ECDL Syllabus
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Overview
The ECDL syllabus is designed to cover the key concepts of
computing, its practical applications and their use in the
workplace and society. It is broken down into seven modules, each
of which must be passed before an ECDL certificate is
awarded.
Module 1 requires the candidate to know about the basic
physical make-up of a personal computer and understand some of the
basic concepts of Information Technology (IT) such as data storage
and memory, the context for computer-based software applications in
society, and the uses of information networks within computing. The
candidate shall also appreciate how IT systems are found in
everyday situations; and how personal computers can affect health.
The candidate shall be aware of some of the security and legal
issues associated with computers.
Module 2. Using the Computer and Managing Files
Module 2 requires the candidate to demonstrate knowledge and
competence in using the basic functions of a personal computer and
its operating system. The candidate shall be able to operate
effectively within the desktop environment. He or she shall be able
to manage and organize files and directories/folders and know how
to copy, move and delete files and directories/folders. The
candidate shall demonstrate the ability to work with desktop icons
and to manipulate windows. The candidate shall demonstrate the
ability to use search features, simple editing tools and print
management facilities available within the operating system.
Module 3. Word Processing
Module 3 requires the candidate to demonstrate the ability to
use a word processing application on a personal computer. He or she
shall understand and be able to accomplish basic operations
associated with creating, formatting and finishing a word
processing document ready for distribution. The candidate shall
demonstrate competence in using some of the more advanced features
associated with word processing applications such as creating
standard tables, using pictures and images within a document,
importing objects and using mail merge tools.
Module 4. Spreadsheets
Module 4 requires the candidate to understand the basic
concepts of spreadsheets and to demonstrate the ability to use a
spreadsheet application on a personal computer. He or she shall
understand and be able to accomplish basic operations associated
with developing, formatting and using a spreadsheet. The candidate
shall be able to accomplish standard mathematical and logical
operations using basic formulas and functions. The candidate shall
demonstrate competence in using some of the more advanced features
of a spreadsheet application such as importing objects, and
creating graphs and charts.
Module 5. Databases (MS Access)
Module 5 requires the candidate to understand the basic
concepts of databases and demonstrate the ability to use a database
on a personal computer. The module is divided in two
sections;
·
the first section tests the candidate's ability to design and
plan a simple database using a standard database
package;
·
the second section requires the candidate to demonstrate that
he or she can retrieve information from an existing database by
using the query, select and sort tools available in the
data-base.
The candidate shall also be able to create and modify
reports.
Module 6. Presentations (MS PowerPoint)
Module 6 requires the candidate to demonstrate competence in
using presentation tools on a personal computer. The candidate
shall be able to accomplish basic tasks such as creating,
formatting and preparing presentations for distribution and
display. The candidate shall demonstrate the ability to create a
variety of presentations for different target audiences or
situations. The candidate shall demonstrate the ability to
accomplish basic operations with graphics and charts and to use
various slide show effects.
Module 7. Information and Communication
Module 7 is divided in two sections.
- The first section, Information, requires the candidate to accomplish basic Web search tasks using a Web browser application and available search engine tools, to bookmark search results and to print Web pages and search reports.
- The second section, Communication, requires the candidate to demonstrate their ability to use electronic mail software to send and receive messages, to attach documents or files to a message and to organise and manage message folders or directories within electronic mail software.