ECDL for a computer expert?

Malory

I have spent many years working with computers. I work for a web design company and have experience with HTML, Dreamweaver, etc, also the basic Windows programs like Word, Excel and Powerpoint.

I grew up before people learned these things in school, so I'm self-taught. If I need to learn how to use a new computer program, I just teach myself.

The thing is, I grew up in the US, so I have no official qualifications in anything, because the US does not have standardised national qualifications - I have a Bachelor's Degree in an unrelated field, but that is it.

I was advised to take the ECDL by someone at a career advice centre a couple of years ago.

I was thinking of getting the ECDL, just to have something on paper to show that I "know computers", but my husband, who was born in the UK, says that it would actually make me look less knowledgable on my CV- kind of like someone with a university degree mentioning their reading and arithmetic skills on a CV. (I mean no offense to people who took the ECDL when they were new to using computers and got a great deal of value from it.)

Recently, I spoke to someone at a test centre about actually taking the test and made an appointment for the first consultation this week. She said that I would be eligible to start at Level 2, rather than Level 1, since "I already know how to open a file".

It's time consuming and quite a bit of money for me at the moment, so I'm wondering if it's a waste of time and I should just cancel.

If I just list the programs that I can use on my CV, which is what I do now, is that enough? Will adding the ECDL qualification help me, make no difference, or even hurt me?

(If I had more time and extra money, I might just take the course to see what it was like, and then not mention it on my CV if it would be a problem, but right now I can only afford to go on a course if I can expect some benefit from it.)

PasturesNew

I'd not bother with taking the ECDL. It's intended for "computer users", not "IT professionals".

It teaches people how to use their Microsoft Office applications and PC operating system to perform tasks, connect to the network and save/retrieve files.

I'd not bother. It's like a bank manager having to do a basic numeracy course before being able to apply for jobs as a bank manager again.

On the other hand, if you can do it, it might be a route into offering your services as an ECDL Tutor, so could get you more employable from that perspective.

tom9980

Malory wrote: »

I work for a web design company

that experience is worth 100x more than a defunct junk qualification that is way below your capabilities.

falko89

I always wondered what the point was in the ECDL, I think its one of many pointless qualifications designed for people on the dole to make them look like they are doing something constructive.

HiMyNameIsLauren

I can categorically say; do not waste your time!

As mentioned above, you've already got the work experience. I work in this industry and if I saw your CV which mentions ECDL and you're going for a job that's more than data entry and you're not straight out of school, (obviously not) it would just make me giggle.

Please, please, please do not waste your time or money.

"I was advised to take the ECDL by someone at a career advice centre a couple of years ago." - yeah, the 'tick boxes to get a job brigade'. Well, they have to tell you something to gain their self worth!

Malory

Thanks, guys, for just saving me 300 quid

Wonder if it would not just make an employer giggle, but possibly make them think I was lying about my other qualifications? Not worried, just curious.

heretolearn_2

It might raise an eyebrow and I'd wonder why you had done it but I just ignore ECDL on CVs now. Having at one time interviewed several people with ECDL for an admin job and had none of them be able to do a very simple IT test we make everyone do particularly competently - and one woman with it flat refused to touch the PC at all to do the test - we've concluded it's a complete con. You can pass it without the slightest competency on computers. It's probably unfair on some people with ECDL but seeing the skill level and attitude of those I've interviewed who have done it, I now associate it with people who are terrified of IT, don't use it, don't want to use it, do not own a PC and can't imagine why other people do, but did the course as they were made to by the job centre or thought 'ok I've got to learn about these new fangled computery things' before trying to return to work after a long absence, but at heart think computers are out of science fiction movies.

I'm much more interested in people's real life experience on PCs and how they tackle our own tests. It's a shame we have to make people do tests at all but we've learned to distrust any type of 'computer user' qualifications.

Evilm

I don't think it will be an issue. EDCL is for "I haven't touched a computer in my life" people. As others said it was mostly due to the Jobcentre having to repurpose a whole load of people who didn't have computer skills and later became a tick the boxes exercise.

I've seen some people moaning about it being in job adverts and jobsworths not realising that people have a lot more relevant experience but I don't think you'd have a problem with anyone worth working for.

eamon

On the other hand employers such as local authorities and the NHS are just as likely to have it as a core qualification in a job spec. I have got the ECDL cd upstairs somewhere. I got bored after about 10 minutes and as you can guess I didn't finish it. Luckily I didn't have to pay for it or the 1st day of the course that I was obliged to do. There are many other threads on here that talk/discuss the relative merits of the many IT courses that are available. Many more knowledgeable posters have raised the point that IT is a huge area with multiple disciplines. And I agree ECDL is not worth the money.

36CrazyFists

ECDL is becoming an Essential Criteria in public sector admin jobs. f you don't tick the box you won't be interviewed.

If you don't have aspirations to work in the NHS or Local Government working in admin, I wouldn't bother doing it!

yvonne13_2

Op your best bet is doing SAP and or even Oracle, they helped me get a job in India and Germany when I was outsourcing and the qualifications are recognised around the globe