International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL), is a computer literacy certification programme provided by the ECDL Foundation, a not-for-profit organization.
The ECDL / ICDL certification is a globally recognised information and communication technology (ICT) and digital literacy qualification. According to the ECDL Foundation, the ECDL/ICDL certification is recognized and supported by national governments, computer societies (such as the BCS and ICS), international organizations and private corporations.
In 1995, the ECDL certification programme was developed through a task force of the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) and was recommended by the EU Commission High Level Group, ESDIS, to be a Europe-wide certification scheme. In addition, the project receives funding and is indirectly supported by the EU Commission through ESPRIT and the Leonardo da Vinci program.

 

Candidates

The ECDL / ICDL certification is available in 148 countries and in 42 languages. As of 2011, ECDL Foundation has issued more than 11 million ECDL / ICDL skills cards. ECDL Foundation markets the certification programme to people who need to demonstrate their full competence in the use of a PC and common computer applications, and knowledge of the essential concepts of the information technology. Prospective candidates are expected to have used computers and have seen some of the common software applications before. Programmes are also available for candidates with other skill requirements. ECDL Foundation claims increased productivity and job prospects improvement as among the benefits of the certification, which is provided by a local test center for a fee.