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.
Changes to the ECDL Qualification: The ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) suite of qualifications have recently been rebranded by the British Computer Society to ICDL (International Certification of Digital Literacy).
The ICDL 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 BCS Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills, or ICDL Core Qualification (Ofqual Qualification No. 601/8240/4) and consists of 7 separate units.
Alternative Course Option: IT Essentials - Level 2 (RQF) Course
Please Note: The ECDL / ICDL Online Course is a theory-based course without assessment. We recommend that learners consider the IT Essentials - Level 2 (RQF) Course as an alternative if they would prefer practical assessment.
The IT Essentials Course is designed for Windows 10 and Office 2019/365 software and covers the exact same content covered in the ICDL Core Qualification, but with the additional unit on Productivity in IT also included, so the IT Essentials Course can be used by learners preparing for either the ICDL Core, ICDL Essentials or ICDL Extra exams. It is also assignment based, so it gives learners a practical knowledge of working on files and documents within the software and includes full tutor support by email.
The IT Essentials course can also lead to the NCFE 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.
ICDL Testing: Any learner wanting to complete their ICDL tests will need to arrange this through a registered testing centre and there is a fee for the BCS registration and for each ICDL 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. Remote testing is available through an ECDL testing centre partner, and information can be supplied to registered learners on request.
