The International Computer Driving Licence

(ICDL)

ICDL is the name given to the ECDL programme in countries outside of Europe.

ECDL stands for "European Computer Driving License". ECDL is an internationally recognized qualification that enables people to certify their competence in essential computer skills & knowledge. It certifies to a set standard the IT skills people already have or the skills they attain through training.

The Foundation is the global governing body of ECDL and ICDL countries. It is a not-for-profit organization whose role is to promote, develop and certify computer skills and IT knowledge. The Foundation achieves this by the establishment of ECDL and ICDL Licensees around the world who administer the programme through national Operators on a local basis based on a strict set of standards and quality guidelines.

To achieve an ECDL or ICDL, the candidate must successfully pass one theoretical and six practical tests.

The International Computer Driving License (ICDL) is the International qualification which enables people to demonstrate their competence in essential computer skills. The ECDL/ICDL has many benefits for the individual, the employer and the community.

 The ECDL/ICDL benefits the individual by:

• Raising their level of competency in essential IT and computer skills

• Improving their productivity at home and work
• Providing a passport to higher level IT education
• Improving job prospects
• Providing an internationally recognized qualification

For the employer, ECDL/ICDL confirms that potential employees have a recognized, relevant and measurable level of IT skills & knowledge. Key benefits of ECDL/ICDL for the employer are that it:

• Establishes a tangible IT benchmark for new employees
• Helps to ensure consistent levels of IT ability throughout an organization
• Provides evidence to clients of an organization's ability to deliver effectively
• Helps to reduce IT support costs
• Is a highly effective and innovative model for education and training
• Helps to motivate staff and compliments an organization's investment in people
• Improves the productivity of staff using PCs.

An ECDL/ICDL certified population also benefits the entire community by;

• Addressing the issue of IT skills shortage
• Closing the IT skills gap
• Attracting inward investment
• Creating new business opportunities
  
  
  
  

Why is ECDL/ICDL so effective?

There are many different computer courses available. This makes the choice daunting for employers and individuals alike. ECDL/ICDL is a standard definition and a measure of actual computer skills that is internationally recognized. It also provides a balance between employer needs and employee skills. It is fast becoming the most widely recognized computer qualification in the world. This is due to its relevance to practically everybody and the support and monitoring of the independent organizations behind it.