Faster pay-back of IT investments
The ICDL is a most practical way to optimize the potential return on corporate information technology (IT) investment. Countless dollars have been spent by businesses to provide computer hardware and software in order that their employees can perform their jobs most effectively and efficiently. However, employees' ability to use this technology is often taken for granted. Even when training is
provided, there is generally no verification of their competence to use the technology. By encouraging employees to work towards and earn the ICDL, a company can ensure that their employees have the computer skills necessary to use the equipment and software most effectively.
Increased productivity
An employee holding an ICDL has demonstrated the skills to use the most common PC software applications correctly and efficiently. This enables them to complete tasks more promptly and accurately.
Increased quality of administrative output
The ICDL ensures that employees have the computer skills necessary to produce higher quality work-related documentation, leading to greater efficiency throughout the organization.
Personnel motivation and development
The progressive nature of ICDL skills acquisition and the recognition of prior learning, encourages employees to develop and strengthen their computer competency and creates a more motivated corporate environment. Large multinationals (KPMG, Ernst & Young, GEC-Marconi, Nortel, Pfizer, Waterford-Wedgewood, Shell, Bank of Ireland, IBM, Xerox, etc.) have already adopted the licence, setting it as the
performance benchmark they expect from their employeesWorld-renowned educational facilities (Oxford University, Trinity College, University College Dublin, University of South Wales, University of Dundee, etc.) have adopted the licence and offer testing and CBT training for faculty, staff, and students.
Fewer PC problems
The majority of PC problems dealt with by IT support staff could be avoided if employees had improved computer skills. By educating employees to ICDL standards, companies find that they experience fewer PC-related problems and thus require less IT support. The Help Desk can then become a more strategic resource.
International recognition
The ICDL was initially developed in response to the needs of industry across Europe. It is now recognized as the international standard of competence for computer users. UNESCO has adopted it as part of the Informatics Curriculum Framework.
Training results measured
The ICDL is an effective corporate tool to measure the efficiency of computer training, and to judge the outcomes of external training organizations.
A standard for employee recruitment
Companies are requiring ICDL as a standard for employees entering the organization ensuring a level of competence.
Benefits of ICDL™ to the INDIVIDUAL
Participate fully in the Information society
ICDL is the first attempt to recognize the computer competency of the broader Canadian population, and is open to anyone regardless of age, education, experience or background. In the information society, computer literacy is an important life skill.
A reliable and consistent learning structure
ICDL Canada is responsible for certifying test centres, managing the licence validation process and issuing the licences. It is also responsible for working with test centres to achieve widespread recognition of the ICDL across business, government, education and community sectors.
Certification that will be recognized around the world
The ICDL is positioned to become the most widely recognized, international certification in the field of computer use because it targets the full spectrum of the population and it has the support and supervision of the industry's professionals.
Open Doorways to new Opportunities
Attaining an ICDL can assist people seeking a career change or those who are currently unemployed by enabling them to demonstrate their information technology (IT) competencies. People who are self-taught or who have undertaken application-based courses characterize Canadian computer users. However, to date there has been no general assessment or widespread recognition of their abilities. The ICDL
meets those needs.
Benefits of ICDL™ to SOCIETY
Raise the level of information technology (IT) competence
An IT skills shortage can be a limiting factor for Canada's competitiveness. ICDL will give many Canadians more confidence to pursue career development in IT and e-commerce. Having more ICDL holders will improve Canadians' life skills and their ability to more fully participate in today's information society.
Provides certification of IT skills in the educational sector
In Europe, widespread application of the ICDL concept for teachers and students has been of great benefit. In Canada, the concept holds similar promise.
Re-skill the unemployed
Many programs using the ICDL certification have been successful in re-skilling the unemployed. Training and ICDL certification have been an effective component within broader programs designed to return even long-term unemployed to superior employment.
ICDL credibly defines computer literacy
ICDL is a generic standard independent of vendors' platforms. It is well established internationally and has been adopted by industry and government in over 25 countries. International organizations such as UNESCO, The World Bank and the EU are adopting the standard.
