By the end of this course you shall update your IT skills in the following areas:

Microsoft Word
You will develop advanced word processing skills to format text and tables, work with referencing features and create tables of contents. You will improve your productivity by using fields, forms and templates. You will learn how to use advanced mail merge and macros, work with master documents and subdocuments, and work with watermarks, sections, headers and footers.

• Apply advanced text, paragraph, column and table formatting. Maintain a consistent design through the use of character and paragraph styles.
• Work with referencing features like footnotes, endnotes and captions. Manage citations and bibliography using a chosen citation style. Create tables of contents, indexes and cross-references.
• Enhance productivity by using fields, forms and templates.
• Apply advanced mail merge techniques and work with automation features like macros.
• Use linking and embedding features to integrate data.
• Collaborate on and review documents locally or online. Apply document security features.
• Work with watermarks, sections, and headers and footers in a document. Use a thesaurus and manage spell check settings.

Microsoft Excel
You will develop your skills with Excel to an advanced level so you can use sophisticated functions, create charts and apply advanced chart formatting features, work with tables and lists to analyse, filter and sort data. You will learn how to create and use scenarios and pivot tables, validate and audit spreadsheet data. You will enhance your productivity by working with named cell ranges, macros and templates. And you will learn about applying spreadsheet security.

• Apply advanced formatting options such as conditional formatting and customised number formatting and handle worksheets.
• Use functions such as those associated with logical, statistical, financial and mathematical operations.
• Create charts and apply advanced chart formatting.
• Work with tables and lists to analyse, filter and sort data. Create and use scenarios.
• Validate and audit spreadsheet data.
• Enhance productivity by working with named cell ranges and macros.
• Use linking, embedding and importing features to integrate data.
• Compare and merge spreadsheets. Apply spreadsheet security features.

Microsoft Access
You will develop your skills in using Microsoft Access including: understanding key concepts in database development and usage, creating a relational database, designing and refining queries using wildcards, parameters and calculations, using controls and sub forms to enhance forms and improve functionality. You will also learn how to create report controls to perform calculations and work with macros.

• Understand key concepts of database development and usage.
• Create a relational database using advanced table creation features and complex relationships between tables.
• Design and use queries to create a table, update, delete and append data. Refine queries using wildcards, parameters and calculations.
• Use controls and subforms to enhance forms and improve functionality.
• Create report controls to perform calculations. Create subreports and enhance report presentation.
• Enhance productivity by working with macros and use linking and importing features to integrate data.

Microsoft PowerPoint
You will learn how to make advanced PowerPoint presentations including: how to understand your target audience, creating and modifying templates and formatting slide backgrounds. You will learn how to use built-in drawing and image tools, apply advanced chart formatting features and create and edit diagrams, insert movies and sound and apply built-in animation features. You will focus on how to work with custom slide shows, apply slide show setting, and control a slide show.

• Understand target audience, venue and technical considerations in presentation planning.
• Create and modify templates and themes, and work with slide master layouts.
• Enhance a presentation using built-in drawing and image tools. Use alternative text for accessibility.
• Apply advanced chart formatting features and create and edit diagrams.
• Insert audio and video, create audio and screen recordings, and apply built-in animation features.
• Use linking, embedding, importing and exporting features to integrate data. Use password protection to secure a presentation.
• Work with custom slide shows and apply slide show settings. Use presenter view and control a slide show.

Improving Productivity of Using IT
Finally, you will focus on how to improve your productivity in general through IT use.

IT Level 2 (ICDL Extra) course  is set up as individual online learning. This would require you to be independent up to a certain level and have the appropriate IT skills to work the programme. However, you shall have a highly qualified and skilled tutor to assist your throughout your whole programme and agree on your mandatory attendance days. They shall track your progress and offer you support through session plans, individual sessions, mini tests and assignments as well as any additional learning material that they may feel you require in accordance with any difficulties that you may face.

By the end of this course you shall update your IT skills in the following areas:

Microsoft Word
Microsoft word has quickly become one of the most used programmes within employment, therefore, this section will focus on teaching you how to use it in detail. This will vary from basics such as how to change the font, style and/or size of your text to how to create detailed adjustments to suite you needs, for instance, adding hyperlinks to your work.

Microsoft Excel
The use of Microsoft Excel is ever growing and is becoming a very convenient and simple way to store data. Therefore, in this section you shall learn in detail how to enter data into excel, create spreadsheets and work out sums.

Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft PowerPoint is one of the most favoured programmes when it comes to creating presentations. You shall learn how to create different presentation slides, choose different backgrounds and adaptations as well has how to include different graphs in accordance with your needs.

Improving Productivity of Using IT
This final section shall teach you how to identify the most effective programme of the above to use in accordance with work at hand and the programme that is most cost effective.

As part of your IT Level 1 (ICDL Essentials) course you will cover the following topics:

IT User Fundamentals
IT User Fundamentals will show you how to maintain the hardware, software and files that your computer uses, so it keeps working well. You will learn how to:

• use the right IT systems to meet your needs;
• organise, store and access information on the desktop or in folders and files;
• follow and understand the need for online safety; and
• carry out routine maintenance of IT systems, like updating your software and maintaining your drives and discs.

Electronic Communication
Email and the internet give us access to a whole new world of online communication and entertainment. This course focuses on communicating by email and over the internet. You will learn how to:

• send, receive and organise emails using Microsoft Outlook Express;
• use attachments;
• manage an address book of contacts or distribution lists;
• use instant messaging and internet conferencing;
• plan your social life by using the internet and social media to find information, organise events and buy tickets;
• use a search engine to find, bookmark, save and print information from websites;
• buy and pay for goods safely on the web;
• use the calendar and task manager in Outlook to plan events and manage your time and tasks;
• download useful software and use the internet to transfer files legally and safely; and
• publish information on your own website, web space or blog.

IT Security for Users
IT Security for Users will help you to understand the IT security threats facing computers, so you can protect your data and stay safe. You will learn how to:

• create user accounts and passwords to protect your personal data on the web;
• understand the risks of online communities and social networking;
• understand different types of malware and what they can do to your computer;
• prevent viruses getting onto your computer through spam email;
• avoid online fraud, like phishing scams;
• keep your network secure, especially when using wi-fi;
  back up data and recognise different portable storage devices like USB sticks and recordable DVDs; and
• understand how data protection laws work.

The IT for Beginners (BCS Essential Digital Skills for Work Entry 3) course is composed of five skill areas:

1. Using Devices and Handling Information Learners will be able to navigate devices and the internet to find and store information.
2. Creating and Editing Learners will be able to create a variety of document types and perform straightforward editing techniques.
3. Communicating Learners will be able to communicate and manage contacts using a suitable online method such as email or video calling.
4. Transacting Learners will be able to fill in online forms to make safe, secure purchases.
5. Being Safe and Responsible Online Learners will know how to keep devices and information secure. Learners will also be able to identify and demonstrate responsible behaviour and report any concerns.

In order to achieve the ICDL Level 2 Certificate you will need to pass the below modules :

1 – Security for IT Users

• create user accounts and passwords to protect your personal data on the web;
• understand the risks of online communities and social networking;
• understand different types of malware and what they can do to your computer;
• prevent viruses getting onto your computer through spam email;
• avoid online fraud, like phishing scams;
• keep your network secure, especially when using wi-fi;
• back up data and recognise different portable storage devices like USB sticks and recordable DVDs; and
• understand how data protection laws work.

2 – IT User Fundamentals

• Using a variety of software’s and applications
• Organise, store and access information on the desktop or in folders and files
• Follow and understand the need for online safety
• Carry out routine maintenance of IT systems, like updating your software and maintaining your drives and discs

3 – Microsoft Word

• Work with documents and save them in different file formats, locally or in the cloud.
• Use available help resources, shortcuts and the go to tool to enhance productivity.
• Create and edit word processing documents that will be ready to share and distribute.
• Apply different formats and styles to enhance documents and recognise good practice in choosing the appropriate formatting options.
• Insert tables, pictures and drawn objects into documents.
• Prepare documents for mail merge operations.
• Adjust document page settings and check and correct spelling before printing.

4 – Microsoft Excel

• Work with spreadsheets and save them in different file formats, locally or in the cloud.
• Use available help resources, shortcuts and the go to tool to enhance productivity.
• Enter data into cells and use good practice in creating lists. Select, sort and copy, move and delete data.
• Edit rows and columns in a worksheet. Copy, move, delete and appropriately rename worksheets.
• Create mathematical and logical formulas using standard spreadsheet functions. Use good practice in formula creation and recognize error values in formulas.
• Format numbers and text content in a spreadsheet and use available autoformat/table styles.
• Choose suitable charts, and create and format charts to communicate information meaningfully.
• Adjust spreadsheet page settings and check and correct spreadsheet content before printing.

5 – Microsoft Access

• Understand what a database is and how it is organised and operated
• Create a simple database and view the database content in various modes
• Create a table, define and modify fields and their properties; enter and edit data in a table
• Sort and filter a table or form; create, modify and run queries to retrieve specific information from a database
• Understand what a form is and create a form to enter, modify and delete records and data in records
• Create routine reports and prepare outputs ready for distribution

6 – Microsoft PowerPoint

• Work with presentations and save them in different file formats, locally or in the cloud.
• Use available help resources to enhance productivity.
• Understand different presentation views and when to use them, choose different built-in slide layouts, designs and themes.
• Enter, edit and format text and tables in presentations. Recognise good practise in applying unique titles to slides and creating consistent slide content by using the master slide.
• Choose, create and format charts to communicate information meaningfully.
• Insert, edit and align pictures and drawn objects.
• Apply animation and transition effects to presentations, and check and correct presentation content before printing and presenting.
•  

7 – Using the Internet and Email

• send, receive and organise emails using Microsoft Outlook Express;
• use attachments;
• manage an address book of contacts or distribution lists;
• use instant messaging and internet conferencing;
• plan your social life by using the internet and social media to find information, organise events and buy tickets;
• use a search engine to find, bookmark, save and print information from websites;
• buy and pay for goods safely on the web;
• use the calendar and task manager in Outlook to plan events and manage your time and tasks;
• download useful software and use the internet to transfer files legally and safely; and
• how to be safe online

In order to achieve the ICDL Advanced Level 3 Certificate you will need to pass the below modules :

ICDL ADVANCED – WORD PROCESSING

This module is a high-level certification programme through which candidates can demonstrate their ability to use the advanced features of word processing applications to enhance their work, improve productivity and save time. Completion of this module will enable candidates to demonstrate professionalism and save time in the creation, production, review, and distribution of documents.
On completion of this module the candidate will be able to:

• Apply advanced text, paragraph, column and table formatting. Maintain a consistent design through the use of character and paragraph styles.
• Work with referencing features like footnotes, endnotes and captions. Manage citations and bibliography using a chosen citation style. Create tables of contents, indexes and cross-references.
• Enhance productivity by using fields, forms and templates.
• Apply advanced mail merge techniques and work with automation features like macros.
• Use linking and embedding features to integrate data.
• Collaborate on and review documents locally or online. Apply document security features.
• Work with watermarks, sections, and headers and footers in a document. Use a thesaurus and manage spell check settings.

ECDL ADVANCED SPREADSHEETS

This module is a high-level certification programme which presents candidates with the opportunity to bring their spreadsheet skills to an expert level. Completion of this module will enable candidates to master the more advanced functions of spreadsheet applications, enabling them to produce more sophisticated reports, and to perform complex mathematical and statistical calculations, thus saving time and improving productivity in the completion of tasks.

On completion of this module the candidate will be able to:

• Apply advanced formatting options such as conditional formatting and customised number formatting and handle worksheets.
• Use functions such as those associated with logical, statistical, financial and mathematical operations.
• Create charts and apply advanced chart formatting.
• Work with tables and lists to analyse, filter and sort data. Create and use scenarios.
• Validate and audit spreadsheet data.
• Enhance productivity by working with named cell ranges and macros.
• Use linking, embedding and importing features to integrate data.
• Compare and merge spreadsheets. Apply spreadsheet security features.

ICDL ADVANCED DATABASE

This module is a high-level certification programme that enables candidates to use the many advanced tools available in database applications to better manage and organise structured information. Successful completion of this module will enable candidates to maximise database functions, in order to manage and analyse high volumes of data, thus enabling the production of the quantity and quality of information that business today demands.

On completion of this module the candidate will be able to:

• Understand key concepts of database development and usage.
• Create a relational database using advanced table creation features and complex relationships between tables.
• Design and use queries to create a table, update, delete and append data. Refine queries using wildcards, parameters and calculations.
• Use controls and subforms to enhance forms and improve functionality.
• Create report controls to perform calculations. Create subreports and enhance report presentation.
• Enhance productivity by working with macros and use linking and importing features to integrate data.

ECDL ADVANCED PRESENTATION
This module is a high-level certification programme for candidates who wish to create effective, high-impact presentations using advanced features and who need to be able to prove their skills in this area. The programme covers advanced presentation features that will allow candidates to use the presentation application to its full potential, and to plan and design more effective presentations that have greater impact and that will better engage and involve an audience.

On completion of this module the candidate will be able to:

• Understand target audience, venue and technical considerations in presentation planning.
• Create and modify templates and themes, and work with slide master layouts.
• Enhance a presentation using built-in drawing and image tools. Use alternative text for accessibility.
• Apply advanced chart formatting features and create and edit diagrams.
• Insert audio and video, create audio and screen recordings, and apply built-in animation features.
• Use linking, embedding, importing and exporting features to integrate data. Use password protection to secure a presentation.
• Work with custom slide shows and apply slide show settings. Use presenter view and control a slide show.

ECDL ADVANCED – Improving Productivity Using IT

The ‘Improving Productivity Using IT’ unit is a mandatory unit for this qualification. This qualification provides learners with a full Level 3 qualification; therefore the completion of ECDL Advanced meets the requirements of the national funding objectives at Level 3
Improving Productivity Using IT is the ability to plan, evaluate and improve procedures involving the use of IT tools and systems in order to improve the productivity and efficiency of work activities.

Level 3 Summary
An advanced user can plan and review their use of predefined or commonly used IT tools for activities most of which are complex and non-routine. As a result of reviewing their work, they will be able to devise solutions in the use of IT tools in order to improve productivity. They will take considerable responsibility and autonomy, and be prepared to offer support and advice to others.

An activity will typically be ‘complex and non-routine’ because:

• the task or context is likely to require research, analysis and interpretation;
• the work may be undertaken by others; and
• the techniques required will be complex, and the selection process may involve analysis, research, identification and application.

Examples of context: An improvement may be adapting an off-the-shelf solution to create a bespoke database to manage customer relationships in a marketing context

In order to achieve the ICDL Extra Level 2 Certificate you will need to pass the below modules :

Microsoft Word

• Work with documents and save them in different file formats, locally or in the cloud.
• Use available help resources, shortcuts and the go to tool to enhance productivity.
• Create and edit word processing documents that will be ready to share and distribute.
• Apply different formats and styles to enhance documents and recognise good practice in choosing the appropriate formatting options.
• Insert tables, pictures and drawn objects into documents.
• Prepare documents for mail merge operations.
• Adjust document page settings and check and correct spelling before printing.

Microsoft Excel

• Work with spreadsheets and save them in different file formats, locally or in the cloud.
• Use available help resources, shortcuts and the go to tool to enhance productivity.
• Enter data into cells and use good practice in creating lists. Select, sort and copy, move and delete data.
• Edit rows and columns in a worksheet. Copy, move, delete and appropriately rename worksheets.
• Create mathematical and logical formulas using standard spreadsheet functions. Use good practice in formula creation and recognize error values in formulas.
• Format numbers and text content in a spreadsheet and use available autoformat/table styles.
• Choose suitable charts, and create and format charts to communicate information meaningfully.
• Adjust spreadsheet page settings and check and correct spreadsheet content before printing.

Microsoft PowerPoint

• Work with presentations and save them in different file formats, locally or in the cloud.
• Use available help resources to enhance productivity.
• Understand different presentation views and when to use them, choose different built-in slide layouts, designs and themes.
• Enter, edit and format text and tables in presentations. Recognise good practise in applying unique titles to slides and creating consistent slide content by using the master slide.
• Choose, create and format charts to communicate information meaningfully.
• Insert, edit and align pictures and drawn objects.
• Apply animation and transition effects to presentations, and check and correct presentation content before printing and presenting.

Improving Productivity of Using IT
This is the ability to plan, evaluate and improve procedures involving the use of IT tools and systems in order to improve the productivity and efficiency of work activities.

In order to achieve the ICDL Essentials Level 1 Award you will need to pass the below modules :

IT User Fundamentals

• use the right IT systems to meet your needs;
• organise, store and access information on the desktop or in folders and files;
• follow and understand the need for online safety; and
• carry out routine maintenance of IT systems, like updating your software and maintaining your drives and discs.

Electronic Communication

• send, receive and organise emails using Microsoft Outlook Express;
• use attachments;
• manage an address book of contacts or distribution lists;
• use instant messaging and internet conferencing;
• plan your social life by using the internet and social media to find information, organise events and buy tickets;
• use a search engine to find, bookmark, save and print information from websites;
• buy and pay for goods safely on the web;
• use the calendar and task manager in Outlook to plan events and manage your time and tasks;
• download useful software and use the internet to transfer files legally and safely; and
• publish information on your own website, web space or blog.

IT Security for Users

• create user accounts and passwords to protect your personal data on the web;
• understand the risks of online communities and social networking;
• understand different types of malware and what they can do to your computer;
• prevent viruses getting onto your computer through spam email;
• avoid online fraud, like phishing scams;
• keep your network secure, especially when using wi-fi;
  back up data and recognise different portable storage devices like USB sticks and recordable DVDs; and
• understand how data protection laws work.