ICDL

Computer training in South Africa is based on two competing standards. The International Computer Drivers License (ICDL) and the SAQA Unit Standard. We train the SAQA Unit Standard and the following is an explanation for you to make an informed choice.

What are an ICDL and the UNIT STANDARD?

The International Computer Drivers License (ICDL) is an end-user standard created by the major European Computer Societies and is the only European Union recognized IT qualification at present. In Sub-Saharan Africa, excluding Zimbabwe, it is administered by ICDL South Africa, established by the Computer Society of South Africa (CSSA).

 

The Unit Standard is a end-user standard created by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), a body created by the South African Government responsible to overseeing the development of a National Quality Framework (NQF) for training, which formulates and publishes policies and criteria for training standards in South Africa.

 

Which is the better one?

Both the ICDL and the SAQA Units Standards are very similar in content. It all depends on your personal requirements, what you want to use the qualification for and your end goals.

Local Job Seekers and people wanting a qualification to improve their general computer skills for the South African labour market should stick to SAQA Unit Standard training, as most employers have a fair knowledge and understanding on the SAQA Unit Standard Process.

Students wishing to travel oversee or people who wish to emigrate from South Africa should consider the ICDL.

What is the real difference between an ICDL and UNIT STANDARD outcomes?

Not much. It is like picking between two well build cars. At the end, they are both high quality and it will come down to personal taste and training preferences. In essence the ICDL consist of 7 modules and the SAQA Unit Standards are closely based on the same elements contained in the ICDL.  The ICDL works towards a complete/final end-user qualification based on the seven prescribed modules, i.e. the issuing of the ICDL, whereas the Unit Standards are more singular in approach, i.e. you only need to do the courses/applications suited to your requirements for the labour market.

 

What does the ICDL modules and Unit standards consist of?

Both the ICDL and SAQA Unit Standards are “platform independent” and will test you in the package of your choice. The various packages tested to date are Lotus Smartsuite, Corel Office, Microsoft Office, Open Office etc, although it must be remembered that the most common

Unit Standards training are for Microsoft Office based packages, due to it’s dominance in the workplace.

 

ICDL Modules and SAQA Unit Standards face to face.

The following is an explanation of ICDL and SAQA Unit Standards.