Europa

Volume 3 No 1 - 1999

The European Computer Driving Licence

Laurie Burbridge
Director of IT services, University of Exeter

 

1. INTRODUCTION

 

There is an increasing need for people to show that they have skills in information technology and that they are "IT literate". This is not a simple matter, as it is necessary to define the level of the IT skills that have been acquired. An important requirement is for such skills to be recognised by commercial companies and other institutions. Such a requirement can only be satisfied by some form of accredited IT training is required. There are a number of accreditation schemes available in individual countries throughout Europe, including the UK, but generally these are only recognised in the single country of origin. What is needed is a qualification which is recognised throughout Europe and this is what the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) provides. Indeed, it is the only IT qualification that allows an individual's level of competence to be recognised across national borders. As the labour force in Europe becomes increasingly mobile, and basic IT skills become a pre-requisite for an increased range of jobs, the importance of the ECDL is likely to increase rapidly.

 

Although the ECDL was the result of a European Union initiative, it has already spread to European countries which are outside the EU. It should be seen as an excellent example of high level collaboration and of what can be achieved through good trans-national co-operation.

 

The British Computer Society launched the ECDL in the UK in May 1998 and is taking the project very seriously. We believe that the ECDL is likely to prove popular with students and a pilot project is currently running at the University of Exeter. The aim is to move towards a position in which we are able to deliver the ECDL to large numbers of students. One key aspect of the ECDL is that it is possible to deliver the training required on-line and to use fully-automated computer-based testing. This allows the ECDL to be delivered to large numbers of people with only a relatively small number of staff.

 

The real success of the ECDL will come when it is recognised by employers; we are informed that some advertisements for posts in the Irish Republic now include the phrase "ECDL required".

 

2. BACKGROUND

The European Computer Driving Licence is a certificate indicating that its holder has successfully passed seven tests in the field of the Information Society and PC applications. One of the tests is theoretical and the other six tests are practical and cover the following areas:

  • Document Management
  • Text Processing
  • Spreadsheets
  • Data Bases
  • Presentation and Drawing
  • Networks, e-mail and Internet

 

The level of competence required is difficult to define. A candidate with no previous experience of information technology would probably require a one or two day training course in each of the above areas. Those using information technology on a daily basis are likely to be able to pass at least some of the tests with no further training. For more detailed information, the reader should consult the ECDL syllabus.

 

2.1 Main Features

The ECDL possesses several unique features:

  • The tests are performed directly on the target application, and exercise the skills required in daily usage of the PC.
  • There is independence from specific training systems and given products.
  • The objectiveness and scientific quality of the ECDL is guaranteed by a survey team and the ECDL Foundation located in Dublin.
  • It is a European de facto standard and has the active support from the Commission of the European Communities.

 

The ECDL is an initiative of the CEPIS, the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies with 20 member associations. Originating from the Finnish Computer Driving Licence, this concept has been developed and extended by the ECDL Working Group to make it a homogeneous product in all European countries. The ECDL Foundation is the co-ordination unit among countries in Europe which deploying the ECDL in their territories. It also administers the Licences and takes care of coherence, scientific quality, and version follow-up. The ECDL is partly financed by contracts from the CEC DG III (Industry). The ECDL as one of the 27 "Initiatives for Europe" in the framework of the co-operation between the CEC and Central/Eastern European countries.

 

2.2 Objectives of the ECDL

So why do we need such a thing as the European Computer Driving Licence? The objectives may be summarised as follows:

  • To raise the competence level of the whole population in the practical use of the PC;
  • To increase the productivity of all workers in their daily work with a PC;
  • To ensure a better utilisation of the investments in Information Technologies: at school, at home, in the enterprise;
  • To ensure that users understand the best practices, as well as organisation and quality issues in the use of the PC;
  • To provide an opportunity for anyone using a PC and having practical skills to prove his or her competency in basic IT concepts;
  • To optimise professional training plans in the field of PC utilisation and office applications.

 

3. THE ECDL IN EUROPE

The ECDL has now been launched in the following countries:

  • Austria
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • France
  • Germany
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom

 

Target Customers of the ECDL

The main customers of the ECDL are all Europeans. The ECDL will be available through several channels, including:

  • Training companies (European-wide skills certificate)
  • Public and private institutions in education. (instrument for motivation)
  • Large and medium enterprises in public and private domain (acknowledgement of experience, training validation)

 

Before the ECDL is delivered, an "ECDL Skills Card" is provided to keep track of the passed modules.

 

4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ECDL

4.1 How does it work?

The ECDL syllabus is designed to cover the key concepts of computing, its practical applications and their use in the workplace and society in general. It is broken down into seven modules, each of which must be passed before the ECDL certificate is awarded. Candidates purchase a logbook listing all the modules. As they pass each module, the accredited testing body signs the logbook. The modules may be taken in any order and over any period of time - even all at once - offering maximum flexibility. When all the modules have been successfully completed, the logbook is exchanged for a certificate. Users may, if they wish, just walk in off the street and take the tests. More likely, they will opt for courses based on the ECDL syllabus.

4.2 What is the ECDL?

The European Computer Driving Licence is the first pan-European Union qualification in computing skills. It is not designed specifically for Information Systems professionals - rather it is for those who wish to gain a basic qualification in computing to help them with their current job, to help them grow their skills and enhance career prospects or just for general interest.

4.3 How can I find out more about the ECDL?

Activities relating to the ECDL are co-ordinated by national bodies and a list of contacts is given at the end of this paper. These national bodies should be able to provide:

a. Names of training providers
Most national bodies will be able to offer access to a database containing the names of further and higher education colleges, schools, universities and private training providers who offer IT training targeted at the ECDL.

b. Names of testing centres
The training providers do not necessarily perform tests for the ECDL modules and the testers do not necessarily offer training. However, all testers are accredited by a national body, so there is an assured common standard of testing throughout the country.

c. Student Log Books
Everyone undergoing training for the ECDL will require a Log Book which is used to maintain a formal record of their success in the various tests. There is a charge for a Log Book.

d. The ECDL Syllabus
The national bodies maintain and publishes the ECDL Syllabus. It is updated periodically to assure it is in line with developments in the requirements for personal computing skills. Any such changes are done in agreement with the ECDL Foundation, the organisation which co-ordinates ECDL activity at a European level. There is a charge for the ECDL Syllabus.

e. ECDL Licence
Those individuals who are successful in passing the necessary tests will have their Log Books marked accordingly and when all are complete the Log Book can be sent to the national body who will issue an ECDL Licence and, optionally, for a charge, a certificate suitable for mounting in a frame. The ECDL Licence is recognised throughout the European Union.

4.4 How does a student get a Log Book?

The issue of Log Books is controlled by the national bodies. Some Training Providers and Testing Centres will also issue Log Books

4.5 As a Training Provider how do I obtain Log Books?

Contact the national body for details on bulk purchase orders:

4.6 How do I get an ECDL syllabus?

The ECDL Syllabus is issued and controlled by the national body from whom copies can be purchased. The syllabus contains information on the seven modules of the ECDL which are:

  • Basic concepts of IT
  • Management of files
  • Word-processing
  • Spreadsheets
  • Database systems
  • Presentation and drawing
  • Information network services

 

4.7 What training does a student have to undertake?

Students are not required to do any training. If they are already sufficiently experienced they can purchase a Log Book and start to take the required tests. In general, people will have a range of knowledge and experience and many will want to undergo training for the areas where their background is inadequate. Training Providers will offer a range of courses designed to cover individual needs.

4.8 What tests does the student have to take?

Students will need to take a test for each of the seven modules required for ECDL (unless they can claim exemption from one or more of them). Each test will have to be conducted by an accredited Testing Centre and - when successful in a given test - the centre will register this in the Log Book.

4.9 Can students claim exemption from any of the tests?

Under certain circumstances it is possible to claim exemption from one or more of the seven tests. In these circumstances it is necessary to present evidence of eligibility for exemption together with the Log Book to an accredited Test Centre. The Log Book will then be marked appropriately to show which of the tests do not have to be taken.

4.10 What happens when all tests have been passed?

When a student has passed all the tests or had valid exemptions recorded in their Log Book they can exchange their Log Book for an ECDL Licence which is proof of having reached the necessary standard. The completed Log Book must be sent to the national body who will issue a personal, unique, ECDL Licence.

4.11 What will it cost students?

There are two elements of the ECDL which necessarily involve a charge.

These are:

  • A Log Book - £25 in the UK.
  • Testing Fees - These are charged by accredited Testing Centres and details can be obtained directly from the Centres.

 

In addition there are other components which involve charges but not everyone will necessarily incur them. These are: