ICDL Level 1 Award
Level: Foundation
Build Essential Workplace IT & Digital Skills
Learn Word, Excel & PowerPoint with Confidence
Gain a BCS-Accredited ICDL Level 1 Qualification
Welsh Government Funding Accepted
Exam Pass Guarantee Included*
Get this course for FREE with Level 1 Funding!
Course Overview
Duration:
4 Days (9:30am-3:00pm)
Accredited:
Yes
Exams:
Included
Funding:
Level 1 Funding, ReAct
Type:
Classroom, Onsite, Virtual
Company group booking discount available
Course Overview
Duration:
4 Days (9:30am-3:00pm)
Accredited:
Yes
Exams:
Included
Funding:
Level 1 Funding, ReAct
Type:
Classroom, Onsite, Virtual
Company group booking discount available
The ICDL Level 1 Award (formerly ECDL) introduces the essential IT skills required in today's workplace. Designed for individuals with little or no previous experience of business software applications, the qualification develops confidence in using common office productivity tools. It provides a solid foundation for future digital skills development. Learners will gain practical experience using word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software, developing the skills needed to create documents, organise information, work with data and communicate effectively in a business environment. The qualification is ideal for learners beginning their digital skills journey, those returning to work or anyone looking to gain a recognised IT qualification that supports employability and career development.
Mandatory Units
- Word Processing Software
- Spreadsheet Software
- Presentation Software
Target Audience
- Individuals new to workplace IT applications
- Job seekers looking to improve their employability skills
- Learners returning to work
- Individuals looking to build confidence using Microsoft Office applications
- Anyone wishing to gain a recognised entry-level IT qualification
By the End of This Qualification, You Will Be Able To:
- Create, edit and format simple word processing documents
- Enter, organise and manipulate numerical data using spreadsheets
- Create and deliver basic presentations to communicate information effectively
- Apply core IT skills within a workplace environment
- Use common software applications with greater confidence and efficiency
- Develop a strong foundation for progression to ICDL Level 2 and other IT qualifications
The ICDL Level 1 Award (formerly ECDL) introduces the essential IT skills required in today's workplace. Designed for individuals with little or no previous experience of business software applications, the qualification develops confidence in using common office productivity tools. It provides a solid foundation for future digital skills development. Learners will gain practical experience using word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software, developing the skills needed to create documents, organise information, work with data and communicate effectively in a business environment. The qualification is ideal for learners beginning their digital skills journey, those returning to work or anyone looking to gain a recognised IT qualification that supports employability and career development.
Mandatory Units
- Word Processing Software
- Spreadsheet Software
- Presentation Software
Target Audience
- Individuals new to workplace IT applications
- Job seekers looking to improve their employability skills
- Learners returning to work
- Individuals looking to build confidence using Microsoft Office applications
- Anyone wishing to gain a recognised entry-level IT qualification
By the End of This Qualification, You Will Be Able To:
- Create, edit and format simple word processing documents
- Enter, organise and manipulate numerical data using spreadsheets
- Create and deliver basic presentations to communicate information effectively
- Apply core IT skills within a workplace environment
- Use common software applications with greater confidence and efficiency
- Develop a strong foundation for progression to ICDL Level 2 and other IT qualifications
ICDL Level 1 Award
Module 1: Word Processing
- Enter and Insert Information
- Edit Text
- Combine and Edit Information
- Formatting Paragraphs
- Formatting Characters
- Tables
- Page Layout
- Checking Documents
- Printing
Module 2: Spreadsheets
- Spreadsheet Data and Structure
- Input Methods
- Create Spreadsheets
- Retrieve Spreadsheets
- Store Spreadsheets
- Enter and Insert Data
- Edit Data
- Summarise and Display Information
- Functions and Formulas
- Formatting Cells, Rows and Columns
- Creating and Editing Charts
- Page Layout
- Check Documents
- Printing
Module 3: Presentations
- Understanding Presentation Software
- Input Methods
- Create a Presentation
- Retrieve a Presentation
- Store a Presentation
- Enter and Edit Information
- Combine and Edit Information
- Format Slides
- Check Presentations
- Print Presentations
ICDL Level 1 Award
Module 1: Word Processing
- Enter and Insert Information
- Edit Text
- Combine and Edit Information
- Formatting Paragraphs
- Formatting Characters
- Tables
- Page Layout
- Checking Documents
- Printing
Module 2: Spreadsheets
- Spreadsheet Data and Structure
- Input Methods
- Create Spreadsheets
- Retrieve Spreadsheets
- Store Spreadsheets
- Enter and Insert Data
- Edit Data
- Summarise and Display Information
- Functions and Formulas
- Formatting Cells, Rows and Columns
- Creating and Editing Charts
- Page Layout
- Check Documents
- Printing
Module 3: Presentations
- Understanding Presentation Software
- Input Methods
- Create a Presentation
- Retrieve a Presentation
- Store a Presentation
- Enter and Edit Information
- Combine and Edit Information
- Format Slides
- Check Presentations
- Print Presentations
ICDL Level 1 Award
Certification Assessments
Candidates attempt module tests of 45 minutes’ duration in the following subject areas:
- Word Processing
- Spreadsheets
- Presentations
The certification tests allow candidates to carry out activities within the live application itself, whether that’s Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access, and the system then automatically judges whether they have achieved the required outcome. This immediately overcomes the limitations of simulation- or multiple-choice-based questions and allows candidates to show their true knowledge and skills.
Mock/Diagnostic Assessments (optional)
Candidates have the choice to sit mock assessments in the following areas:
- Word Processing
- Spreadsheets
- Presentations
Each mock assessment contains approximately 60 questions (depending on the exam type) and has no time limit. These online tests include a detailed “Results Page” that provides extensive feedback on all incorrectly answered questions, including a suggested solution for each, which significantly enhances the learning effect of these tests.
ICDL Level 1 Award
Certification Assessments
Candidates attempt module tests of 45 minutes’ duration in the following subject areas:
- Word Processing
- Spreadsheets
- Presentations
The certification tests allow candidates to carry out activities within the live application itself, whether that’s Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access, and the system then automatically judges whether they have achieved the required outcome. This immediately overcomes the limitations of simulation- or multiple-choice-based questions and allows candidates to show their true knowledge and skills.
Mock/Diagnostic Assessments (optional)
Candidates have the choice to sit mock assessments in the following areas:
- Word Processing
- Spreadsheets
- Presentations
Each mock assessment contains approximately 60 questions (depending on the exam type) and has no time limit. These online tests include a detailed “Results Page” that provides extensive feedback on all incorrectly answered questions, including a suggested solution for each, which significantly enhances the learning effect of these tests.
- Four days of instructor-led training delivered by NILC’s accredited ICDL trainers
- Comprehensive course notes, practice files and supporting learning materials
- Mock examinations for Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Presentations
- Certification examinations for Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Presentations included
- Course recording provided after each training day (available on request for virtual live delivery only)
- NILC course completion certificate
- Official ICDL Level 1 Award certificate upon successful completion of all assessments
- Four days of instructor-led training delivered by NILC’s accredited ICDL trainers
- Comprehensive course notes, practice files and supporting learning materials
- Mock examinations for Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Presentations
- Certification examinations for Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Presentations included
- Course recording provided after each training day (available on request for virtual live delivery only)
- NILC course completion certificate
- Official ICDL Level 1 Award certificate upon successful completion of all assessments
There are no formal prerequisites for this qualification. However, learners should have a basic understanding of how to use a computer, including using a keyboard and mouse, opening and saving files, managing folders and navigating the Microsoft Windows operating system. The course is designed for learners who are new to Microsoft Office applications but are already comfortable performing basic computer tasks. No previous experience of Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint is required.
There are no formal prerequisites for this qualification. However, learners should have a basic understanding of how to use a computer, including using a keyboard and mouse, opening and saving files, managing folders and navigating the Microsoft Windows operating system. The course is designed for learners who are new to Microsoft Office applications but are already comfortable performing basic computer tasks. No previous experience of Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint is required.
How does the Exam Pass Guarantee work?
Our Exam Pass Guarantee gives you additional support if you do not pass your exam after attending the training course. If you are unsuccessful, you can attend the same training course again free of charge.
Please note that the guarantee covers only the cost of retaking the training. You will need to pay the examination fee set by the examination board when resitting your exam. You will also need to reuse any course materials or books provided during your original training, as replacement materials may incur an additional charge.
Who is the ICDL Level 1 Award suitable for?
The course is ideal for beginners, job seekers, people returning to work, and anyone who wants to build confidence using common workplace IT applications. It is also suitable for learners seeking a recognised entry-level IT qualification.
Do I need any previous IT or Microsoft Office experience?
No formal qualifications or previous Microsoft Office experience are required. However, some basic experience using a computer, keyboard and mouse will be helpful. The course is designed to build your skills and confidence from a Foundation level.
How does the Exam Pass Guarantee work?
Our Exam Pass Guarantee gives you additional support if you do not pass your exam after attending the training course. If you are unsuccessful, you can attend the same training course again free of charge.
Please note that the guarantee covers only the cost of retaking the training. You will need to pay the examination fee set by the examination board when resitting your exam. You will also need to reuse any course materials or books provided during your original training, as replacement materials may incur an additional charge.
Who is the ICDL Level 1 Award suitable for?
The course is ideal for beginners, job seekers, people returning to work, and anyone who wants to build confidence using common workplace IT applications. It is also suitable for learners seeking a recognised entry-level IT qualification.
Do I need any previous IT or Microsoft Office experience?
No formal qualifications or previous Microsoft Office experience are required. However, some basic experience using a computer, keyboard and mouse will be helpful. The course is designed to build your skills and confidence from a Foundation level.
Dates & Prices
Upcoming Courses
Live Instructor-Led Virtual
Spaces: Available
Start Date: Mon 05 October 2026
Live Instructor-Led Virtual
Spaces: Available
Start Date: Mon 02 November 2026
Live Instructor-Led Virtual
Spaces: Available
Start Date: Mon 07 December 2026
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How we deliver our courses
Virtual
Our virtual courses allow you to access live instructor-led training from the same expert instructors that deliver our classroom courses, without leaving the comfort of your home or office. All virtual courses are fully interactive, and learners can communicate with their trainer and peers at any time.
Many of our virtual courses are also recorded, so you can recap over the content you learnt as many time as you wish.
Classroom
Our classroom courses allow you to learn and interact face-to-face with our expert instructors in a comfortable and modern training environment. All of our classroom based courses take place at NILC centers, or high quality training facilities, and include all required IT and physical equipment.
We also limit our class sizes to help promote better discussions and to ensure your learning experience is comfortable as possible.
Onsite
Save time and hassle by arranging for one of our expert instructors to come to you. Our onsite courses allow you to learn in a location of your choosing, and you can train as many or as few people as you want – from a single person or team to whole departments. We can also fully customize the course content to the specific requirements of your business or project.
We offer onsite courses throughout the UK and it can be a great team building opportunity for colleagues to come together, bond and discuss.
Online
Our Online Self Paced courses allow you to learn new skills from our expert instructors, in your own time and at your own pace. Our flexible online learning platform allows you to access content on your computer, tablet or mobile device, whether you’re on the move or at home. All our online courses come with immediate access and you can start learning straight away, from any internet enabled compatible device.
We also offer online email support from our expert instructors, so they’re always on hand and happy to help you with any questions which may arise.
Why choose NILC for your training?
Award-Winning Training with Industry-Leading Customer Satisfaction
Trusted Training Partner by Colleges, Government Organisations and Businesses
UK-Based Trainers with Real-World Industry Experience
Family-Run Business with Customer Service at Its Core
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot with 950+ Customer Reviews
Our learners rate us 'Excellent' on Trustpilot
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Exam Pass Guarantee gives you additional support if you do not pass your exam after attending the training course. If you are unsuccessful, you can attend the same training course again free of charge.
Please note that the guarantee covers only the cost of retaking the training. You will need to pay the examination fee set by the examination board when resitting your exam. You will also need to reuse any course materials or books provided during your original training, as replacement materials may incur an additional charge.
The course is ideal for beginners, job seekers, people returning to work, and anyone who wants to build confidence using common workplace IT applications. It is also suitable for learners seeking a recognised entry-level IT qualification.
No formal qualifications or previous Microsoft Office experience are required. However, some basic experience using a computer, keyboard and mouse will be helpful. The course is designed to build your skills and confidence from a Foundation level.
You will develop practical skills across three key areas: Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Presentations. You will learn how to create and edit documents, organise and manipulate spreadsheet data and create presentations to communicate information effectively.
You will learn how to enter and edit text, format characters and paragraphs, work with tables, adjust page layouts, check documents and prepare documents for printing.
You will learn how to create and manage spreadsheets, enter and edit data, use basic functions and formulas, format cells, rows and columns, create charts and prepare spreadsheets for printing.
You will learn how to create and manage presentations, enter and edit information, format slides and prepare presentations for display or printing.
You will complete separate 45-minute certification assessments in Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Presentations. The assessments let you perform tasks in the live applications, allowing you to demonstrate your practical software skills.
Yes. The course includes mock examinations and official certification assessments for all three modules. You will also receive course notes and practice files to help you prepare for the assessments.
Yes. ICDL Level 1 provides a strong foundation for progressing to ICDL Level 2, where you can develop more advanced workplace IT and Microsoft Office skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Exam Pass Guarantee gives you additional support if you do not pass your exam after attending the training course. If you are unsuccessful, you can attend the same training course again free of charge.
Please note that the guarantee covers only the cost of retaking the training. You will need to pay the examination fee set by the examination board when resitting your exam. You will also need to reuse any course materials or books provided during your original training, as replacement materials may incur an additional charge.
The course is ideal for beginners, job seekers, people returning to work, and anyone who wants to build confidence using common workplace IT applications. It is also suitable for learners seeking a recognised entry-level IT qualification.
No formal qualifications or previous Microsoft Office experience are required. However, some basic experience using a computer, keyboard and mouse will be helpful. The course is designed to build your skills and confidence from a Foundation level.
You will develop practical skills across three key areas: Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Presentations. You will learn how to create and edit documents, organise and manipulate spreadsheet data and create presentations to communicate information effectively.
You will learn how to enter and edit text, format characters and paragraphs, work with tables, adjust page layouts, check documents and prepare documents for printing.
You will learn how to create and manage spreadsheets, enter and edit data, use basic functions and formulas, format cells, rows and columns, create charts and prepare spreadsheets for printing.
You will learn how to create and manage presentations, enter and edit information, format slides and prepare presentations for display or printing.
You will complete separate 45-minute certification assessments in Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Presentations. The assessments let you perform tasks in the live applications, allowing you to demonstrate your practical software skills.
Yes. The course includes mock examinations and official certification assessments for all three modules. You will also receive course notes and practice files to help you prepare for the assessments.
Yes. ICDL Level 1 provides a strong foundation for progressing to ICDL Level 2, where you can develop more advanced workplace IT and Microsoft Office skills.
Trusted By
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