European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Online Course

The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL Core) is an internationally recognised IT qualification designed to give learners the skills to use a computer confidently and effectively. The aim of this official ECDL online course is to help to improve your understanding and efficient use of computers.

The online ECDL course can also open up a variety of opportunities through the broad range of skills it provides. More information on courses that can expand your IT skills can be found on our Information Technology courses page, or alternatively, take a look at our post on refreshing your IT Skills.

The ECDL qualification is widely recognised by employers as proof of ability and competence when working with IT. This ECDL online course is designed for any novice and intermediate computer users, assumes no prior expertise, and offers a flexible working programme. As the world's leading computer skills certification, more than 14 million people have engaged with the ECDL programme in over 100 countries.

The ECDL qualification is taken from the ITQ (IT User Qualification) framework, which encourage learners to choose from a wide range of units at different levels but this course covers the ECDL Core Specification (Ofqual Qualification No. 601/8240/4) which consists of 7 separate units.

Alternative Course Option: IT Essentials - Level 2 (RQF) Course

Please Note: The ECDL Online Course is a theory-based course without assessment. We highly recommend that learners consider the IT Essentials - Level 2 (RQF) Course as an alternative to the ECDL Online Course.

The IT Essentials Course is designed for the latest Windows 10 and Office 2019/365 software and covers the exact same subjects as the ECDL Core Online Course with the additional unit on Productivity in IT also included, so it can still be used by learners preparing for either the ECDL Core, ECDL Essentials or ECDL Extra exams. It is also assignment based, so it gives learners a practical knowledge of working on files and documents and includes full tutor support by email.

The IT Essentials course can also lead to the IT User Skills Level 2 Certificate Qualification with 32 credits which can be gained through the submission of coursework, but for learners who only want to cover the content without sitting the exams or paying any additional testing or qualification fees, we also supply a certificate of completion.

ECDL Testing: Any learner wanting to complete their ECDL tests will need to arrange this through an ECDL testing centre and there is a fee for the BCS registration and each ECDL test that you complete. Each testing centre sets their own prices so we advise researching testing centres and the associated costs prior to enrolling on any distance learning course.

Please Note: The ECDL Online Course currently covers the use of Windows and Microsoft Office 2016. It is possible to complete the course without a version of Microsoft Office as the course does include simulations, although we do recommend having the software available so that you can put into practice what you are learning.

There are no particular entry requirements although students should be able to comfortably use the Internet.

Please ensure your system has the following:

• CPU (2.33GHZ or faster x86-compatible processor)
• RAM (52MB)
• 128MB of graphics memory
• Internet Browser (Internet Explorer 7.0 or later, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox)
• Flash Player.

APPLE MAC USERS:

The ECDL Syllabus covers the use of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office and is designed for use on a PC. It will be possible to view the course materials using an Apple Mac although the information within the course will be specific to Windows based software and to cover the practical elements within the course the student would need to have the appropriate software.

Students may register at any time and have access to the course materials online for a 1 year period. Email support is available for the full period of your study.

The BCS and ECDL Portfolio of qualifications have been designed to map directly into ITQ so that when you gain a BCS or ECDL certificate you will also be receiving ITQ certification. ITQ is a portfolio of qualifications which replaced the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) for IT and computing. It is a nationally-recognised programme which has been designed by employers to meet the needs of today's businesses.

Please Note: To complete the ECDL tests, students would need to register with and sit their tests through an authorised ECDL testing centre. We recommend contacting local testing centres for test availability and pricing prior to starting the course as the arranging and sitting of tests is the students responsibility. You can search for testing centres through the BCS Test Centre Search Facility. When searching for testing only centres you should choose "ECDL/ITQ” and "Testing only” from the options and then click "Go Find” which will bring up a list of your nearest ECDL testing centres registered for external candidates.

The BCS rely on the testing centres to keep their information up to date. They advise that students call a few centres from the list to make sure they do offer testing only, but also to compare prices which will vary at each centre. This search facility is the BCS's own search facility and we cannot guarantee that the list of centres is up to date and accurate. Any queries relating to searching and finding test centres should be made directly to the BCS.

If you are struggling to find a testing centre or need further advice then you can contact the BCS Support Team or you can email them on: qualifications@hq.bcs.org.uk.