The ECDL Qualification is recognised throughout Europe (and across the rest of the World as the ICDL - International Computer Driving Licence) as a certified standard for Computer and Information Technology User skills.

The ECDL scheme offers an invaluable and transferable qualification for individuals seeking employment, or advancement in posts where office IT skills are required.

The ECDL Syllabus is designed to cover the key concepts of computing, as well as the practical office PC applications and their use in both the workplace and the wider social environment. It is broken down into seven modules (see below). A test for each must be passed before the ECDL Certificate is awarded. The addition of the 8th Module is required to achieve IT User at Level 2.

The full list of ECDL Syllabus 5 Modules:

·         Module 1 – Security for IT Users

·         Module 2 – IT User Fundamentals

·         Module 3 – Word Processing

·         Module 4 – Spreadsheet Software

·         Module 5 – Database Software

·         Module 6 – Presentation Software

·         Module 7 – Using E-Mail and the Internet

·         Module 8 – Improving Productivity using IT (The Additional Module for BCS IT User Level 2)

The basic ECDL qualification can be broken down in to two levels. These are known as ECDL Essentials and ECDL Extra.

ECDL Essentials

·         Module 1 – Security for IT Users

·         Module 2 – IT User Fundamentals

·         Module 7 – Using E-Mail and the Internet

ECDL Essentials is the BCS IT User Level 1 Qualification, which gains 12.5 performance points for schools.

ECDL Extra

·         Module 3 – Word Processing

·         Module 4 – Spreadsheet Software

·         Module 6 – Presentation Software

·         Module 8 – Improving Productivity using IT (The Additional Module for BCS IT User Level 2)

ECDL Extra is the BCS IT User Level 2 Qualification, which gains 46 performance points for schools.

Activ Training Ltd offers Syllabus 5 ECDL testing and training materials in Microsoft Office XP, 2003 and 2007 (Win XP and Vista). Please note that Activ Training Ltd do not offer testing for ECDL Advanced presently.

·         The latest ECDL Syllabus for the UK                               

·         Sample tests

·         Information on Becoming a test centre

·         Where to find your nearest test centre