What is ICDL?
The International Computer Driving License is a world-wide standard certificate of competency in computing applications commonly used in work and school environments.
- Helps candidates understand those programs better, with a functional competency
- Offers background enabling the faster learning of other programs
- Provides background making a worker or student a more effective user of computer applications in general
The certificate is acquired by passing a series of tests based on the seven modules of ICDL. The knowledge necessary to successfully pass these tests is provided in a published syllabus, and can be obtained in part from an online course offered as part of the "Ohio Package," and may be obtained through a variety of public and private institutions around Ohio (list of current testing and program centers). More than 6 million individuals in more than 130 countries around the world either have achieved their certificates or are currently engaged in acquiring it.
Check out this brief (5 minute) video introduction to ICDL:
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Definition of Standard "Computing Skills:" Seven (7) Modules of the ICDL
If you are already taking courses - or planning to take courses - in basic computing skills - the ICDL defines a standard for "basic computing skills," plus it offers an internationally recognized certificate proving that skill level. The seven essential topics of basic computing, as defined by ICDL (see sub-topics in each module) include:
Click for a full detailed outline of the range of subjects covered. Also, a more graphic representation of topics in each module is available.
ICDL Modules & Included Topics (in detail). Each Module title is linked to the detailed syllabus outline for that module:
| Module |
Concepts covered in each module |
1. Basic IT Concepts
|
General Concepts |
Hardware |
Software |
Networks |
Everyday Life |
Health, Safety |
Security |
Copyright |
2. Operating System; File Mgmt
|
Computer Environment |
Desktop |
Managing Files |
Viruses |
Printing |
|
|
|
| 3. Word Processing |
1st steps, settings |
Selecting, editing data |
Formatting |
Tables, graphics |
Mail Merge |
Outputs |
|
|
| 4. Spreadsheets |
1st steps, settings |
Cells |
Worksheets |
Formulas, functions |
Formatting |
Charts, graphs |
Output prep, printing |
|
| 5. Presentations |
1st steps, settings |
Planning |
Text, images |
Charts, graphs, graphics |
Special effects |
Outputs; printing; presentation |
|
|
| 6. Databases |
Concepts, 1st steps, settings |
Tables |
Forms |
Retrieving information |
Reports |
Outputs |
|
|
7. Internet; Email
|
Navigation |
Searching |
E-mail |
Messaging |
Mail Mgmt. |
|
|
|
 The ICDL "Ohio Package"
| When you register for the Ohio Package of the ICDL, here is what you get: |
- Candidate number
- Access to the package for 2 years from the date of sign-up
- A complete online course - approximately 50 hours of content - available from any computer with access to the Internet, covering all seven ICDL topic areas
- Detailed diagnostic tests - with 60-80 questions per each of the seven ICDL modules - with helpful feedback about strengths and weaknesses based on responses to the questions
- Set of multipage Quick Reference Cards - on sturdy card stock - one for each of the seven modules
- Seven tests - each with a time allotment of 45 minutes - one for each of the modules. Test may be taken one or more per session. Tests must be taken at an official ICDL Testing Center (proctors and security rules apply) - scheduling is at the discretion of each center. Results of testing are delivered immediately at the end of each test.
- Two re-tests (additional re-tests are available at extra cost)
|
Cost of these services outside Ohio, selected separately, is about $250.
Ohio citizens' special price: $80.00 |
Origins of ICDL
In the early 1990's an international consortium of professional computing societies (CEPIS) saw the need for a formalized approach to defining and teaching basic computing principles, tools and operations. Out of their efforts came a new organization (ECDL-F) and a comprehensive open standard outline of essential fundamental computing knowledge, known as the International Computer Driving License (ICDL).
The ICDL was developed initially in Europe in the mid-1990's. Business managers and educators had begun to see that - while many people were getting training - there was no way to predict the information taught in that training, and no ability to determine whether the trainee had actually absorbed the information.
So a consortium of professional societies created a special foundation to build a syllabus - a detailed description of knowledge that should be taught - covering seven topics essential for basic computing competency, along with a complete set of diagnostics and other materials. Finally, they created a set of seven tests that assessed the fundamental and functional understanding of what are considered the basic functions required for effective work or school. These tests became the ICDL. Since the program was introduced, is has been adopted in more than 130 countries around the world, and more than 6 million people have either achieved - or are working currently to acquire - their ICDL.
At heart ICDL is not a training exercise - it is an outcome. The ICDL Ohio Package (described above) gives access to the test and a special group of education tools at the lowest possible price. An individual can go through the program as a self-study - or combine it with courses available from a large group of Ohio community colleges and other community providers.
Regardless of where or how you get your knowledge, you can prove what you know by taking the ICDL certification tests at an Authorized Testing Center in Ohio, and acquiring your ICDL certificate.
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