What is ECDL?
- The new ECDL is an update of the ECDL programme that focuses on current new technology and flexibility.
- New content has been added to the programme, to ensure coverage of the digital skills and knowledge required now and in the future.
- The structure of the programme now offers flexibility, allowing individuals and organisations to develop digital literacy, competence, and expertise in a way that is appropriate to them.
The ECDL Structure
The ECDL is made up of a set of modules grouped under three headings:
| Base | Standard | Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Base modules are the building blocks for digital literacy, describing essential skills and knowledge. | Standard modules allow individuals to build their digital competence, depending on their needs. | Advanced modules allow individuals to demonstrate digital expertise in certain specific areas. |
ECDL Base
Base modules certify skills that are considered essential skills – together they form the set of skills and knowledge that are crucial for all, which is why they are considered to be essential.
The four Base obligatory modules are:
- Computer Essentials
- Online Essentials
- Word Processing
- Excel Spreadsheets
The National Commission for Further & Higher Education deems the ECDL Base Certificate to be at Level 2 of the Malta Qualifications Framework and of the European Qualifications for Framework for Lifelong Learning.
ECDL Standard
This is the 7-module certification that consists of the 4 Base obligatory modules plus 3 additional Standard modules to develop & certify an individual’s digital competence.
Standard modules that one can choose from:
- Access Database
- PowerPoint Presentation
- Image Editing
- Web Editing
- IT Security
- Online Collaboration
- 2D CAD
The National Commission for Further & Higher Education deems the ECDL Standard Certificate to be at Level 3 of the Malta Qualifications Framework and of the European Qualifications for Framework for Lifelong Learning.
Although the ECDL Certificate is rated at the same level (i.e. Level 3 of the MQF) as a Secondary Education Certificate/Ordinary Level Certificate, this does not mean that the ECDL certificate can be used as a replacement for the Secondary Education Certificate/Ordinary Level Certificate.
When a candidate has successfully passed from the first 7 ECDL Standard Modules, Holistic Institute of Technologies will automatically apply for the certificate with the ECDL Malta. The ECDL Malta takes a maximum of 2 months to issue the ECDL Standard Certification, Holistic will then deliver the ECDL Certificates to each respective school, registered with Holistic, once these are received.
ECDL Advanced
The ECDL Advanced is the logical progression for candidates who have achieved the ECDL Standard certification and who wish to enhance their ICT skills and demonstrate their competence in using a computer at a higher level.
The four obligatory modules are:
- Access Database
- PowerPoint Presentation
- Word Processing
- Excel Spreadsheets
The National Commission for Further & Higher Education deems the ECDL Expert Certificate to be at Level 4 of the Malta Qualifications Framework and of the European Qualifications for Framework for Lifelong Learning.
Similarly, although the ECDL Expert Certificate is rated at the same level (i.e. Level 4 of the MQF) as an Advanced Level Certificate, this does not imply that candidates can use this as a replacement for an Advanced Level Certificate.
What is an Online Diagnostic Test?
The online diagnostic test is a pre-training assessment before attempting the official ECDL Certification Exam, contains between 60 to 72 questions and examines the candidate throughout the whole syllabus of that particular module. When a diagnostic test has been worked out in full, the results are instantly given. Feedback is given on the subject areas and any questions that have been incorrectly answered.
Please note that the diagnostic test can be worked out at school or at home, if a student doesn’t know how to access the diagnostic test, it is highly important to refer to the Enlight Account Guide.
What is an Online Certification Test?
The ECDL Certifications Exams are online based, having – applications and multiple choice questions. Exams results are shown for the candidate immediately after each finished exam. The exam result report page contains information about the taken exam, separated in categories corresponding to knowledge measurement points, set up for the exam. Since these exams are official ECDL exams leading to certification, exams are done at school or at Holistic Institute of Technologies, under examination conditions with a fully licensed invigilator.
Special Arrangements
The online testing system is also approved for people with learning difficulties and special needs. A candidate can apply for the below accommodation requests upon filling in the ‘Application for Persons with Special Needs’ form:
| Rest period during exam | Reader | Additional Time |
| Separate examination room | Prompter | Enlarged exam font size |
This form can be requested from the school or from Holistic Technologies in Fgura. It is very important that such form is handed back to Holistic at least 1 month before the official exam is due, together with a specialist report.
These special arrangements are only given once they are approved by the ECDL Malta.
Resit Sessions
If a candidate does not pass from the ECDL exam, he/she may resit the exam at school, if resit sessions are provided or at our testing centre. In order to resit the exam, one shall first pay the exam through our Online Store and then book the exam date and time through the Bookings Page