ECDL Advanced & ECDL Expert (MQF Level 4)
The European Computer Driving Licence Advanced is a higher-level programme that builds on the skills covered in the ECDL qualification.
ECDL Advanced is the logical progression for Candidates who have achieved the ECDL certificate and who wish to further enhance their ICT skills and to demonstrate their competence in using a computer at a higher level.
The ECDL Advanced programme consists of four modules:
- AM3 Word Processing - This module requires Candidates to produce advanced word processing outputs, illustrating sophisticated typographical, formatting and layout presentations, including tables, forms and graphics. Candidates will be required to use tools like macros and advanced mail merge options within the word processing application.
- AM4 Spreadsheets - This module requires Candidates to edit and enhance numeric, text and graphical data, and to sort, query and link data. Candidates will be expected to use logical, statistical and mathematical functions. Ability to use analysis and audit tools is required, as is the ability to record and run macros.
- AM5 Database - This module requires Candidates to use the database to organise, extract, view and report on data using advanced data management skills. Candidates will understand the variety of ways that data can be related and organised, and to import, export and link data.
- AM6 Presentation - This module requires Candidates to understand and apply the principal consideration in planning a presentation. Outputs utilising advanced formatting and layout techniques are required, along with the use of multimedia effects. Candidates will create advanced charts and graphs, and enhance the presentation using drawing and image tools.
The ECDL Advanced modules give Candidates the opportunity to become expert in the use of these applications, acquiring skills sets over and above the routine features of the software.
Benefits of ECDL Advanced
ECDL Advanced Candidates can demonstrate that they are:
- Organised and efficient
- More productive
- Capable of confidently exploiting the full potential of the applications
- Expert at producing attractive, professional-quality outputs
The ECDL Advanced qualification is:
- Internationally-recognised
- A demonstration of certified advanced skills
- Backed by the reputation of the ECDL certification
How does the ECDL Advanced programme work?
Each Advanced module has been designed as a stand-alone certification in each respective area and Candidates who successfully complete a module will be certified as Advanced users in that application.
When Candidates register to sit for an ECDL Advanced test they purchase an Advanced Registration Number. This is a unique number that is specific for the particular ECDL Advanced test applied for. A unique Advanced Registration Number is required for each ECDL Advanced test. The Advanced Registration Number fee incorporates the issue of the ECDL Advanced certificate.
Advanced Registration Numbers may be purchased from any accredited ECDL Advanced Test Centre. Only an accredited Test Centre can carry out testing and issue Advanced Registration Numbers. Test Centres are approved and monitored by ECDL Malta.
Unlike the ECDL qualification, a separate ECDL Advanced certificate is issued for each successfully completed test.
Syllabi
Each ECDL Advanced module follows a standard syllabus. The syllabi have been developed with inputs from the ECDL Foundation expert working groups and through consultation with courseware providers and end-users.
The ECDL Advanced Syllabi 2 are available in PDF format.
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF files on your system.
Training
Usually the Candidate will undertake training on each ECDL Advanced module prior to taking the test, although this is not compulsory. The amount of training will depend on the Candidate's skills levels and the training provider chosen. Some Candidates may feel competent enough in one area to forego training and move onto testing immediately, while others may require full training prior to testing. There are various training materials (books, CDs etc.) approved by ECDL Malta.
Courseware
There are a number of approved ECDL Advanced courseware providers who produce materials for teaching and learning the knowledge and skills prescribed in the ECDL syllabus. Below is a list of approved courseware providers for Malta:
Tests
- All ECDL Advanced tests are undertaken on automated testing software at an accredited ECDL Test Centre. Candidates undertake a test on a computer, which then automatically assesses the candidates' performance, and provides immediate pass/fail feedback to both the centre and the candidates. The use of automated testing simplifies the testing and administration procedures in a test centre, and makes it very efficient.
- The duration of each test is 60 minutes. No books or other help may be used during the tests.
- The pass mark for each module is set to be 75%.
- Candidates failing ECDL Advanced tests are allowed to retake different test versions of the same module at the same Test Centre. Candidates are encouraged to attempt the sample test papers before taking tests. Candidates are strongly encouraged to liaise with the ECDL Test Centre to sit for mock/diagnostic tests.
- Candidates who are not satisfied with the assessment process of their ECDL Advanced test are encouraged to discuss their concerns with the Test Centre. If they are not satisfied with the outcome of these discussions, they are encouraged to send an email/letter to ECDL Malta explaining their concerns.
Sample Tests
In order to download the ECDL Sample Paper files to your PC, do the following:
- Select the ECDL Sample Paper link provided below
- In the dialogue box that appears, select "Open this file from its current location"
- In the dialogue box that appears, select the required path to extract files to.(e.g. C:/My Documents)
- This will extract all the files into the chosen folder above (you may require a compressed folder extraction tool e.g. jZip)
- In this folder, open the files and follow instructions.
The following sample test papers are based on MS Office 2003*:
The following sample test papers are based on MS Office 2007*:
The following sample test papers are based on MS Office 2010*:
*All ECDL Advanced tests are taken on automated testing software. It is strongly recommended that Candidates contact the Test Centre and make arrangements to undertake diagnostic/mock tests before sitting for Advanced tests.
The above sample tests are being provided for revision purposes and to familiarise the candidate with typical test questions.
Certification
A separate certificate is awarded for every successful completed ECDL Advanced test. The certificate will NOT be issued immediately by the Test Centre. ECDL Malta will issue the certificate and pass this on to the Test Centre where the test was held. Candidates will collect the certificate from the Test Centre where they had sat for the test. The fee involved in issuing the ECDL Advanced certificate is incorporated in the cost of the Advanced Registration Number.
Candidates are awarded an ECDL Expert Certificate upon successful completion of all ECDL Advanced modules (AM3, AM4, AM5 & AM6). The Expert Certificate is referenced to Level Four of the Malta Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning ...more information.
ECDL Malta will issue the ECDL Expert certificate and pass this on to the Test Centre where the last test was held. Candidates will collect the certificate from the Test Centre where they had sat for the last test. The ECDL Expert Certificate is awarded at no cost.
How to get Started
Contact one of the locally accredited ECDL Advanced Test Centres.
Last updated: 02-Mar-13
