About Advanced Levels

The ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) Advanced and ICDL (International Computer Driving Licence) Advanced qualifications syllabuses cover the essential applications needed to improve productivity in today's modern work place at level 3. The ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced computer qualifications are both globally recognised in over 148 countries, with leading businesses like IBM, , NHS, IKEA, PacifiCorp, MOD, Post Office, Bank of England, Shell, Pfzier, Volkswagen using them as a prerequisite benchmark for there employees.

The ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced qualifications are ideal if you have already completed the Core ECDL or Core ICDL qualification or you already have a good level of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) subject knowledge and want to progress your skills on to an advanced level. Gaining the ECDL and ICDL Advanced certification will allow you to demonstrate your higher level (level 3) computer skills and intern will show employers that you are a highly confident, competent and efficient individual, increasing your employment opportunities significantly. Both the ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced have the same syllabus (v2.0) and examination procedures. The ECDL was created in 1997 initially for European countries but after its success was expanded in 1999 to incorporate countries outside Europe, thus the ICDL was formed. For more information on the ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced levels, please select our Why Choose ECDL & ICDL information page.

Advanced Qualifications Subjects

The ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced certification (level 3) covers four application modules that can be taken individually or multiply and in any order.  The four modules (Word-Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases and Presentations) cover today's vital ICT application subject areas, used in the modern workplace. 

Word-Processing (Word)

The ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced Word-Processing module (AM3) enables candidates to complete complex tasks in a word processor (Microsoft Office Word) application. These tasks include, using sophisticated typographical, formatting and layout configurations, including tables, forms and graphics, using tools and creating macros and advanced mail merge operations.

Spreadsheets (Excel)

The ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced module (AM4) enables candidates to complete complex tasks in a spreadsheet (Microsoft Office Excel) application. These tasks include using advanced formatting options such as conditional formatting and functions associated with logical, statistical, financial and mathematical operations. Working with tables and lists to analyse, filter and sort data and creating and using scenarios.

Databases (Access)

The ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced Database module (AM5) enables candidates to complete complex tasks in a database (Microsoft Office Access) application. These tasks include creating relationships between tables, designing and using queries to create a table, using controls and sub-forms, creating reports to perform calculations and using macros.

Presentation (PowerPoint)

The ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced Presentation module (AM6) enables candidates to complete complex tasks in a presentation (Microsoft Office PowerPoint) application. These tasks include creating and modifying templates and format slide backgrounds, enhancing a presentation using built-in drawing and image tools, applying advanced chart formatting features, inserting movies and sound and applying built-in animation features and using linking, embedding, importing and exporting features to integrate data.

For more information and a FREE (no obligation) ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced course package sample, covering Microsoft Office 2003, 2007 and 2010 applications, simply click on your required ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced study module listed below:

	ECDL Advanced  and ICDL Advanced Word-Processing (AM3)
	ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced Spreadsheets (AM4)
	ECDL Advanced  and ICDL Advanced Databases (AM5)
	ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced Presentations (AM6)

Test Structure

With each ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced module that a learner successfully passes they will receive an individual advanced certificate. If a learner passes all four advanced modules they can apply for an additional Expert Certification at no extra cost. The ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced tests are made up of twenty questions and each question is worth five points (percent), candidates need to achieve a pass mark of 75 points (percent) within a one hour time period to achieve the qualification.  For more information about the ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced exam process, please read the information on the Exam Process page.

Syllabuses

The ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced syllabuses was reviewed in 2007 in order to ensure that they reflected technology advances and relevant practices; this resulted in the completion of the Advanced syllabus v2.0, which will were both phased in during 2009/2010. For more information on syllabus changes and v5.0 and v2.0 syllabus downloads, please visit our Syllabus 2009-2010 page.