29/01/2010
Drive Your Career forward with an ECDL
Computer literacy is a must-have for anyone who wants to get ahead in today's high-speed business world. You may have computer skills but perhaps you are not sure what level they fall into when you are updating that all-important CV?
Of course you know your way around a PC but will what you know meet the basic standards required by employers in various countries?
The European Computer Driving Licence provides a Europe-wide qualification of competence in the use of PC's.
The European Computer Driving Licence is a qualification for anyone who wants to certify their computer skills according to a Pan-European industry standard. Large multinationals have already adopted the licence, setting it as the standard they expect from employees.
Holding an ECDL certificate proves to potential employers and existing colleagues and clients, that you have knowledge of the basic concepts of IT, are able to use a PC and have achieved a basic level of competence in IT generally. It aids employers and job seekers in that it casts away any doubt about levels of competency as you either have the licence or you don't.
The European Computer Skills Card
The European Computer Driving Licence builds around a special user-friendly skills card that records the skills you have in each of seven computer-related modules. Candidates sit a general written IT theory exam and six practical modules. As you pass each module, the corresponding skill is noted in your card. A full card leads to the award of your licence.
The seven tests may be taken in any order and within two years.
The modules are
Basic Concepts of Information Technology
Using a Computer and Managing Files
Word Processing
Spreadsheets
Databases/Filing Systems
Presentations and Drawings
Information Network Services - the internet and e-mail
Northern Ireland Test Centres
The ECDL Ireland has authorised test centres around Northern Ireland, including schools, universities, and vocational colleges, as well as private and State-run training centres. Those with advanced computer skills do not have to sit the courses to be tested.
For a list of test centres in Northern Ireland, log onto www.bcs.org.uk
The ECDL is instantly recognised wherever you go and allows licence holders to seek work in all parts of Europe, confident that they have a commonly recognised level of competence.
For further information on the European Computer Driving Licence check out the ECDL UK website at www.bcs.org.uk/ecdl
