How does the ECDL work? Is it a worthwhile thing to have these days when job hunting?

A friend of mine is considering doing it to improve her status in the (admin type) job market having noticed it on job ads. She is already moderately literate - can get round Microsoft Office internet/keyboard etc but things the certificate might help.

I note from other posts some of you have done it. What do you think?

Although i have the CD-rom at home I haven't even looked at it yet (had it for 3 years now!!!!)

I think its pretty obvious to say that if I were applying for a job I would prefer to be able to say that I have it as a "qualification" than not.

When I was working in Schools some of the cleaning staff were doing it. They had no IT knowledge at all and to my knowledge they all passed. It's worth a bash if you need to know the fundamentals.

ECDL concentrates on showing you the right way to use the programme, however when you do the test it doesn't matter if you use the shortcut keys ... doesn't make sense to me!

If I'm right the ECDL is the one where you do certain modules. It depends what your friend wants to get out of it. Personally I would look at doing individual Microsoft Programme courses. ie one on Word, one of Powerpoint etc. You'll get a lot more out of it.

http://catalogue.learndirect.co.uk/qualifications/details/547720/?view=Standard

Have a look at the info around this link...hope it helps.

It depends on what I.T. qualifications you already have. If you have none, or nothing more than a GCSE then it's definetly worth it.

However, it's such a low level course that it would only really get you the most basic of computer jobs.

You might be better looking for a short course BTEC or something similar at uni. If you're in Bolton Samscam go down to the University (old Bolton Institute), as they do them there.

I did it for my own benefit, and thought it fairly basic,but I don't know what standards are required job wise.I suppose it shows a basic knowledge of IT principles,Health and Safety,Word,Excel,Access,Powerpoint,Th'internet.

PS. The accredited ECDL course teaches the use of of certain shortcut keys and tests them in examinations.

I used to teach ECDL. If you're computer literate enough to be using this forum, you'll pass it very easily. They'll give you time scales for completion of each module but you can complete them far quicker.

If you're in admin type jobs its a very useful thing to have on your CV (whether or not it actually taught you anything!) as more and more positions require some kind of proof of computer literacy. ECDL is also counted as an NVQ level 2 standard qualification. Once you have completed it you can also take ECDL advanced which is NVQ 3 standard.

Thanks Twiglet - that answers my question. My friend and I figured as much in terms of not being likely to actually learn anything she can't already do but that it would look good on a CV.

She is in a funny situation - educated to post graduate level, needing a change in career direction but doesn't have basic admin/computer qualifications (even though very capable) and senses a gap in the job market for people like herself. It's all either 'educated to GCSE level' or '5 years specialised experience needed'. Was always dead easy to get temping work without certificates in Sheff but this Bolton place is just a faf as there just isn't the same kind of demographic.

PS I work at the Bolton Institution.......no....University in the e-learning world......will get her to have another look at the prospectus.

How much does the ECDL course cost?. I saw a book about it and that cost £60 alone :o . It is something i would be interested in completing just to have something on my CV.

I have several retired friends who were totally computer illiterate wanted to learn the basics. They found that working towards an objective (EDCL) in a structured manner gave them some extra drive and an additional sense of achievement.

Originally posted by vidster
How much does the ECDL course cost?. I saw a book about it and that cost £60 alone :o . It is something i would be interested in completing just to have something on my CV.

The cost is a good point. We were wondering if it should be considered a good investment. For example would having the ECDL make a significant difference to salary expectations in the same way the Northern General pays secretaries enhancements for RSA typing qualifications

£10 +£2 registration fee at Square Mile used to be £300.This charge was at September 2004.If you can spare 4 or more hours a week nothing to lose.If you understand and pass the course tests you will certainly pass the qualifying tests.

Originally posted by coopster1974
Although i have the CD-rom at home I haven't even looked at it yet (had it for 3 years now!!!!)

Your CD rom is out of date.

Hope this isn't too off-topic, but where could I sit RSA typing exams without having to shell out for a whole course? I taught myself to touchtype many years ago and have thought about formalising it with an exam, but don't see the point of paying for a course when it's not the learning that I need.

I did my basic CLAIT at Square Mile last year. I have used PC's for a number of years but had no paper qualifications to prove I could do so. I sailed through CLAIT in no time at all and went on to do the ECDL. I found it very easy and sped through the first few modules with no problems at all. Unfortunately, with work, kids and another college course, I had to leave before I finished it. I'd like to be able to complete it at a later date as it is another piece of paper and employers do seem to see it as a basic standard for using a PC these days.

Originally posted by matsalleh
£10 +£2 registration fee at Square Mile used to be £300.This charge was at September 2004.

Thank's matsalleh,
Does anyone know the current cost of this course?

Try this
http://my.sheffcol.ac.uk/index.cfm
Do a search for course you will eventually get to ECDL. First time I have been to that site seems a bit of a journey to get to where you want to go.I would have thought a search from the first page would be better,unless there is some tekkie reason.
Vidster if you do it you can get a NUS card and then we can all slag you off stoodent !:hihi:

Sorry to burst your bubble, but RSA typing is more than simply typing up letters, you also have to create tables on the typewriter - similar to those you can make on Excel. You would also have to centre them.

It's not just typing skills.

I did the ECDL certificate last year with Best Training on Sharrow Vale Road. I paid £20 which i got back after passing the course. People there were really nice and you can either work from home or at the centre. There are 7 modules and a test to take for each one. I found it fairly easy it covers the basics of using Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint and using email and the internet. Id say it gives you a good basic knowledge of these programs but doesnt really explore their full potential or delve very deep.

btw the individual tests were £15 (2004) if not doing the full certificate.

Originally posted by MovingOn
Sorry to burst your bubble, but RSA typing is more than simply typing up letters, you also have to create tables on the typewriter - similar to those you can make on Excel. You would also have to centre them.

It's not just typing skills.

That's not beyond me either. Sorry, but if that's not typing skills, what is?

Thank's for the reply's to my questions guys. It's difinately something worth looking in to, even if it's only to get something on my CV! .

Originally posted by vidster
Thank's for the reply's to my questions guys. It's difinately something worth looking in to, even if it's only to get something on my CV! .

I think we draw the same conclusion. It hardly costs the earth by the look of it and can't do any harm.

Prices at sheffcol includes test fees.(or it did last year)