ECDL - any good?

[tel]

I was looking at this the other day. There seemed to be some conflicting comments as to how to go about this. I downloaded the sample docs from the BCS and they didn't seem to be overly complicated.

Did you just pay for the test?

[Snoopy]

I bought the disc from Amazon so that The THW, Wife and I could all use it then pay for the individual exams.
As you say it isn't complicated but as with all these things there is a way they want you to do things and that is what you need to learn.

Like driving ~ I've held a licence for 44 years and 10 months but I bet I would fail a driving test if I sat one without some instruction as to what "they" are looking for nowadays.

Certainly, no matter what job you go for these days, if you don't have the ECDL and recent City & Guilds in Numeracy and Literacy you haven't a hope. Wife has BA Hons + Post Graduate Cert in Education and is studying for her Masters but they still insisted that she sit the Level Two Lit and Numeracy tests ............. despite the fact she is a lecturer for a local college.

[Snoopy]

PS
ECDL also proves to the Job Centre that you are trying ~ they will prolly pay for it.

[TG]

If u are on JSA you will get most of it free.

I have had a pre-assessment on the phone and i should be able to do the first 4 modules free at least.

As for proving to the jobcentre that you are trying is irrelevant, but it may prove to potential employers that you are going for it rather that than watching Jeremy Kyle all day.

These courses are in demand. So if you are going for it then go quickly.

[tel]

I looked at the stuff from the BCS and it didn't seem very difficult, course or questions.

Do you have to take courses or can you just go to your local test place and sit the exam?

I don't think the Jobcentre will stump any money as when I mentioned it, they said they have a "special" fund for exceptional cases.

It is something I can do and it may help - suppose I haven't got anything to lose by trying it.
(Where have I heard that before  )

[Barman]

Did you get my PM on the subject...? 

[Snoopy]

No ~ should I have?

[tel]

Yes

[Snoopy]

Well I didn't.

But I can guess what it said. 

[tel]

If u are on JSA you will get most of it free.

I have had a pre-assessment on the phone and i should be able to do the first 4 modules free at least.

As for proving to the jobcentre that you are trying is irrelevant, but it may prove to potential employers that you are going for it rather that than watching Jeremy Kyle all day.

These courses are in demand. So if you are going for it then go quickly.

Pre-assessment with who?

[Nick]

http://www.learndirect.co.uk/browse/homeofficeit/ecdl/

[TG]

Ours is done through the county Council :

http://www.leics.gov.uk/index/education/community_activities/adult_education/golearn_computing_ict.htm

I,m sure other councils are doing the same.

[Snoopy]

Still cheaper to buy via Amazon and pay for the exams. Learndirect costs a fortune and they send you on 32 weeks of three hour sessions at a local college.
I expect Nick knows different but that is what they told me on the 'phone on Thursday last.
Another government waste of money = Learn Direct.

[TG]

I have succsellfully enrolled on an ECDL course, doesn't start till October. Evenings, 2 hours a week for 12 weeks. Free and local. 

[Nick]

Source? Learn Direct have had all their funding withdrawn. They are looking at Dubai for funds