What is ECDL?

ECDL stands for European Computer Driving Licence.  There is also an ICDL certification which stands for International Computer Driving Licence.  However, except for the title, there is no difference between the two, it is just that non-European countries refer to this certification as ICDL, whilst European countries refer to it as ECDL.   

ECDL is the first certification in personal computing skills to be recognised throughout the European Union.  In fact, this certificate is globally recognised as the world’s leading computer skills certification because it proves that you have the competencies necessary to use a computer and to use common computer applications.  As such, the ECDL course provides students with the necessary IT skills and abilities needed in a modern world.  It will motivate further learning and allow you to build on your existing knowledge.  Needless to say, it will also improve your employability prospects in a wide range of fields and industries. 

Who is ECDL for?

As a course, ECDL is perfect for anyone wishing to gain a good basic understanding of computer use and the most common software packages such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.  As well as this it will give you a basic understanding of IT security.  It is ideal for those who are contemplating a career in administration and already have some IT experience, but it is also suitable for beginners. 

Depending on how far you want to take the ECDL qualification, the course may take several weeks to complete.  It would, however, be well worth the effort in terms of your career prospects.  For more on the benefits of gaining this qualification (and there are many!!!) look out for my post; ‘What are the benefits of gaining an ECDL Qualification?’

What does the ECDL Course Involve?

There are 3 possible Levels to the ECDL course.  I have listed the outlines of each of them below, together with a brief explanation of what you would gain from completing each Level.

ECDL Level 1

This is a four-day award level course that introduces you to core IT user skills and applications that are currently used in most businesses globally.  By completing this qualification, you will develop the IT user knowledge and skills you need to work productively in an administrative job role.  The course outline is as follows:

Word Processing

• Enter and Insert Information
• Edit Text
• Combine and Edit Information
• Formatting Paragraphs
• Formatting Characters
• Tables
• Page Layout
• Checking Documents
• Printing

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

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

ECDL Level 2

This is a six-day certificate level course that will improve your understanding of the use of the software applications you were introduced to in Level 1.  You will learn how to use them efficiently by completing four specific level 2 units from the ITQ (Information Technology Qualification) framework:

Word Processing

• Working with Documents
• Enhancing Productivity
• Enter Text
• Select, Edit
• Text
• Paragraphs
• Styles
• Table Creation
• Table Formatting
• Graphical Objects
• Preparation
• Outputs
• Setup
• Check and Print

Spreadsheets

• Working with Spreadsheets
• Enhancing Productivity
• Insert, Select
• Edit, Sort
• Copy, Move, Delete
• Rows and Columns
• Worksheets
• Arithmetic Formulas
• Functions
• Numbers / Dates
• Contents
• Alignments, Border Effects
• Create
• Edit
• Setup
• Check and Print

Presentations

• Working with Presentations
• Enhancing Productivity
• Presentation Views
• Slides
• Master Slide
• Handling Text
• Formatting
• Lists
• Tables
• Using Charts
• Organisation Charts
• Insert, Manipulate
• Drawing
• Preparation
• Check and Deliver

Improving Productivity

• Enhancing productivity with Word Processing
• Enhancing productivity with Spreadsheets
• Enhancing productivity with Presentations

ECDL Advanced Level 3

This is a fourteen-day course that covers high level IT user skills and applications.  By completing this higher-level qualification, you will develop the advanced IT user knowledge and skills you need to work productively in a managerial job role.  The course outline is below:

Word Processing

• Text
• Paragraphs
• Styles
• Columns
• Tables
• Captions, Footnotes and Endnotes
• Reference Tables and Indexes
• Bookmarks and Cross-References
• Using Fields
• Forms, Templates
• Mail Merge
• Linking, Embedding
• Automation
• Tracking and Review
• Master Documents
• Security
• Sections
• Document Setup

Spreadsheets

• Cells
• Worksheets
• Using Formulas and Functions
• Creating Charts
• Formatting Charts
• Using Tables
• Sorting and Filtering
• Scenarios
• Validating
• Auditing
• Naming Cells
• Paste Special
• Templates
• Linking, Embedding and Importing
• Automation
• Tracking and Review
• Security

Presentations

• Audience and Environment
• Design, Content and Layout
• Slide Masters
• Templates
• Formatting Drawn Objects
• Formatting Pictures, Images
• Handing Graphical Objects
• Using Charts
• Using Diagrams
• Movies, Sound
• Animation
• Linking, Embedding
• Importing, Exporting
• Custom Shows
• Slide Show Settings
• Slide Show Control

Database

• Database Development and Use
• Fields / Columns
• Relationships and Joins
• Query Types
• Refining a Query
• Controls
• Presentation
• Linking, Importing
• Automation

Improving Productivity

• Enhancing productivity with Word Processing
• Enhancing productivity with Spreadsheets
• Enhancing productivity with Presentations

Are there any entry requirements to study ECDL?

There are no specific entry requirements to study ECDL and it is suitable for all ages.  All you really need is a basic understanding of computers and an enthusiasm to learn.  Good Luck!