The International Computer Driving Licence the world’s largest end-user computer skills certification programme, with eight million candidates in 150 countries. It is supported by governments, computer societies, international organisations and commercial corporations worldwide, and adopted by the education sector, government and industry throughout Africa.The ICDL is a test of practical skills and competencies in everyday use of computer applications, with seven separate modules covering both theory and practice:

• Module 1 - Concepts of Information Technology
• Module 2 - Using Computers and Managing Files
• Module 3 - Word Processing
• Module 4 - Spreadsheets                                                                                      4 out of the seven earns the 'ICDL-START'
• Module 5 - Databases
• Module 6 - Presentation
• Module 7 - Internet and Email

You can visit the official ECDL website to find out more, and can download the official ECDL/ICDL Syllabus Version 5.0.

How does it work?

Candidates purchase a Skills Card (or Log Book) on which their progress is recorded, and they get registered with the ICDL Foundation.

Training can be undertaken via self-study, though an accredited ICDL training centre is recommended.

Diagnostic Assessment (mock exams) can be taken at an accredited ICDL Test Centre on automated software, and detailed feedback is provided. At a time/date of their choosing, candidates then sit a 45-minute exam for each of the seven modules. The pass mark is 75% and the result is available immediately.

A Certificate is awarded on completion of 4 modules (for the ICDL-START) or all 7 modules for the full ICDL.  Candidates can also order a wallet-sized 'licence'.

                 Skills Card                                                                                    Certificate

How long does it take?

ICDL is a self-paced programme; you take the exams only when you feel ready.  Some people take all seven exams within a week! Others spread them over a couple of years,  it really is up to you.  A typical example might be to enrol on 8-12 hours of study for each module, spending 4 hours a week in evening classes, and sitting one exam every two weeks.  This means you would complete the whole programme within 4 months.   Some training centres offer classroom-style training with a trainer, some offer 'computer based training' (where you go through exercises on the computer at your own pace), and some provide a mixture of the two.   Contact your local accredited centres to find out more.

How much does it cost?

Because ICDL is such a flexible programme, the cost depends on the mode and duration of study you choose.  Some people manage to pass the exams having done self-study alone, and other people decide to attend training courses at an accredited centre. A typical example might be: K200,000+VAT for the Skills Card, then K200,000 per module for training courses, K25,000 for a mock exam, and K100,000 for each exam.   Therefore for the ICDL-START (4 modules) you should budget around K1.5million, and to get the full ICDL (7 modules), around K2million.  Contact your local accredited training centre to find out more details, as the above figures are just examples.

Downloadable Documents: 

ICDL Registration form