The International Computer Driving Licence^TM (ICDL) is an internationally recognised qualification that enables people to demonstrate their competence in computer skills.

ICDL aims to:-

• raise the level of IT knowledge and competency of all computer users;

• improve productivity at work;

• reduce IT support costs;

• enable employers to invest more efficiently in IT; and

• ensure that best practice and quality issues are understood and implemented.

ICDL is designed to help people both at work and at home. It confirms to potential employers that the person has a recognised, relevant and up-to-date qualification. For those new to computers, ICDL will provide you with a solid foundation of computer skills helping you to competently and confidently use computers.

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History of ICDL

The Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) created a task force in 1995, supported by funding from the European Commission, to examine how to raise IT skill levels in industry throughout Europe. The task force carried out Pilot Tests during 1995 and early 1996, and in August 1996, the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) was launched in Sweden and subsequently rolled out across Europe and internationally.

The ECDL/ICDL programme is administered on a global basis by the ECDL Foundation (ECDL-F). Established in 1997, the Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation whose role it is to promote, develop and certify computer skills and IT knowledge.

ICDL has become the standard qualification used for non-European countries. The Syllabus is identical to that of ECDL and is designed by a panel of experts. The European Computer Driving Licence Foundation Limited manages the Syllabus and co-ordinates regular updates to ensure it continues to be relevant to both the working world and the advances in technologies and practices.

Acceptance of ICDL continues to grow strongly and there are already many that recognise ICDL as the benchmark for computer skills qualifications. Organisations supporting ICDL represent a broad cross section of industry and academia. Moreover, it is supported by the European Union, which ensures standards and levels of quality throughout Europe.
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What are the benefits of the ICDL to computer users?

• It ensures that every computer user attains a competent level of computer skills and basic knowledge of IT for survival in this information society.
• It increases career opportunities.
• It allows mobility within business and across the Community.

• It is an internationally recognized certificate issued by the Hong Kong Computer Society (HKCS) through ITTQC and supported by major employers in Hong Kong and worldwide.

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• It is an easy way to identify computer competency of job applicants and staff.
• It simplifies employment procedures.
• It enhances the productivity of employees.
• It identifies the kind of IT training required to enhance staff's computer competency.

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You can enrol to take the ICDL examination at ITTQC or any accredited ICDL Test Centres. An ICDL Skills Card, which records the tests passed, will be issued to those who have enrolled for an ICDL examination. An ICDL will be awarded when the candidate has passed one theoretical test and six practical tests covering all major usage areas of IT in practice.

The ICDL examination covers seven ICDL test modules:

Module 1: Basic Concepts of Information Technology
Module 2: Using the Computer and Managing Files
Module 3: Word Processing
Module 4: Spreadsheets
Module 5: Database
Module 6: Presentation
Module 7: Information and Communication

The tests may be taken in any order at an individual's own pace. They may even be taken all at once, but they must be completed within 3 years of starting the qualification.

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Additional Information

Additional Information on the ICDL can be obtained from http://www.icdlap.com ; http://www.icdl.org or by contacting us at +852 8202-6332.

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