The ICDL (International Computer Driving Licence) is an end-user standard out-and-out. No programming is taught. However, obtaining the ICDL is not trivial. To obtain the ICDL a student must demonstrate practical proficiency in each of the most commonly used software tools. The student has to pass all seven modules at a very high level, as high as 75%. The standards for the ICDL have been set jointly by the major European Computer Societies. In Europe it is known as the European Computer Driving Licence. The ICDL is the only European Union recognised IT qualification at present. Worldwide it is administered by the European Computer Driving Licence Foundation.
The ICDL is Platform independant and will test you in the package of your choice. (The various packages tested to date is Lotus Smartsuite, Corel Office, Microsoft Office, Open Office etc.).
1. Basic Concepts - covers vocabulary, applications and use of computers, IT and society and other general issues.
2. Using the computer and managing files deals mostly with the use of the operating system. The test is a practical one.
3. Word Processing - this module requires all the usual skills, plus doing such advanced tasks as mail-merge and integration with spreadsheets and graphics. The test is a practical one.
4. Spreadsheets - this requires a thorough familiarity with spreadsheet use. The test is a practical one.
5. Databases - again the test is practical.
6. Presentation Tools - again a practical test.
7. Information and Communication - the use of electronic mail and information retrieval. The automated test is a multiple choice test, followed by a practical one.