ECDL, EqualSkills & IC3

ECDL

The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is the world’s most successful IT skills certification programme and the Irish programme is administered by ICS SKILLS.

Outside of Europe the programme is known as the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL). Almost three million people are participating in the programme today in over 60 countries worldwide.

The ECDL is intended to establish a standard for everyone who uses a computer in either a professional or personal capacity. It is a certificate that verifies competence in computer use, making the holder readily mobile within the Irish and international job market.

The ECDL syllabus covers basic computer skills and the use of common applications in the workplace, the home and in society in general. It is divided into seven modules, 6 practical and 1 theoretical. Aside from the basics of computer use, modules also cover word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentation applications. A test in each module must be passed before the ECDL is awarded.

When a candidate registers on an ECDL programme, they receive a Skills Card on which their progress through the seven tests is recorded. When all seven modules are completed, the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is awarded.

Advanced ECDL courses are also available as a follow on for graduates of the original programme. ECDL Advanced consists of four individually certified modules in Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases and Presentations. For those who have completed each of the ECDL Advanced modules, an ECDL Expert certificate is available, which clearly demonstrates that the holder has a comprehensive knowledge and slevel in computer applications.

EqualSkills

The EqualSkills initiative was launched by ICS SKILLS to create a fun and informal introduction to computers and the Internet. It is designed to increase skills in basic computer literacy and introduce technology to all people, regardless of status, education, age or ability.

EqualSkills is a flexible learning programme, with a proven track record in equipping people with the basic computer skills they need to become part of the information society. It is for anybody who wants to start from the beginning and learn some practical ways of using a computer and is particularly aimed at people who might not normally come into contact with computers in their everyday lives. People who are accustomed to living in a non-digital world may feel intimidated by technology. By learning some simple computer skills, they can quickly understand how technology can improve their quality of life.

EqualSkills is a very good starting point for inexperienced candidates who aspire to ECDL, and test centres which offer EqualSkills will have a cohort of motivated candidates who may wish to advance to the full ECDL programme.

The programme involves customised learning materials, consisting of a workbook, on-line web based exercises, and an optional multi-media computer-based training programme. The workbook is carefully designed to guide the candidate through the EqualSkills programme, and it is written in simple and straightforward language. It contains both the learning and exercise elements of the programme. As part of the continuous assessment and in conjunction with the exercises in the workbook, the candidate is required to carry out some on-line web based exercises.

IC3

The certification benefits of IC3 certification include - internet and computing core certification overview - show the world that you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be a broad-based, productive user of computer hardware, software, networks and the internet. IC3 certification offers you the opportunity to demonstrate to employers and academic institutions your level of computer and internet literacy.