WHAT IS THE ECDL CERTIFICATION?
It is an initiative of ECDL Foundation, a leading international certifying authority of the computer skills. The ECDL certificate attests that its holder has the skills and knowledge to effectively and productively use the main software for PC.
In this sense, the ECDL Certification consists of seven modules that focus on seven main areas of ICT more commonly used in the labor market, which are:
1- Concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
2- Using the Computer and Managing Files
3- Word Processing
4- Spreadsheets
5- Using Databases
6- Presentation
7- Web Browsing and Communication
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE ECDL CERTIFICATE?
The ECDL Certificate is a guaranteed certificate in the international job market, stating that the holder has the knowledge and skills to use the computer applications effectively and efficiently. Therefore, ECDL ensures employers of their ICT skills and employees eliminating the subjectivity and risk arising from the expression commonly used in the “knowledge of a computer user’s prospective.”
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ECDL AND ICDL CERTIFICATION?
There are differences, involving the certificates name which depends on where they are issued within or outside Europe. Certificates issued in Europe are named ECDL – European Computer Driving License, certificates issued in countries outside Europe are named ICDL – International Computer Driving License.
IN WHICH COUNTRIES IS ECDL RECOGNIZED?
ECDL/ICDL is recognized in a total of 150 countries in five continents. To understand the international dimension of ECDL / ICDL go to the category “What is ECDL”, submenu “Recognition ECDL” or the ECDL Foundation site at www.ecdl.com
HOW DO YOU GET THE ECDL CERTIFICATION?
The ECDL certification is obtained by conducting an examination in each of the seven modules of ECDL. These modules correspond to the seven key areas and applications used in the labor market, which are: Module 1 – Concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Module 2 – Using the Computer and Managing Files, Module 3 – Word Processing, Module 4 – Spreadsheets, Module 5 – Using Databases, Module 6 – Presentation, Module 7 – Web Browsing and Communication.
WHAT DO I NEED TO GET THE ECDL CERTIFICATION?
First of all, you should go to an authorized ECDL Test Centre and purchase a Skills Card. Then you should go again to an Authorized Center and schedule the dates you want to take the exams. By successfully passing seven ECDL modules, your Skills Card is completed and can therefore be issued.
WHAT IS A SKILLS CARD?
The “Skills Card” is the ECDL’S certification candidate’s identification. It is a numbered document, not transferable where the candidate is awarded when the modules of each examination are successfully completed.
WHERE CAN I TAKE THE ECDL EXAMS?
The ECDL tests are performed only in centers Authorized by ECDL Albania which are implemented in training centers, schools, businesses and various public and private entities. To find the closest Certification Center to you, see the menu “Authorized Centers”
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR ECDL EXAMS?
The syllabus or programme which focuses on the modules of the ECDL exams is public and available for review on the ECDL Albania site in the “Programmes” sub menu. Print the information you need and direct your study based on the content defined for each category of the ECDL modules. Or you can contact an Authorized Test Centre to get a courseware.
WHAT IS THE ECDL SYLLABUS?
The syllabus is not more than the syllabus set by the international ECDL Foundation for each of ECDLs modules. Syllabus is based on the examination of the 7 ECDL modules and is structured so that is forms the key reference for candidates wishing to prepare for the ECDL tests.
DOES ECDL ALBANIA CREATE THE EXAMS?
ECDL Albania is the managing body of the ECDL concept in Albania, which is responsible formonitoring the systems and networks which allow new ECDL Certification Centers to issue and implement certifications developed by the ECDL Foundation.
DOES ECDL ALBANIA OFFER TRAINING COURSES? DO I NEED TO TAKE A COURSE FOR THE ECDL?
No! The ECDL is a certificate and therefore independent of any training system. However, there are training materials for ECDL validated in Albania as they are in accordance with the Syllabus / Program Contents of ECDL. See the menu "Programmes" sub menu "Aproved Training Materials" for more information. To prepare for the ECDL tests you can make use of these materials, which are identified with the logo "Approved by the ECDL Albania." On the other hand, to the extent that some of the ECDL Certification Centers are implemented in training providers, consider whether they have training activities aimed at ECDL.
ECDL is a certificate and therefore, does not offer any training procedures. All training providers that offer ECDL certifications need to be accredited by ECDL Albania. If a candidate feels confident enough about ECDL’s Examination Material and the module he’s interested in, he can easily participate the exam without having had any training. To get informed for each of ECDL’s programmes and the Examination Material, please visit each link on the category Programmes.
HOW DO THE ECDL CERTIFICATION TESTS WORK?
All modules of the ECDL tests are made "On Line" on the computer, and have between 35 and 36 questions and provide a time of 45 minutes to their achievement. There are two types of methods while performing an ECDL exam: multiple choice and performing tasks.
WHAT SCORE DO I NEED TO PASS AN ECDL EXAMINATION?
To pass a module of an ECDL examination the score rating must be equal or higher than 75%.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T PASS AN ECDL EXAMINATION?
If you get a score below 75% in an examination of an ECDL module, you will be able to conduct a further examination of this same module on another date. Simply schedule your accomplishment with the Authorized Center.
IS THERE A COMPULSIVE SEQUENCE FOR THE MODULES OF THE ECDL EXAMS?
Even though the ECDL modules are numbered there is no predefined order for their achievement. Each candidate sets the tests according to needs and availability. For example a candidate may decide that Module 6 - Presentation will be the first exam, followed by Module 2 - Using Computer and Managing Files, then Module 7 – Web Browsing and Communication.
DO I NEED TO DO ALL THE EXAMS AT THE TEST CENTER WHERE I BOUGHT THE SKILLS CARD?
Following the acquisition of the Skills Card, you are free to perform tests in any ECDL Test Center you like provided that the Center is authorized to perform examinations. So, whoever changes residence or studies away from home or works abroad can choose amongst 25.000 authorized certification centers spread throughout 140 countries in five continents where ECDL exams can take place.
DO I NEED TO DO ALL THE SEVEN MODULES OF THE ECDL EXAMINATION?
In order to achieve the ECDL certification it is mandatory to successfully complete the tests of all seven modules of ECDL.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET THE ECDL EXAMINATION CERTIFIED?
You decide how long you want to get the ECDL. You can do the examinations of the seven ECDL modules on the same day, or accomplish them sparingly in time, but may not exceed a period of 3 years from the date of completion of the first examination.
WHEN IS THE ECDL CERTIFICATE DELIVERED?
To access the ECDL certificate your Skills Card must be completed with the successful completion of all seven modules.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T COMPLETE THE ECDL WITHIN 3 YEARS?
If you spend more than three years, after the completion of the first ECDL examination, your Skills Card and the test you previously passed expire. This means that the whole process must be renewed, including the purchase of a new Skills Card and the repeat of the exams in all seven modules of the ECDL examination even if a candidate has already passed them.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE MY SKILLS CARD?
If you lose your Skills Card, you will need to purchase a new one. For modules that were approved the candidate will need to go to the center and prove the authenticity of the past modules, so that the candidate can get a new card.
IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE FOR THE EXAMS ECDL?
Anyone, regardless of his age, qualifications, status, experience or computer training can be ECDL candidate. The ECDL certification is intended for all people who use or will use computers in their day-to-day, either as professional or personal, is not an expert or a degree in Information Systems and Communication.