The ECDL / ICDL certification is a globally recognised information and communication technology (ICT) and digital literacy qualification. According to the ECDL Foundation, the ECDL/ICDL certification is recognized and supported by national governments, computer societies (such as the BCS and ICS), international organizations and private corporations.

In 1995, the ECDL certification programme was developed through a task force of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) and was recommended by the EU Commission High Level Group, ESDIS, to be a Europe-wide certification scheme.  In addition, the project receives funding and is indirectly supported by the EU Commission through ESPRIT and the Leonardo da Vinci program.

Candidates

The ECDL / ICDL certification is available in 148 countries (including Jamaica) and in 42 languages. As of 2011, ECDL Foundation has issued more than 11 million ECDL / ICDL skills cards. ECDL Foundation markets the certification programme to people who need to demonstrate their full competence in the use of a PC and common computer applications, and knowledge of the essential concepts of the information technology. Prospective candidates are expected to have used computers and have seen some of the common software applications before. Programmes are also available for candidates with other skill requirements. ECDL Foundation claims increased productivity and job prospects improvement as among the benefits of the certification, which is provided by a local test center for a fee.

The ECDL/ICDL certification

According to the ECDL Foundation, the ECDL / ICDL is a test of practical skills and competencies and consists of seven separate modules covering computer theory and practice[6]. To achieve an ECDL / ICDL certification, the candidate must successfully pass a test in all seven modules. These are:

1. Concepts of information technology

2. Using the computer and managing files

3. Word processing

4. Spreadsheets

5. Databases

6. Presentations

7. Information and communication

In recent years, ECDL Foundation has introduced six additional ECDL / ICDL modules. These are:

8. 2D Computer Aided Design

9. Image Editing

10. Web Editing

11. Health Information Systems Usage

12. IT Security

13. Project Planning

Modules 8 to 13 are not yet available in all countries offering the ECDL / ICDL certification.

ECDL Advanced

The advanced course ("ECDL Advanced") has four sections, each a qualification in its own right:

• Word processing
• Spreadsheets
• Databases
• Presentation

Learn more about ICDL here or find free online study resources.

Fore more information about the ICDL program in Jamaica contact: