone - regardless of age, education, experience or background.

It is a qualification that is to be phased into the education system and will soon be compulsory, the same as Maths and English.

In March 2001 the ECDL Foundation Ltd. launched its advanced version of the qualification.

Unlike the core ECDL where a candidate receives a certificate following a pass in all seven modules, ECDL Advanced is a more intensive programme that puts candidates through their paces on a module by module basis, awarding a certificate at the successful completion of each module.

The Advanced programme has been rolled out initially with the two most requested modules, Advanced Word Processing and Advanced Spreadsheets, and will be followed by the release of other Advanced level modules throughout 2001.

The Advanced level design for these modules anticipates that candidates have already mastered the skill sets and acquired the specific knowledge outlined in the core ECDL Syllabus and are now ready to move on to a higher level.

How can you get an ECDL?

There are many on line training providers who cover the ECDL
in their courses. Learn Direct, Blink Training and Vistavision Training to name just a few. Local Colleges will also have courses available.

The courses usually cost around about £150 depending on the area you are in and what funding there is available.

Most training providers will be able to supply you with an Individual Learning Account, which will cover the cost of the course although you will probably have to pay extra to be tested.

Beware of door to door salesmen trying to sell you ECDL courses. If it is going to cost you anything then take care. There is enough funding out there for everyone to get this qualification without having to pay for it.

In our area salesmen are trying to charge between £25-£50 for these courses. Believe me, this money is going straight into their back pockets.

If anyone is interested in doing the ECDL training without it costing anything apart from the cost of the test, contact me (my email address is on my profile page) and I will help point you in the right direction.

Testing has to be done at an accredited test centre. These are situated all over the country. Ring up and make an appointment to sit your test. The same again though, shop around for where to do your test. Some test centres charge £15 for each module, some charge £50 for all seven.

Tests can be done one module at a time. If you are not completely confident that you could pass the test ask if you can sit a sample test. These should be free.

You will be supplied with a driving licence logbook, which will be filled in every time you sit a module. When you have completed all modules you will be awarded your certificate.

One more thing, DON’T WORRY IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE. If you have managed to read this opinion you probably know enough about computers to sit modules 1,2 and 7.

It’s a qualification that is not hard to earn, but may make all the difference in the wor
ld to your job prospects. Remember it is a worldwide qualification. Let’s all go work somewhere warm.lol.

Happy learning!

Update 29/10/01
The government have now suspended their Individual Learning Account scheme due to the amazing uptake of Individual Learning Accounts and also due to the aggressive selling of ILA's and the low quality of training by some training providers.
Anyone who has already recieved their ILA membership numbers can still recieve funding as long as they get signed up to a learning provider before December 7th.

If you have applied for an ILA and have recieved your membership number but haven't signed up to a learning provider yet, email me and I will try to point you in the right direction to get good quality course work.