Is the ECDL worth it?

mikewebs

Hi there

I would agree that ECDL can give you skills you may not get any other way. also I would say that watch out because some (like my college) use a crappy computer based system which tells you you are wrong when you aren't. Also it tells you to do something one way then marks you wrong for doing it that way - so go for a proven system rather tahn an experimental one like mine!

3plus1

Hi Mike,

I did an ECDL at school, because my school paid for it.

Like you, I know my stuff when it comes to computers, and quite frankly, doing the ECDL was a waste of time. If you had poor IT skills, yes, I might recommend it, as it gives you a grounding in all of that jazz. But if like me, you'd be sitting exams just to get a little card (yes, it's a plastic card rather than a certificate), I think for the money involved... It's really not worth bothering about.

I can't say anyone has ever commented on the ECDL qualification on my CV. I'm self-employed as a web designer, so I think that suggests I have some IT skills anyway. :rolleyes: I haven't seen the advanced syllabus or sat those exams, so can't hugely comment on that... But I'd save the money for something else, and invest your time in gaining a skill you don't already have, rather than getting one that you do certified on paper.

influence

To me, i don't find it very useful when i read about it. If it is for your CV, it is just like putting you know about microsoft windows and office. People don't really take that as an advantage but rather an essential in office jobs. It is good to have (if paid) but it won't make you stand out in a job selection (I think).

If you are going for an IT job, go for some of the microsoft engineer or technician courses. You might also go for Linux courses which is becoming more useful these days. You might also think of learning a programming language (C++, Java, python, even VB, php, asp etc).

If you are already in your university, then your degree (any discipline) counts more than a ECDL.

SnowyOwl_2

I have found to my cost that some employers can be totally rigid in their short-listing criteria. Some (but by no means all) may stipulate that you must have the ECDL before they will consider your application. To them it's proof of a certain standard of proficiency. You mightn't want to work for such an unbending employer, but if you've got the chance to do the exams I would say take it. The exercise may not add anything to your knowledge or skills, but having the ECDL just might qualify you for certain interviews.

I think you should invest the £121 and go for it. You can do the advanced modules/exams later, preferably at the expense of an employer.

LittleVoice

I've taught and marked ECDL.

I think it can be useful as if you do study the full syllabus you will learn things - but you can pass the tests without knowing everything! If you have no formal ICT qualifications on your CV, then it is some proof of what you can do on a broad range of applications.

I marked the "paper" tests. That is the tests are taken from a paper test paper. This avoids the position (mentioned in an earlier post) of the computer saying you aren't doing something correctly when you are using a different means to get the result requested. This is because it is the outcome which is then assessed, not the means of achieving it - a much more realistic approach IMO. However, I think more centres are moving to the computer tests - they are less labour intensive on tutor time I expect.

The ECDL Advanced tests are all "paper" based (in the way I've described above). However, they are testing your ability to use specific applications (word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentations) and do not test underlying ICT knowledge (which is tested in the ordinary ECDL).

Oldernotwiser

Computer literacy has become the 3rd "R" and having the ECDL seems to the shorthand way of telling that you have these skills, in the same way that having C or above in English and Maths illustrates that you are literate and numerate.

(That's the theory anyway but having seen the standard that a C grade represents you could well argue that it means nothing!)

Walter_TM

Is the ECDL worth it? Yes I will say I used be project developer for an IT training in Cameroon which also had ICDL and ECDL as an IT training platform. I have to change the way people use to look at ICDL or ECDL training. The big problem how each and every one take the course if you think that it not worth it then it wouldn’t be worth it. Some were doing the course just (my mother ask me to come and ask the cost of the program; someone told me about the program and the certification so I want do it) then I will ask, I are tell you just want to do ICDL for ICDL. When you send to go to the ICDL website and read and come and tell you why the will like to take the course, most will come and tell you that it will help them to get a job. Then that where the problem is just to have the certification without trying much as they can to apply it at work. So I came in with support classes in which they apply the silks. ICDL is the best platform for now that I know so far and I think using it as a community development tool and it is good platform for developing Counties like Cameroon.

stevenhp1987

Dragging up an old thread (3 years old) arn't we Walter TM?... a newbie posting "awesome" things about this "ECDL"... not the best tactics to get people interested etc.

Stu1

stevenhp1987 wrote: »

Dragging up an old thread (3 years old) arn't we Walter TM?... a newbie posting "awesome" things about this "ECDL"... not the best tactics to get people interested etc.

Hello Steven, darling. I hope you feel better for having taken a cheap swipe at Walter.

I found this posting helpful, as I was reading it in order to find out if ECDL is worth it for me. I've decided it's probably not. I don't recall seeing any job advertisements requiring it. Although if you get the chance to do it before you have any work experience, go for it.

stevenhp1987

Stu1 wrote: »

Hello Steven, darling. I hope you feel better for having taken a cheap swipe at Walter.

I found this posting helpful, as I was reading it in order to find out if ECDL is worth it for me. I've decided it's probably not. I don't recall seeing any job advertisements requiring it. Although if you get the chance to do it before you have any work experience, go for it.

???

I made no such swipe, I simply pointed out the obvious, that a user with only 1 post (such as yourself) is attempting to heavily advertise a product or service. I'm pretty sure that's spam and is actually illegal in some way (as you're not actually a real customer so fake feedback?)

kiran13xtreme

Personally, In my opinion it is a waste of money - Period! unless you are a complete novice to a word processing etc... I have just completed ECDL 5.0 specification and found it boring and learnt northing new to the point where i started teaching other student in my group how to do certain things to keep me going. I was forced to do it only to pass a compulsory module in university but I believe it was a complete waste time and money (again unless you are a complete novice).