FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What is ICDL/ECDL?
ICDL/ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) is an internationally recognized certificate that allows individuals to certify their computer skills with a globally recognized standard developed by the ICDL/ECDL Foundation.
What is ICDL/ECDL Profile or new ICDL/ECDL?
ICDL/ECDL Profile is the name of a customized and more flexible ICDL/ECDL program that allows you to select the combination of modules best suited to the needs and interests of each individual or organization.
How is the ICDL/ECDL certificate?
The ICDL/ECDL certificate is obtained upon successful completion of all exams in the selected modules, either by following the recommended programs or by choosing any other combination of modules with the customized programs. Your ICDL/ECDL Profile Certificate will show a list of the modules passed and the corresponding exam date, generating a personalized certification of your knowledge.
Where I can find the contents for each module?
The Syllabus of each module details the knowledge and skills required related to the module’s knowledge area. They also provide a basis for the candidate to be able to preparate and pass the theoretical and practical certification exam that evaluates that module. The Syllabus is available in the ICDL website.
How do I start the ICDL/ECDL program?
You may begin the program at any time by contacting any of the ICDL Accredited Test Centre. The first step is to register yourself, so you will get your Candidate Registration Number (NRC), a unique number that identifies you within the ICDL/ECDL program anywhere in the world. Once registered, you will be able to consult the possibilities of learning and training courses, in case of you need it, and the dates of exams. Training courses are optional but exams are mandatory for certification.ICDL Accredited Test Centers determine their schedules for both training and testing sessions. Within the available dates, you can take the exams for each module in the order you prefer. For detailed information, you may contact the nearest ICDL Accredited Test Centre in your area.
Do I need to take a mandatory course before examination?
The training need depends on each candidate. If the person believes that he or she meets the requirements determined in the Syllabus and considers himself or herself capable of demonstrating in the examination the knowledge and skills detailed therein, he or she may register for the examination sessions directly. However, most candidates will need some level of prior preparation.
How much training or preparation do I need to take an ICDL/ECDL certification exam?
There is no single recommendation for the training, study or preparation needed for each module, as this depends on the situation of each candidate, their level of knowledge and previous experience. The ICDL Accredited Test Centre can advise you on the best way to prepare for the exam and the possibilities of learning and training material available.
How are the certification exams?
Exam sessions are classroom based or online, in both options supervised by an Authorized Examiner and can only be administered at ICDL Accredited Test Centers. An automated exam system is used, which immediately evaluates performance and generates results in the same day. Each module requires a separate exam, with a maximum duration of 45 minutes. In order to be able to access the online examination option, the candidate must meet certain conditions in terms of hardware and software.
In what language can I take the exams at ICDL/ECDL Spain?
Currently, the automated examination system available in Spain allows candidates to take the exams in Spanish or in English, at their choice, upon request to the ICDL Accredited Test Centre
What is the score required to pass each certification exam?
The pass score threshold is 75% for each exam.
How are the exam questions?
The exam questions include two categories: concept questions with 4 options, one of which is correct, and questions with an interactive simulation of the computer screen where the user is asked to perform a certain action related to the module’s curriculum.
If I fail in a first try, can I take a second try?
Yes, the candidate may retake the same exam in the same session or on the next available test session date at the ICDL Accredited Test Centre, within one year of taking the first module. After passing a year from the date of your exam you will have to pay a new registration fee. You can check this directly with your ICDL Accredited Test Centre.
What is the programme cost?
The programme costs, including registration (NRC), testing and/or training (training is optional), are determined by each ICDL Accredited Test Centre. For the detailed information, you may contact the nearest ICDL Accredited Test Centre in your area or the one that is most convenient for you.
Where can I take my certification exams?
Registration for the ICDL/ECDL programme and registration for the exam sessions are done only at ICDL Accredited Test Centers, who will inform you of the dates and costs of the program. In addition, the Center will be able to advise you on the best way to prepare for the exam and the possibilities of learning and training materials available, if needed. For detailed information, you can contact the nearest ICDL Accredited Test Centre in your area or the one that is most convenient for you.
When can the ICDL/ECDL certification exam sessions take place?
Both face-to-face and online exams can be taken on university school days, Monday to Friday (closed in August, Easter and Christmas break). The starting time for the exams will be at 16:00 (Spanish time) in the afternoon at latest, as each session usually includes the exams of five or more modules and each module will take up to 45 minutes to complete. The sessions are organised on demand when there is a group of several candidates ready to take the exams (normally after showing proficiency through results of diagnostic pre-tests).
Can I continue with the certification exams in a different location?
Yes, each candidate obtains a unique Candidate Registration Number (NRC) when they first register for the ICDL/ECDL program, which allows them to continue the program at any Examination Center in the world. The NRC number is permanent. while the right to the exam has a one year duration.
Is a training mandatory before examination?
No. The need for training depends on the individual candidate. If you feel you have the level and experience in the use of the applications, you can check whether you meet all the requirements set out in the Syllabus. If this is the case, and the individual feels able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills in an examination, he/she can register for the examination session directly. However, most candidates will need a certain level of prior preparation. You can consult your ICDL Accredited Test Centers who will be able to advise you on how best to prepare for the exam. Your ICDL Accredited Test Centers can also provide you with a diagnostic test at an affordable cost to check your level before deciding whether or not you should be trained. Once you have enrolled to the exam you can take the diagnostic test at no extra cost.
When can I start the ICDL/ECDL program?
You can start the program at any time by contacting the nearest ICDL Accredited Test Centre in your area or the one that is most convenient for you. Once registered, you will be able to consult the possibilities of learning and/or training material available and the dates of exams to register. In this case, the ICDL Accredited Test Centre determine the calendars for both the training and the examination sessions. Within the available dates, you can take the exams for each module in the order you prefer. For detailed information, you may contact the nearest ICDL Accredited Test Centre in your area or the one that is most convenient for you.
How can you receive the ICDL/ECDL certificate?
Each time you pass a module you will receive a digital badge by email, designed to be shared on LinkedIn or other social networks. Once you have passed all the modules you have enrolled in, you will also receive the ICDL/ECDL certificate in pdf format by email within approximately 15 days. There is an additional cost of 20 euros to receive the certificate on paper and by post.