BACKGROUND

The Computer Society of Zimbabwe has been granted sole rights by the International Computer Driving Licence Foundation to administer the ICDL within Zimbabwe.This gives the CSZ a vehicle for promoting continued development and a formal, internationally recognised qualification for its members and the general public.

WHAT IS THE ICDL ?

ICDL is a world-wide qualification which enables people to demonstrate their competence in computer skills. Its aims are:

• to raise the general level of competency in IT;
• to improve productivity at work;
• to enable employers to invest more efficiently in IT; and
• to ensure that best practice and quality issues are understood and implemented.

The ICDL syllabus is designed to cover the key concepts of computing, its practical applications and their use in the workplace and society in general. It is broken down into seven modules, each of which must be passed before the ICDL certificate will be awarded. ICDL is open to anyone - regardless of age, education, experience or background.

The modules are:
• Basic Concepts of IT
• Using the computer and managing files
• Word Processing
• Spreadsheets
• Databases
• Presentation
• Information and Communication

HOW DOES THE ICDL WORK ?

Candidates will purchase a skills card listing all the modules. As they pass each module, the accredited testing centre will sign the card. The modules may be taken in any order and over any period of time - even all at once - offering maximum flexibility. When all modules have been successfully completed, the skills card is exchanged for a computer driving licence. Users may, if they wish, just walk in off the street and take the tests. However it is more likely that they will first opt for courses of study based on the ICDL syllabus.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF THE ICDL ?

•ICDL is designed to help people at work and at home. It will confirm to potential employers that the person has a professional recognised, relevant and up-to-date qualification and it will assist in raising familiarity with the technology and its uses.

•ICDL helps provide proof of competency in the computer skills of potential employees. Similarly, a company looking to train up its workforce will want to ensure that the money they spend on courses is going to be well spent. The proliferation of different courses making varying claims, often without any objective evidence makes a daunting choice for employers and individuals alike.

•Colleges and other training providers are well aware of the importance of Information Systems to the world of work - and increasingly, to the individual in their day-to-day life. Indeed, many courses already incorporate significant elements of the teaching of basic and advanced computer skills - but there is no widely accepted qualification.

•Now, a world-wide recognised qualification - the International Computer Driving Licence - is set to meet these needs - and more.

•Colleges, schools, training companies, etc. may offer courses designed to lead to the passing of the individual parts and the awarding of the certificate. However ICDL tests may only be sat at testing centres accredited by the CSZ.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For further information about the ICDL testing centres in Zimbabwe contact the Computer Society of Zimbabwe Secretariat.