What do I learn in an ICDL course (formerly ECDL course) and what can I use it for?

The ICDL (formerly ECDL) distinguishes between four levels: Basic, Standard, Advanced and Expert. The syllabus contains 15 thematic modules (see below for an overview), 14 of which are assigned to each level. The modules build on each other, but can be completed individually.

The following requirements apply in order to obtain the certificates:

  • ICDL Base certificate: 4 base modules completed
  • ICDL standard certificate: 4 base modules + 3 standard modules (of your choice) completed
  • ICDL Advanced certificate: Standard certificate + 1 Advanced module (of your choice) completed
  • ICDL Expert certificate: Standard certificate + 3 advanced modules (of your choice) completed

ICDL module overview (formerly ECDL module overview)

No. Level Module name Examples of learning content
1 Base Computer basics
  • Operating system
  • Data storage
  • Folder management
2 Base Online basics
  • Use of browsers and search engines
  • Send and manage emails
  • Use social media
3 Base Word processing
  • Create text documents
  • Formatting
  • Spell check
4 Base Spreadsheet calculation
  • Entering and sorting data
  • apply logical formulas,
  • Create diagrams
5 Standard Use databases
  • Database structure
  • Data maintenance
  • Create queries
6 Standard Presentations
  • Capture texts
  • Foil design
  • Animation effects
  • Print flyers
7 Standard Online collaboration
  • Use of social media
  • Online learning platforms
  • Participation in online meetings
8 Standard IT security
  • Networks
  • Security on the Internet
  • Securing information and data
9 Standard Image processing
  • Edit, enhance, print and publish digital photos on the web
10 Standard Computing
  • Basic knowledge of the Python programming language
11 Advanced Word processing
  • Field functions
  • Forms and templates
12 Advanced Spreadsheet calculation
  • conditional formatting
  • User-defined number formats
  • Table analysis
13 Advanced Database
  • Understanding relational databases
  • Create complex structures
  • Analyze data
14 Advanced Presentation
  • Embed data
  • Link data
  • Insert elements such as image and sound
15 Additional module Typing Skills
  • Fast and error-free typing

 

Provider of ICDL courses (formerly ECDL courses)