ICDL Saudi Arabia launches higher-level IT proficiency certification through ICDL Advanced Programme |
Offers candidates opportunity to become experts in word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation applications
February, 2009
ICDL Saudi Arabia, the governing body and certification authority of the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), has announced that it has recently launched the "Advanced Programme" to provide a mass-based higher-level skills proficiency training for various essential IT applications. Offering candidates an opportunity to become experts in the use of IT tools, the ICDL Advanced modules have been designed to enable candidates to become more organised and efficient, more productive, capable of confidently exploring the full potential of various IT applications, and experts in delivering attractive, professional-quality outputs.
The ICDL Advanced Programme comprises four modules: Word Processing (Module AM3), which enables candidates to handle advanced features of word processing applications to enhance their work, improve productivity and save time; Spreadsheets (AM4), which enables applicants to optimise the potential of spreadsheet applications to produce higher quality management information; Database (module AM5), offers training to carry out more complex database functions that can further enhance work quality and save time; and Presentation (AM6), which is for candidates who want to create effective, high-impact presentations using advanced features.
"ICDL Saudi Arabia is taking a step further in our quest to accelerate the IT skills level of the entire society by offering advanced training modules. The ICDL Advanced Programme will particularly benefit candidates who have acquired ICDL skill proficiency as the advanced modules will provide continuity and expand the IT knowledge they have already acquired. Raising the competency level of the public is a key step towards creating a digital society as more people will be able to take full advantage of the various IT-enabled tools and services being offered by government and private institutions," said Dr. Sulaiman Al-Dhalaan, Managing Director, ICDL Saudi Arabia.
The ICDL Advanced Programme is part of several new initiatives being rolled out by ICDL Saudi Arabia for 2009 to complement the Kingdom's ongoing investments in information and communications technology (ICT), which is reportedly worth over USD 20 billion annually. The Advanced modules likewise seek to capitalise on the growing PC and Internet adoption rates in KSA, which achieved 36.17 per cent growth in Internet users in 2007 and a 16.44 per cent increase in computer installed base in the same year.
Candidates who acquire ICDL Advanced Word Processing certification will be able to handle complex word processing projects; illustrate sophisticated typographical, formatting and layout presentations; use tools such as macros; carry out more advanced mail merge operations; and work effectively on large collaborative projects. The ICDL Advanced Spreadsheets certificate focuses on skills to produce higher quality information; pinpoint key information quicker and more easily; provide more sharply-defined analysis; produce more sophisticated reports; use advanced editing, data handling, functions and analysis features; and use macros within the spreadsheet application.
ICDL Advanced Database module will train candidates to be proficient in producing better reports with deeper data analysis; producing higher quality management information; using advanced features in table, query, form and report design; using macros within the database application; and importing, exporting and linking data. With ICDL Advanced Presentation certificate, candidates will be able to plan and design more effective presentations with more impact; use advanced features to customise layout and shows; use and manipulate pictures, images and drawn objects, charts/graphs in presentations; add sophisticated multimedia elements to presentations; and use the powerful relating tools to link information to other applications.
ICDL is a vendor-neutral digital literacy program that is acknowledged through testing and proves that the certificate holder has fundamental skills in IT, using the computer, managing files, word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and handling of the Internet and e-mail. The ICDL certificate is recognized and endorsed by education ministries, universities and government organisations with accreditations from over 168 countries and available in more than 40 languages.