ECDL Exams Process

ECDL Certifications

ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) known as ICDL (International Computer Driving Licence) outside Europe, certifications have various ability levels from beginner to intermediate. The ECDL portfolio also maps to the ITQ syllabus (Information Technology Qualification), initialized in 2010. ECDL modules can be tested either by online automated test software or manually marked by a trained professional. All testing methods require learners attend an ECDL authorised testing centre. Please note ECDL and ICDL exam and syllabus structures are identical and certifications include:

* ECDL Essentials Certification

* ECDL Start Certification

* ECDL Certification

* ECDL Extra Certification

* ECDL Advanced Certification

* ECDL Expert Certification

* ECDL Flexiqual

* ECDL Syllabuses

* ECDL Practice Tests

* ECDL Registration

ECDL Essentials Certification

To be eligible for the ECDL Essentials certification, learners must pass all three level 1 (ITQ level 1 award of 9 credits) ECDL modules:

* Security for IT Users
* IT User Fundamentals
* Using Email and the Internet

ECDL Start Certification

To be eligible for the ECDL Start certification, learners must pass any four of the seven level 1 and 2 ECDL modules:

* Security for IT Users
* IT User Fundamentals
* Word-Processing
* Spreadsheets
* Databases
* Presentations
* Using Email and the Internet

ECDL Certification

To be eligible for the full ECDL certification learners, must pass all seven level 1 and 2 ECDL modules:

* Security for IT Users
* IT User Fundamentals
* Word-Processing
* Spreadsheets
* Databases
* Presentations
* Using Email and the Internet

ECDL Extra Certification

To be eligible for the ECDL Extra (formally know as BCS Level 2 Certificate for IT Users) certification learners, must pass all four level 2 (ITQ level 2 award of 16 credits) ECDL modules:

* Advanced Word-Processing
* Advanced Spreadsheets
* Advanced Databases
* Advanced Presentations

ECDL Advanced Certification

To be eligible for the ECDL Advanced certification, learners must pass any one of the four Advanced ECDL modules:

* Advanced Word-Processing
* Advanced Spreadsheets
* Advanced Databases
* Advanced Presentations

ECDL Expert Certification

The ECDL Expert certificate recognises a learner as a proficient computer user with a comprehensive knowledge and skill level in computer applications, and someone who has gained a degree of intuition in their use. The ECDL Expert certificate can be claimed for FREE and (UK only) candidates will be eligible to become an Associate Member of BCS (British Computer Society), allowing them to add the letters AMBCS after their name. For further information please visit BCS ECDL Expert website. To be eligible for the ECDL Expert certification, learners must pass all four of the Advanced ECDL modules:

* Word-Processing
* Spreadsheets
* Databases
* Presentations

ECDL Flexiqual

The ECDL Flexiqual program allows learners to pick and choose modules from the ECDL portfolio to form their own qualification (which are certified by BCS). Flexiqual ECDL modules can be tested either by online automated test software or manually marked by a trained professional. All testing methods require learners attend an ECDL authorised testing centre.

ECDL Accreditation

The ECDL qualifications are recognised by QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework). QCF is the official framework for accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. ECDL equivalents are as follows:

ECDL Syllabuses

The ECDL syllabus is continually developed to reflect changes in technology and the modern workplace. All ECDL level 1, 2 and 3 qualification syllabuses were reviewed in 2007 in order to ensure that they reflected current technology and relevant practices; this resulted in the completion of the ECDL beginner, intermediate syllabus v5.0 and ECDL Advanced syllabus v2.0, which were both phased in during 2010. Find out more about ECDL syllabuses from our ECDL syllabus page.

ECDL Practice Tests

There are various ECDL practice tests (smple tests without answers) that can be downloaded via the ECDL website. Additionally FREE ECDL sample tests can be downloaded via our home study courses page.

Registering ECDL Candidates

ECDL learners can study for any ECDL qualifications for as long as they wish without registering but must register with their current geographic locations (UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, France, Canada etc..) awarding body (ECDL, BSC, CIPS, NZCS, ICDL etc..), before taking their first exam. It is advisable that learners register at least 10-14 days prior to their desired exam date. The ECDL Essentials, ECDL Start, ECDL Core and ECDL Extra qualifications incur an initial one off registration payment of £20 and £17 per examination (prices may vary). The ECDL Advanced examinations have know registration fee but examinations cost £70 per exam (prices may vary), please contact your local ECDL testing centre for further information.

ECDL Course Samples