International Computer Driving License (ICDL)

What is an ICDL?
The ICDL is an end-user standard out-and-out. No programming is taught. However, obtaining the ICDL is not trivial. To obtain the ICDL a student must demonstrate practical proficiency in each of the most commonly used software tools. The student has to pass all seven modules at a very high level – as high as 80%. The standards for the ICDL have been set jointly by the major European Computer Societies. In Europe it is known as the European Computer Driving Licence. The ICDL is the only European Union recognised IT qualification at present. Worldwide it is administered by the European Computer Driving Licence Foundation. In Africa it is administered by ICDL Africa, a non-profit body established by the CSSA (Computer Society of South Africa).

About the Course

• Basic Concepts - covers vocabulary, applications and use of computers, IT and society and other general issues. 
• Using the computer and managing files -deals mostly with the use of the operating system. The test is a practical one. 
• Word Processing - this module requires all the usual skills, plus doing such advanced tasks as mail-merge and integration with spreadsheets and graphics. The test is a practical one. 
• Spreadsheets - this requires a thorough familiarity with spreadsheet use. The test is a practical one. 
• Databases - again the test is practical. 
• Presentation Tools- again a practical test. 
• Information and Communication- the use of electronic mail and information retrieval. The automated test is a multiple choice test, followed by a practical one. 

How do I get my ICDL?   

In the case of large companies, the training is often done in-house. Volvo has 14 000 staff members training for the ICDL, Danske Bank 10 000. In South Africa, large companies such as Sanlam and the Post Office train their own staff for the ICDL.

Students may be recalled by the ICDL Foundation to have the tests repeated under direct ICDL supervision.

Student who wish to do so, may send in their Skills Log Book after completing four (any four) modules to get an ICDL "START" certificate.  

Benefits of the ICDL
Today, computer skills are increasingly important to people in all walks of life. The ICDL is an information technology certificate for all citizens. It is intended for those who need to, or wish to, know how to use a personal computer. It is suitable for people from every work discipline, for people entering the job market, and for all ages. Some of the benefits of the ICDL are that it provides:
An IT skills qualification for everyone;

• Able to deliver a flexible, modular program, accessible to all;
• A model for education and training in the Information Society;
• A highly effective training delivery model;
• Provides an essential qualification that allows all people to be part of the Information Society world-wide;
• Facilitates increased mobility across the workforce and wider community;
• The same standards and testing methods throughout the world.

What are the benefits to the individual?
ICDL / ECDL is designed to help people in their everyday computing tasks both at home and at work.  It confirms to potential employers that the person has a recognised, relevant and up-to-date qualification.  For those new to computers ICDL / ECDL will provide a solid foundation of computer skills to competently and confidently use computers.

How does this help the employer?
A company intent on improving the computer skills of the workforce will want to ensure that there is a positive return on investment.  ICDL / ECDL helps to provide proof of computer skills competency of employees that can translate into increased efficiency, improved customer service and reduced costs.

Who recognizes the ICDL?
The ICDL is recognised by the following organisations:

• Large companies
  ABSA Bank, Mutual & Federal, African Products, Nashua, Bell Equipment, Red Cross Society, Buffalo City Municipality, Rennies Textile,Concor Holdings, Reserve Bank, De Beers amongst many more…
• Universities
  ICS Makerere University, University of Dar-es-Salaam, MEDUNSA: Medical University of SA, University of Namibia, UWC: University of the Western Cape, University of Natal, WITS: University of the Witwatersrand, University of Zululand, Rhodes University ,  Uganda Christian University , UNISA: University of South Africa amongst many more...
• Tech Nikons
  Border Technikon, Peninsula Technikon, Cape Technikon, Port Elizabeth Technikon, Durban Institute of Technology, Tanzanian Commission for Science & Technology, Eastern Cape Technikon , Technikon Pretoria, Natal Technikon ,Vaal TriangleTechnikon
• Colleges 
  Alberton College, Mobeni FET, Institute, Amal. Phatsimang, Namcol, Athlone College, Northern Cape College, Boland College,  Northern Province, Community College, Capricorn FET College, Cida City Campus, Roodepoort College amongst many more….
• Schools
  Abbotts College, Penryn College, Alexander Road High, Pietermaritzburg, Girls’ High ,Amanzimtoti High, Pinetown Girls’ High, Aurora Private School, Pioneer High, Baysville Secondary School, Port Shepstone High, Boksburg High, Roshnee Islamic School, Bridgehouse College, Rustenburg Girls’ High, Cambridge High, Rustenburg High, Carter High, San Souci Girls High, Centurion Academy, Selborne College, Collegiate Girls' High School, Sifundzani High, Crawford College, Siraatu Haq Islamic School, Crawford Preparatory, Somerset College, Creston College, Springfield Convent, Dairnfern College, St Alban’s College, Danville Park Girls High, St Andrews College amongst