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The European Computer Driving Licence

What is the ECDL?

The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is a qualification in personal computing skills that is standardised and recognised through-out Europe. It consists of 7 IT modules which you can complete in any order in your own time (you have up to three years to take all 7 exams in order to gain the ECDL). The modules are designed to equip you with a reasonable level of competency in carrying out a variety of office tasks on a PC. No prior computer skills are needed to start your studies for the ECDL as all support and tuition can be provided.

The Modules

We provide an initial induction session in which you will learn some basic computing skills before starting on the modules. Although you can sit the modules in any order, we will recommend completing some of the key modules first as they will then make learning the others easier.

Concepts of Information Technology

This is a theoretical module in which you learn general IT (Information Technology) concepts including what computers are and their uses in everyday life.

Using the Computer and Managing Files

This module teaches you how to carry out common tasks on your PC. Topics include using Windows, dealing with problems with your computer and organising files.

Word Processing

This module teaches you to use a Word Processor (Microsoft Word) to produce, store and print all sort of documents such as letters, reports, fliers and so on. Topics range from the basics of typing and formatting text to using templates and using the mail merge feature.

Information & Communication

This module is split into two sections, information in which you learn how to use the Internet to locate and use information and communication in which you learn to use an e-mail package to communicate via the Internet.

Presentation

This module teaches you to create computer-based presentations (using Microsoft PowerPoint). Topics range from producing a basic set of slides which can be printed out to producing a full multi-media on-screen presentation with animation effects, notes and handouts.

Spreadsheets

This module teaches you to use a spreadsheet application (Microsoft Excel) Topics covered range from entering data and basic calculations to analysing and presenting data using excels built in functions and graphs and charts.

Database

This module teaches you about the uses of databases and how to design and build your own databases. Following the latest ECDL syllabus (4), you will learn to develop fully functional relational databases. N.B. We can also teach the syllabus 3 version which is aimed more towards operating databases than developing them.

Assessment

When completed, each module is assessed in a 45 minute test. Concepts of Information Technology is a multiple choice test, the others are a mixture of theory questions and practical tasks. Before sitting an exam for a module we will provide you with plenty of sample questions and a mock exam.

As you pass exams, your logbook (used to record your progress through the modules) is updated. Once you have completed all of the modules the logbook is exchanged for an ECDL certificate and card.

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