ECDL (MQF Level 3)
European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), known as ICDL outside Europe, is the global standard in end-user computer skills, offering Candidates an internationally recognised certification that is supported by governments, computer societies, international organisations and commercial corporations globally.
ECDL is the world's largest end-user computer skills certification programme, with more than 12 million Candidates in 148 countries.
ECDL raises the level of ICT and computer skills and allows Candidates to be more productive at home and at work. ECDL also improves job prospects by providing an internationally recognised qualification. With a superior syllabus - uniquely validated to ensure that it is always relevant, up-to-date and meaningful - Candidates can be confident that ECDL offers a certification of unrivalled quality.
What is it?
ECDL is a test of practical skills and competencies and consists of seven separate modules covering computer theory and practice. To achieve an ECDL / ICDL certification, the Candidate must successfully pass a test in all seven modules.
ECDL Module 1 is a theoretical test of computing knowledge at a general level and modules 2-7 are practical skills tests, as follows:
- Module 1 - Concepts of Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
- Module 2 - Using the Computer & Managing Files
- Module 3 - Word Processing
- Module 4 - Spreadsheets
- Module 5 - Using Databases
- Module 6 - Presentation
- Module 7 - Web Browsing & Communication
Who is ECDL for?
The ECDL programme is for anyone who needs to demonstrate to an international standard that they are fully competent in the use of a personal computer and common computer applications and that they know the essential concepts of Information Technology.
Prospective Candidates should ideally have used computers and the common software applications before. Other programmes are also available for those with other requirements. Alternatively, Candidates who have never used computers before, may be interested in our EqualSkills programme.
Benefits of ECDL
Today, computer skills are increasingly important to people in all walks of life. ECDL is an information technology certificate for all citizens. It is intended for those who need to, or wish to, know how to use a personal computer. It is suitable for people from every work discipline, for people entering the job market, and for all ages.
Benefits for Candidates:
- Increases essential ICT knowlege/skills
- Increases confidence in computer use
- Provides internationally-recognised qualification
- Improves job prospects and job mobility
- Provides a platform from which to move on to higher-level ICT education
Benefits for Employers:
- Increases productivity
- Reduces costs
- Increases the quality of employee output
- Reduces time wasted
- Makes better use of ICT resources
- Provides a better return on ICT investment
Registering to start ECDL
When Candidates register to start the ECDL certification process they purchase an ECDL Registration Number*. This is a unique number that is used for all ECDL Core tests. ECDL Registration Numbers may be purchased from any accredited ECDL Test Centre. Only an accredited Test Centre can carry out testing and issue the ECDL Registration Numbers. Test Centres are approved and monitored by ECDL Malta.
*The ECDL Registration Number replaces the Skills Card. The Skills Card was an A4 sheet used to record all successfully completed modules. Starting from 1st February 2013, all Candidates starting the ECDL Core will be allocated an ECDL Registration Number instead of the Skills Card. Existing Candidates who have purchased the Skills Card will continue using this.
Training
ECDL training is delivered through a variety of media, including traditional classroom based, instructor-led methods, and self-directed, assignment or multimedia based training (CBT), which is usually a home study option. This latter method has proved to be most successful when learners are supported by a tutor or mentor to help with any queries.
Candidates are not however, required to do any training in order to achieve their ECDL. If they are competent in the syllabus content, they can contact an accredited ECDL test centre, purchase a skills card and sit the tests.
Courseware
There are a number of approved ECDL 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 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 45 minutes. No books or other help may be used during the tests.
- The pass mark for each module is set to be 75%.
- The seven tests may be taken in any sequence and at any time in any accredited ECDL Test Centre within 3 years, from the date of the first successful test. Candidates will need to purchase a new ECDL Registration Number or Skills Card and resit all tests if they do not manage to do all tests within the 3 year period.
- Candidates failing ECDL tests are allowed to retake different test versions of the same module at the same Test Centre. Candidates are encouraged to attempt the sample part 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 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.
Syllabus
All ECDL tests are based on Syllabus 5. Candidates who have not successfully completed all modules on Syllabus 4 by 30th September 2009 will need to continue their tests on Syllabus 5. Candidates are not required to restart the qualification and sit for all tests on Syllabus 5.
The syllabus version printed on the ECDL certificate will reflect the majority of modules completed i.e. a candidate that completes 4 modules with Syllabus 5, will be awarded an ECDL Syllabus 5 certificate.
ECDL Syllabus V5.0 is available in PDF format.
A document with a brief description of the main changes between Syllabus 5 and the previous Syllabus 4 for each module is available in PDF format.
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF files on your system.
Sample Part 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.
ECDL Sample Part Test Papers:
*All ECDL tests 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 tests.
The above sample tests are being provided for revision purposes and to familiarise the candidate with typical test questions.
Certification
The ECDL Certificate is awarded when all seven module tests have been successfully completed. The ECDL certificate awarded is referenced to Level Three of the Malta Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning ...more information.
The ECDL 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 last test was held. Candidates will collect the certificate from the Test Centre where they had sat for their last test. The fee involved in issuing the ECDL certificate is incorporated in the cost of the ECDL Registration Number or Skills Card.
Candidates have the option of requesting an ECDL Start certificate after having successfully completed any four modules of the ECDL programme. Candidates will still have the option of obtaining the full certificate once all modules have been passed. However, this will only be issued against an additional charge as indicated by the Test Centre.
How to get Started
Contact one of the locally accredited ECDL Test Centres.
Last updated: 02-Mar-13
