The European Computer Driving Licence
General
Information
The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)1 certifies that the holder has knowledge
of the basic concepts of Information Technology (IT) and is able to use a personal
computer and common computer applications at a basic level of competence. In
practice the ECDL certificate indicates that the holder has passed one theoretical
test that assesses his or her knowledge of the basic concepts of Information
Technology (IT), and six practice-based tests which assess the holder’s basic
competence in using a personal computer and working with common computer applications.
The European Computer Driving Licence is an internationally accepted certificate. It can simplify employment procedures and assure the employer that applicants and staff have the necessary level of knowledge and competence to use common computer applications. The ECDL is a certificate of knowledge and proven competence and is based on a single agreed Syllabus.
The overall objective of the ECDL programme is an improvement in the level of basic knowledge about Information Technology (IT) and a higher level of basic competence in using personal computers and common computer applications throughout Europe and internationally.
The ECDL is deployed and monitored by the European Computer Driving Licence Foundation (ECDL-F). The role of the Foundation is to promote and co-ordinate the development of the ECDL concept. The ECDL-F is the guarantor of the ECDL standard and the Foundation ensures that the ECDL is administered in an equitable manner throughout Europe and internationally. Its role has now developed to cover the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL).
Objectives of the ECDL
To
promote and encourage computer literacy for all
To
raise the level of knowledge about Information Technology (IT) and the
level of competence
in using personal computers and common computer applications for all citizens
within Europe and internationally
To
ensure all computer users understand best practices and the advantages
of using a personal computer
To
increase the productivity of all employees who need to use computers in
their work
To
enable better returns from investments in Information Technology (IT)
To
provide a basic qualification which will allow all people, regardless of
their background,
to be part of the Information society
Today, computer skills are increasingly important to people in all walks of life. The ECDL 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 ECDL are that it provides: