At last, the definitive computer literacy course is available to get your staff up to speed and licensed to `drive` their computers. Known as the International Computer Driving License (ICDL), this seven module course is offered by a wide number of education and training establishments and is administered locally by the Computer Society of South Africa (CSSA).
Originating in Europe, the ICDL is an international certificate that is offered on 5 continents, in more than 40 countries and in 20 languages. It is aimed at anyone who wishes to become computer literate. Age is certainly not a barrier, with the oldest recipient of the ICDL being a 72-year old retired nurse resident in Mmabatho.
The ICDL is based on seven modules covering: Basic Concepts of Information Technology, Using a Computer and Managing Files, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases and Filing systems, Presentation and Drawing, as well as Information Network Services which includes e-mail and browsing the World Wide Web. Students have to pass a practical test for each of the modules, ensuring that the ICDL is a true test of competence and not simply a certificate of attendance!
Students wishing to acquire the ICDL certificate simply purchase a Skills Log Book, which records their progress as they pass the seven tests. Tests are taken at the nearest training or testing centre or directly from the ICDL Foundation. In some of the larger towns and cities, automated testing software is available at registered ICDL Test Centres. Many schools are making use of the services of CSSA appointed Roving Examiners, who will visit a school once a term to supervise the taking of the 45-minute tests.
The seven tests may be taken in any order anywhere in the world and over a period of time not exceeding three years. Anyone who has completed at least four modules may surrender the Skills Log Book and will be issued an ICDL Start Certificate. In South Africa, the University of Cape Town, the University of the Western Cape, Rhodes University and Rand Afrikaans University are accepting the ICDL qualification and will let students off the first six months of their Computer Competence Courses.
ICDL is also widely recognised by international corporate including, IBM, KPMG, UniLever/Elida Faberge, Motorola, Old Mutual, Rolls Royce, SAS, Shell, Siemens Nixdorf, Volvo and VW.
According to the CSSA, passing the ICDL is not difficult, but it certainly isn`t trivial and provides commerce and industry with a sound standard on computer literacy. Further information on testing centres and costs is available directly from the CSSA on (011) 315-1319
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ICDL Foundation of South Africa
The ICDL Foundation of South Africa, a subsidiary of the CSSA, recognises the importance of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the seven individual modules comprising the ICDL map directly to a number of Unit Standards that are presently being processed for registration in the NQF.