The International Computer Driving License is proof of the ability to use a computer and its most popular applications. Candidates have to pass tests in the 7 modules. All but the first module test practical skills rather than theory. Tests consist of tasks chosen at random from typical day-to-day applications. For more information please visit the ICDL website at: http://www.icdl.org.za 

Worldwide, the ECDL/ICDL is promoted and administered by the ECDL Foundation; a non-profit organisation established by the Council of European Professional Informatics Society (CEPIS). 

How do I get my ICDL?

Registering
The candidate (student) has to obtain a Skills Log Book, the ICDL Registration Document. This is a book with space for the student's personal details (including ID number) and a page for each of the seven modules to be tested. These Skills Log Books are available at ICDL Training or Test Centres. The Skills Log Book costs R295,00 and this is the only money ICDL Africa gets from the student.

Training
Candidates are free to obtain training wherever they please. They could train themselves, or use the self-training CDs available on the market. The ICDL recommend that they go to a listed Training Centre, but there is no obligation to do so. Only listed training centres may use the ICDL name, concept and syllabus. A list of Training Centres is available on the ICDL website. Training Centres set their own fees.

In the case of large companies, the training is often done in-house. Volvo has 14 000 staff members training for the ICDL, Danske Bank 10 000. In South Africa, large companies such as Sanlam and the Post Office train their own staff for the ICDL.

Testing
As soon as students are ready, they can go to a Test Centre to prove their ability. Testing Centres use ICDL approved testing materials, but charge their own fees. Typically the charge will vary between R80 and R160 per test, with most charging around R100. If the student passes the test, the Test Centre Supervisor will sign and stamp the appropriate page in the Skills Log Book and indicate which software was used e.g. Excel 97, Quattro Pro V.4, etc.

Students may be recalled by the ICDL Foundation to have the tests repeated under direct ICDL supervision.

Certification
Once students have passed all seven modules they send the Skills Log Books to the ICDL Foundation. After checking the Skills Log Book against the records, the ICDL Foundation issues the International Computer Driving Licence Certificate free of charge. 


Students who wish to do so, may send in their Skills Log Book after completing four (any four) modules to get an ICDL "START" certificate.

Click here for a complete list and contact information of all ICDL Managers in South Africa.