ECDL | ICDL | ITQ FAQs Page 1 of 10

FAQs
What are the ECDL and ICDL Core modules?
What are the ECDL and ICDL Advanced modules?
Do I have to study all 7 Core modules?
What happens if I fail?
What is a Log Book or Skills Card?
What is the ICDL?
What happens when you pass all the tests?
Are the ICDL and ECDL different?
What is vendor neutrality?
What is Unit E?
What is the ECDL and ICDL Expert Certification?
What is the ECDL and ICDL Start Certification?
What if I have Special Needs requirements?
Syllabus changes 2009-2010?
Can I take different module exams in different exam centres?
Can I use calculators in the spreadsheet and database exams?
What is BCS?
Do I have to pay to resist failed exams?
Do I have to use Microsoft Office applications for the ECDL and ICDL tests?
Do the ECDL and ICDL certificates show what version of office application was used?
Can I use Office 2003 files in Office 2007 and Office 2010?
What are the pass marks for the Core and Advanced ECDL and ICDL eaxms?
Is Office ECDL 2003 still used?
What is an ECDL Module?
What is ECDL-F?
What are the benefits of the ECDL and ICDL for Individuals?
What are the benefits of the ECDL and ICDL for Employers?
Do students benefit from gaining the ECDL and ICDL qualification?
Can I us Microsoft Office on Apple Mac machines?
Can I take ECDL or ICDL tests on Apple Mac machines?
What is the ICDL GCC Foundation?
Can I gain the ECDL Advanced Spreadsheets qualification quickly?
What is the difference between IT and ICT?
What is the IT Security User module?
Can I take the ECDL as part of my degree?
What is the ECDL and ICDL WebStarter program?
What are SME's?
What is Express Training?
Can you mix and match different application versions (2003, 2007 and 2010) to apply for the ECDL
Expert Certification?
What is PayPal verification?

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How much do ECDL Advanced exams cost?

What are the ECDL and ICDL Core modules?

The core qualification consists of 7 modules:

Module 1: IT Security
Module 2: IT User Fundamentals
Module 3: Word-Processing
Module 4: Spreadsheets
Module 5: Databases
Module 6: Presentations
Module 7: Information Communication

For more information on course material available for the ECDL and ICDL, please select our
ECDL/ICDL course information page.

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What are the ECDL and ICDL Advanced modules?

There advanced qualification consists of 4 modules:

Advanced - Word-Processing
Advanced - Spreadsheets
Advanced - Databases
Advanced - Presentation

For more information on course material available for the ECDL and ICDL, please select our ECDL/ICDL
Advanced course information page.

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Do I have to study all 7 Core modules?

To get the Core ECDL or ICDL certification, all 7 modules must be completed in any order and a pass
mark for all modules (75%) is achieved within a 45 minute time period. Successful test results are

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recorded in the ECDL or ICDL log book/skills card. Partial certification is also currently available (Start
Certificate) form more information, please select our ECDL/ICDL course information page.

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What happens if I fail?

ECDL and ICDL learners who fail their module tests are allowed to retake different versions (usually four
in general circulation) of the same module, usually there is also a 24 hour time period before the learner
can retake their failed module. Learners are encouraged to assess their weaker areas and gain the
required knowledge via course materials to pass, prior to their second attempt. For more information on
course material available for the ECDL and ICDL qualifications, please select our ECDL/ICDL course
information page. For more information about the ECDL and ICDL exam process, please read the
information on the exam process page.

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What is a Log Book or Skills Card?

The Log Book also known as the Skills Card was used to register and keep a record of a candidate's
successful tests. The log book/skills and skills card (ended 31st August 2009) has now been replaced by
electronic registration. For more information about the ECDL and ICDL exam process, please read the
information on the exam process page.

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What is the ICDL?

Outside of Europe, the ECDL is known as the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL), besides this
both qualifications are identicaand and both recognised worldwide. For more information on the ECDL and
ICDL qualification, please select our what to study page.

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What happens when you pass all the tests?

When a learner has passed all the required core modules tests and they are recorded in their log
book/skills card, he/she can exchange the log book/skills card for the ECDL or ICDL certificate (there is
no charge for this).

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Are the ICDL and ECDL different?

There is no difference between the ECDL and ICDL, one is simply European (ECDL) and the other is
International (ICDL) they are both recognised worldwide. For more information on the ECDL and ICDL
qualification, please select our what to study page.

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What is vendor neutrality?

ECDL and ICDL are unique in that they have been designed to be vendor neutral. This means that the
skills requirements in the ECDL and ICDL syllabus are not linked with any specific software. Candidates
therefore have the flexibility and freedom to acquire ICT skills and confidently apply them in a range of
software environments. For more information on course material available for the ECDL and ICDL
qualifications, , please select our ECDL/ICDL course information page.

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What is Unit E?

Unit E (also known as module 8) was an additional module added to the ECDL syllabus, allowing it to
comply with the UK Department of Education's Level 2, IT qualifications. The unit is theory based and
covers areas such as legal issues, health & safety, working with applications, good practice, application
selection, and presenting information. Unit E was used outside the UK and was part of the ECDL
V4.0/v4.5 syllabus which ceased on the 31st August 2010, making UNIT E NO LONGER VALID in the
syllabus.

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What is the ECDL and ICDL Expert Certification?

If you pass all four ECDL Advanced or ICDL Advanced modules you will be entitled to the ECDL Expert or
ICDL Expert certification for FREE (no additional tests are required to be taken). For more information
contact your local ECDL or ICDL testing centre. For more information on course material available for the
ECDL and ICDL Expert certification, please select our ECDL/ICDL course information page. Additionally as
an ECDL Expert (UK only) you will be eligible to become an Associate Member of BCS and be able to put
the letters AMBCS after your name. For further information, please visit BCS ECDL Expert website.

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What is the ECDL and ICDL Start Certification?

Learners must pass any four of the seven modules of the ECDL or ICDL qualification to achieve the Start
certification. The qualification does not indicate that the learner has completed all the required seven
modules needed to gain the full ECDL or ICDL certification. For more information on course material
available for the ECDL and ICDL Start certification, please select our ECDL/ICDL course information page.

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What if I have Special Needs requirements?

Provisions are supplied for ECDL and ICDL candidates that may have Special Needs requirements, it can
take up to 20 working days to process a Special Needs application prior to the candidate's first module
test, so please contact your local ECDL or ICDL test centre as soon as possible for further details. For
more information about the ECDL and ICDL exam process, please read the information on the exam
process page.

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Syllabus changes 2009-2010?

The ECDL Core, ICDL Core, ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced syllabuses were reviewed in 2007 in
order to ensure that they reflected technology advances and relevant practices; this resulted in the
completion of the ECDL Core and ICDL Core syllabus v5.0 and ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced
syllabus v2.0, which will both be phased in during 2009/2010. For more information on syllabus changes
and v5.0/v2.0 syllabus downloads, please visit our syllabuses 2009-2010 page.

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Can I take different module exams in different exam centres?

Yes. You can take any ECDL module at any ECDL test centre and any ICDL module at any ICDL test
centre. This means if you were taking the Core qualification you could potentially visit up to seven
different test centres (you will need your log book/skills card for each centre) to gain the qualification.

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Can I use calculators in the spreadsheet and database exams?

No. Calculators and other aids are not allowed in any module exams. For more information about the
ECDL and ICDL exam process, please read the information on the exam process page.

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What is BCS?

BCS (British Computer Society), is the chartered institute for IT, it promotes wider social and economic
progress through the advancement of information technology science and practice. BCS is the awarding
body for the ECDL in the UK. For more information on BCS, please visit the BCS website.

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Do I have to pay to resist failed exams?

Yes. General you will have to pay for exam resists. For more information please contact your local ECDL
or ICDL testing centre.

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Do I have to use Microsoft Office applications for the ECDL and ICDL tests?

No. You can use any software to complete the ECDL or ICDL exams but predominately most test centres
will only have Microsoft Office 2000/XP/2003/2007 and soon 2010 applications available. For more
information on testing software please contact your local testing centre.

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Do the ECDL and ICDL certificates show what version of office application was
used?

No. Due to the flexibility of software and versions of software that can be used the certificate doesn’t
display software versions used. View an example of a ECDL/ICDL certificate.

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Can I use Office 2003 files in Office 2007 and Office 2010?

Yes. Microsoft Office 2007 and Office 2010 supports a new document format (XML). This new format
allows users of old versions of Microsoft Word (2000/XP/2003) software to open the document in 2007
and 2010, but documents that were created in 2007 cannot be opened in older (2000/XP/2003) versions
unless you use a compatibility program, which is available from the Microsoft website.

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What are the pass marks for the Core and Advanced ECDL and ICDL eaxms?

The pass mark for the Core modules is 75% and exams are set for 45 minute time period. The pass mark
for the Advanced modules is 75% and the exams are set for a 1 hour tiem period. For more information
about the ECDL and ICDL exam process, please read the information on the exam process page.

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Is Office ECDL 2003 still used?

Yes. Office 2003 is still widely used by businesses and individuals alike. Most training centres will offer
Office 2003 as a choice of application to be used for your ECDL module test.

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What is an ECDL Module?

An ECDL Module is a single unit (word-processing, databases, spreadsheets, presentations, IT Security

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What is ECDL-F?

ECDL-F is the abbreviation for the European Computer Driving Licence Foundation.

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What are the benefits of the ECDL and ICDL for Individuals?

Gaining an ECDL or ICDL qualification can raise your level of competency in IT and computer skills
allowing you to improve your productivity at home and work, and can help towards gaining employment
or promotion. For more information on the ECDL and ICDL, please visit our what to study page.

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What are the benefits of the ECDL and ICDL for Employers?

Employers that train there employees in the ECDL or ICDL qualifications will help to ensure consistent
levels of IT ability throughout there organisation and establishes a tangible IT benchmark for new

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employees. The qualification can also help to motivate staff and an even reduce IT support costs. For
more information on the ECDL and ICDL, please visit our what to study page.

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Do students benefit from gaining the ECDL and ICDL qualification?

Students that are digitally literate will enjoy an enriched educational experience and will be better
prepared for life, for work, and further learning. Students who use technology as part of the learning
process perform better in school, and are more motivated to learn. For more information on the ECDL and
ICDL, please visit our what to study page.

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Can I us Microsoft Office on Apple Mac machines?

Yes. You can run Microsoft Office versions (2008) on the Apple Mac operating systems. For more
information on Microsoft Office on the Apple Mac, please visit the Mactopia website.

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Can I take ECDL or ICDL tests on Apple Mac machines?

The availability of ECDL or ICDL exams using an Apple Mac machine depends on individual testing centres
recourses. For more information about the ECDL and ICDL exam process, please read the information on
the exams process page.

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What is the ICDL GCC Foundation?

The ICDL GCC stands for the International Computer Driving Licence Gulf Cooperation Council
Foundation. The ICDL GCC Foundation administer and oversee the ICDL certification program in Bahrain,
Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates for more information, please visit the
ICDL GCC website.

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Can I gain the ECDL Advanced Spreadsheets qualification quickly?

Yes. If you have some prior basic knowledge of Microsoft Offices, word-processing, spreadsheets,
databases or powerpoint application then it’s more than possible to upgrade your ICT skills in to advanced
levels within 24 hours of learning (per advanced module). For more information, please view our express
training infromation page.

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What is the difference between IT and ICT?

IT and ICT are very similar. The main difference is that IT (Information Technology) is more widely used
within industry, whereas ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is applied to the academic
and education side and used in places of learning, such as school, colleges and universities.

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What is the IT Security User module?

The new "IT Security for Users" module replaces the previous ECDL module 1 (Basic Concepts of
Information Technology). The updated "IT Security for Users" module is for UK learners only and reflects
basic security issues that affect modern day computer users.For more information and syllabuses
downloads, please visit our syllabuses 2009-2010 page.

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Can I take the ECDL as part of my degree?

Yes. The ECDL can be used as part of certain degree (Media, IT etc...) courses. For more information
concerning the ECDL and ICDL qualifications and degree points, please contact your local university,
college or learning centre.

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What is the ECDL and ICDL WebStarter program?

The ECDL and ICDL WebStarter program is a certification programme that offers candidates the
opportunity to acquire the core skills required to design, create and maintain a website, without having to
commit time and valuable resources to a professional-level web design programme. For more information
on the ECDL and ICDL WebStarter program, please visit the ECDL Foundation website.

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What areSME's?

SME's stands for, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises. Small businesses are classed as businesses with
less than 50 employees and annual turnover of less than € 10 million. Medium businesses are classed as
businesses that have more than 50 employees but less than 250 and an annual turnover of less than € 50
million. There is also a Micro business category which is for business with less than ten employees and
annual turnover of less than € 2 million.

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What is Express Training?

Express training means learners can simply and quickly identify areas in their current skills set that need
additional study to gain the ECDL Advanced or ICDL Advanced qualification. Find out more via our
express training page.

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Can you mix and match different application versions (2003, 2007 and 2010) to
apply for the ECDL Expert Certification?

Yes. The ECDL Expert certificate can be claimed if you complete all 4 ECDL Advanced units, regardless of
when you achieved them and what syllabus version or software version they were taken in.

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What is PayPal verification?

PayPal verification increases the security of the PayPal network. Verified members have successfully
completed PayPal's Verification system to establish their identity with us. The Verification process varies
by country or region. We (www.learn-new-skills-from-home.com) are a PayPal verified member.

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How much do ECDL Advanced exams cost?

ECDL Advanced and ICDL Advanced learners will need to pay a fee of around £65 - £75 (these fees vary
from country to country, so please contact your local testing centre for a more specific pricing range) to
sit each advanced module exam. Some companies will reimburse you with a training allowance, so please
consult your HR manager if applicable.

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What is ECDL Extra?

ECDL Extra (formley know as BCS Level 2 Certificate for IT Users) consists of four modules, Word-
Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentations and Improving Productivity Using IT all set at level 2
(intermediate levels).

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What is the Improving Productivity Using IT Unit?

The Improving Productivity Using IT unit was introduced into the ECDL syllabus to allow candidates to
demonstrate the practical application of the skills they have learnt in the application units. Learners are
required to make choices about the applications (Word-Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases and
Presentations) and tools they use, independently. To find out more about the Improving Productivity
Using IT module, please visit our exams process page.

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What is ECDL Flexiqual?

The ECDL Flexiqual is a qualification that allows candidates to pick and choose units from the ECDL
portfolio to create their own qualification. For further information, please visit our exams process page.

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What is NOS?

NOS is the acronym for the Occupational Standards Directory used in the UK. The directory provides a powerful resource
to the public, enabling free access to the full range of Occupational Standards. The Directory contains information on all
of the Occupational Standards produced by the Skills for Business network and other standards setting bodies.

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What is QCF?

The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is the new framework for creating and accrediting
qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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What is an ITQ?

ITQ's consist of a portfolio of qualifications which replaced the National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) for
IT and computing. ITQ is a UK nationally-recognised programme which has been designed by employers
to meet the needs of today's businesses. By achieving an ITQ you will acquire the IT skills, which allow
you to do your job more effectively and productively. The ECDL portfolio maps to the ITQ framework at
level 1, 2 and 3 to find out more, please visit our exams process page.

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What is the ECDL Essentials Certification?

To be eligible for the ECDL Essentials certification, learners must pass all three level 1 (ITQ level 1)
modules, IT User Fundimaentails, Security for IT Users and Using Email and the Internet. To find out
more about the ECDL Essentials certification, please visit our exams process page.

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What is Vocational Education (VET)?

Vocational Education also known as VET (Vocational Educational Training), allows learners to show their
practical skills within the assessment process as opposed to an all theory based examination.

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What are NVQ's?

NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification (known as SVQ -Scottish Vocational Qualification in
Scotland). Unlike many qualifications, which require, theory based examinations, NVQ’s are designed for
'competence-based' (practical) assessments to gain the qualification. To find out more about NVQ's,
please visit our NVQ page.

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What is a PDF?

The PDF (Portable Document Format) format is used for course samples and full versions as it
allows learners to view courses conveniently, via their internet browsers or PDF reader and do not require
Microsoft Office to be installed. If you require a PDF reader, please view the Adobe website.

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