During a ceremony hosted by Kuwait University - Khawarizmy Centre

ICDL launches flexible approach for ICT certification across GCC

Update to learning profiles to help users adapt to dynamic changes in technology & customize their learning

Kuwait, April 14, 2014 - Hosted by Kuwait University – Khawarizmy Centre, ICDL GCC Foundation, an organisation that promotes digital skills and cyber safety across the Gulf region and Iraq, announced the launch of its New ICDL Profile certification programmes. Representatives from more than 60 organizations and accredited centers in Kuwait have attended the event. The event aimed to receive orientation on the new certification programme and it will affect the over million candidates enrolled and new comers.

The event aimed at the concerned organizations and network of ICDL accredited partners in Kuwait on the new update of the ICDL programme, which specifies the skills and knowledge for attaining various levels of ICDL certification, will help candidates maximize latest technologies and keep abreast of emerging trends. The revised structure also offers greater flexibility in customizing Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills learning.

Jamil Ezzo, Director General of ICDL GCC Foundation, said: “We thank Kuwait University for hosting this event, and we reiterate our strategic partnership with the university and Al Khawarizmy centre which has been a main supportive element of our efforts since over ten years”

Ezzo added: “We understand that everyone uses technology for different purposes and that is why we developed the New ICDL Profile. The New ICDL Profile is an important step towards staying relevant in this dynamic world. It will enable ICDL accredited test centers to present a fresh and contemporary offering to both candidates and organisations. It also brings with it new opportunities to engage with new candidates as well as re-engage existing ones to facilitate their goal of lifelong learning.”

While maintaining its unified global standard, the New ICDL Profile offers four different levels of digital proficiency and certifications: Unit Profile, Base Profile, Standard Profile and Expert Profile. Base Profile certification is based on four pre-set modules that are essential for everyone. The Standard Profile certification contain all four Base modules plus three additional modules that can be selected from a list of modules. The Expert Profile certification consists of advanced skills in any three of the four office application.

The New ICDL Profile is a notch higher than its predecessor in terms of flexibility, relevance, validity and diversity. The new content addition will ensure greater coverage of the digital skills and knowledge required now and in the near future. The revised structure allows candidates and organisations to develop digital literacy, competence, and expertise in a manner deemed appropriate by them.

The groundwork is currently being laid to facilitate a smooth and consistent transition to the New ICDL Profile. All elements including the New Registration mechanism, Tests, Courseware, practice tests and syllabi, has officially been released. The ICDL programme was first launched in Europe in 1997 and later launched in Arab States in 2001 by UNESCO as a 7-module programme and has undergone only relatively minor revision up until now.

About ICDL:

The International Computer Driving License (ICDL) is a global computer literacy initiative developed to provide knowledge about Information Technology (IT) and enhance competence of using personal computers and common computer applications for all the citizens of the world. The ICDL GCC Foundation is the sole body to implement and disseminate the program across the GCC States and Iraq with the support of leading educational institutions and accredited bodies. The Foundation mission is to enable proficient use of Information and Communications Technology that empowers individuals, organizations and society, through the development, promotion and delivery of quality certification programmes around the world.