Continued ICDL achievements reported

ICDL/ECDL reached the 7 million participants mark in quarter 2 of 2007. So, ICDL continues to be the largest computer user skills certification program in the world. It operates on all continents and has 146 countries with active programs. Wow! When ICDL Canada and its Authorized Test Centres started about ten years ago, with only ICDL CORE Certification for computer users, there were just 14 countries.

Follow this link if you wish to read more about 7 million candidates for ICDL computer user skills certification

The worldwide program now offers many computer user certification programs and increased offerings in Canada include:

ICDL CORE

The flagship certification program continues to be the ICDL now referred to ICDL CORE when distinction from other ICDL programs is needed. We say that ICDL defines ‘what you really need to know and be able to do to be seen as competent in a work place or to be computer skilled for learning in higher education’. You would want this level of skill if you re leaving school to go to work or to college or university. Many institutions grant credits and/or advanced standing for incoming students with ICDL CORE Certification.

ICDL START

This computer user skills certificate is awarded if four modules of the ICDL CORE Syllabus are successfully achieved. It is sometimes used when a minimum certification is desired by an employer or as a prerequisite in a course at college or university. In such cases the specific modules could be selected by the employer or institution. (In any case ICDL START requires specific registration if the certificate is to be issued.)

ICDL ADVANCED

This certification is for those who already have their ICDL CORE certificate. They and their employer want them to attain and prove they have ‘power user’ level of skills in one or more areas: word-processing, spreadsheets, database, or presentations. Each module is validated independently and once any test is passed a module-specific Advanced Certificate is provided. If someone actually does all four ICDL ADVANCED modules their achievement is recognized with an ICDL Expert Certificate.

e-Citizen

This is the most recent computer user skills certificate in ICDL Canada. If you achieve the e-Citizen Certificate you have mastered three units designed for those who wish to participate in the information society with confidence and understanding. Computers and the Internet are now a part of daily life and we all need to be able to use them to perform simple everyday tasks like finding a job advertised through the Internet, using online banking, or purchasing goods and services.

Not only is the Internet a valuable tool for communicating and finding information, but more and more organizations and government departments are using the Internet to provide information and services. Those without Internet skills are in danger of being left behind.

While you may be familiar with the Internet, there are many people who are not. If you know someone, a relative or friend, who doesn’t currently use the Internet, why not recommend e-Citizen for them. It is very affordable and attainable.

e-Citizen is the ideal solution as it allows the candidate to learn about the Internet without requiring prior computer knowledge. Having an e-Citizen certificate is also a great start for those who subsequently want to reach the ICDL CORE Certification level.

Which computer user skills certification suits your needs?