ICDL for Schools

Why should your school offer ICDL?

ICDL offers schools a complete digital literacy solution designed to empower school students to learn real-world skills that enable them to think critically and be more productive learners. 

This student-centred digital skills programme focuses on equipping students with key skills and knowledge on the effective use of office productivity tools, online collaboration, and emerging technologies.

To offer ICDL at your school, simply contact us and complete the accreditation process, and your school will join the hundreds of schools offering the ICDL, located across 100+ countries across the globe.

Contact us to discuss your schools needs

Empowering students with the digital skills needed for school, college, and the workplace

ICDL benefits for students

Provides students with the skills they need to succeed at school and prepares them for future studies and the workplace
Develops skills for students to learn in a more self-directed way
Develops communication skills, self-confidence, and a sense of responsibility
Broadens students’ horizons – exploring new subject areas, gaining confidence and an understanding in the potential of digital technologies
ICDL is an international certification, a marker of quality in the learning content and a certification to take with them recognised by employers worldwide

ICDL benefits for providers

Self-guided learning in recommended modules
Bespoke system makes it easy to set up courses and get students learning
No training needed in specialised subjects – eLearning covers our curriculum fully
Packages available no matter how much time you have in your timetable
One easy price per student, no hidden or extra costs

ICDL for Junior Cycle (12 – 15)

Fundamental digital skills for Junior Cycle students

Digital Student Essentials has been designed to give students the essential digital skills required for school and life, providing them with a digital skills foundation for future progression. Starting from 12 years old, modules can easily fit into any academic year timetable, whether as part of a wellbeing programme or short course.

Essential Skills

Computer and Online Essentials

Application Essentials

Information & Collaboration Essentials

Computational Thinking

Computing

Robotics

Sample Timetable (3 modules, over 10 weeks, 2 classes per week)

Module Name	Classes	Weeks
Computer & Online Essentials	6	Weeks 1 – 3
Application Essentials	8	Weeks 4 – 6
Information & Collaboration Essentials	6	Weeks 7 – 10

Contact ICDL Today

ICDL for Senior Cycle (16+)

Provide students with a digital path to success in Senior Cycle and beyond

ICDL ensures students are equipped for success in both their academic and professional journeys by emphasising real-world practical skills that contribute to TY development indicators. Below are three ICDL Profiles popular with schools in Ireland. These example profile illustrate how you can provide comprehensive digital skills in Transition Year. With many more modules to choose from, ICDL is completely flexible and customisable.

Short on time? Consider a three-module combination that can be taught in as little as 10 weeks. We can advise you on what works best for your school, feel free to reach out to us.

Contact ICDL Today

CORE DIGITAL SKILLS

AI Essentials

Cyber Security

Presentation

Computer & Online Essentials

Documents

Spreadsheets

ADVANCED DIGITAL SKILLS

Internet of Things

Cloud Computing

Digital Marketing

Teamwork

Sample Timetable, over 10 weeks and 30 weeks

3 modules over 10 weeks, 2 classes per week:

9 modules over 30 weeks, 2 classes per week:

Module Name	Classes	Weeks
Presentation	4	Weeks 1 – 2
Digital Marketing	8	Weeks 3 – 6
E-Commerce	8	Weeks 7 – 10

Module Name	Classes	Weeks
Documents	8	Weeks 1 – 4
Presentation	4	Weeks 5 – 6
Spreadsheets	8	Weeks 7 – 10
Teamwork	4	Weeks 11 – 12
Digital Marketing	6	Weeks 13 – 15
E-Commerce	8	Weeks 16 – 19
AI Essentials	6	Weeks 20 – 22
Spreadsheets (advanced)	8	Weeks 23 – 26
Documents (advanced)	8	Weeks 27 – 30

Contact ICDL Today

AI Essentials

Empower students with future-ready digital skills

The new AI Essentials module, with fully revised and updated content, equips senior cycle students with the knowledge and practical skills to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) safely, responsibly and effectively

Why teach AI in school?

Builds essential future-ready digital skills for study, work and everyday life
Enhances Senior Cycle programmes
Boosts learning and productivity while reducing AI misuse and over-reliance

Why AI Essentials?

Complete e-learning solution — no teacher expertise required
Strong focus on ethics, safety and critical thinking
Vendor-neutral skills that work across all major AI tools
Practical, hands-on experience leading to certified future-ready AI skills

Click Here To Start Your ICDL Journey Today

Why choose ICDL certification for your students?

Digital Literacy: Digital literacy has become an essential competence, alongside traditional skills like reading, writing, and arithmetic, crucial for academic success and future careers.
Future Readiness: By attaining ICDL certification, students gain practical, job-relevant skills, making them more marketable and ready for the evolving workforce landscape.
Global Recognition: ICDL’s internationally recognised certification provides students with a credential acknowledged worldwide, enhancing their profile for higher education and employment opportunities.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: ICDL modules emphasise critical thinking and problem-solving skills, empowering students to navigate complex digital challenges and approach problem-solving in innovative ways.
Curriculum Integration: ICDL seamlessly integrates into school curricula, offering a structured framework that aligns with educational goals and ensures students are well-prepared for the digital demands of the modern world.
Preparation for Lifelong Learning: ICDL not only addresses immediate digital skill needs but also instills a foundation for continuous learning, preparing students for a lifetime of adapting to emerging technologies and evolving digital landscapes

ICDL’s complete online solution

eLearning & eBooks

E-learning and ebooks have revolutionized education by providing convenient, cost-effective, and flexible learning opportunities. Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, these digital formats eliminate the need for physical materials, reducing costs and promoting sustainability. Learners benefit from the flexibility to study at their own pace, with interactive features enhancing engagement. The up-to-date content ensures relevance, particularly in fast-evolving fields.
Moreover, e-learning and ebooks transcend geographical constraints, enabling global access to quality educational resources. Their portability on digital devices enhances convenience, and features like customization and collaboration foster personalized and interactive learning experiences. Overall, ICDL E-learning and ebooks redefine school education, providing cost-effective, dynamic, and accessible learning resources tailored to diverse student needs.

Diagnostic Assessments

Practice makes perfect. ICDL’s Diagnostic Assessments allow the student to work through test questions, before taking the certification test. It is recommended that students should not progress to the certification test until they have achieved 80% in the diagnostic test.

Certification Tests

Skillsbox, ICDL’s online testing platform is hosted online in a secure environment and provides a complete online solution for student management and administration, making setting up students, assigning modules and running test session easy.

Digital Badges & Certificates

ICDL Digital Badges and certificates are automatically generated when a student passes a module.

Digital credentials bring numerous benefits in the modern era, promoting easy access online and eliminating paper usage for environmental sustainability. These digital badges and certificates, with built-in verification, enhance trust, offer real-time updates on skills, and reduce the risk of fraud. They seamlessly integrate with technology, allowing individuals to showcase skills on various online platforms, contributing to a greener, more efficient, and dynamic representation of qualifications in the digital age.

Remote Invigilation

Remote Invigilation is a method of conducting ICDL certification tests online, allowing students to take the tests remotely while maintaining a secure and monitored environment. Through advanced technology, students are able to complete their ICDL exams from the comfort of their own location, with a remote invigilator overseeing the process. This innovative approach ensures the integrity of the examination process by employing various security measures, including live monitoring, screen recording, and periodic checks, to verify the identity of the student and prevent any potential cheating or unauthorised assistance. ICDL Remote Invigilation offers flexibility and accessibility, enabling individuals to demonstrate their digital proficiency in a controlled and secure online environment.

ICDL in Schools

Highlighting some best practice examples of successful ICDL implemented in schools around the world

Digital Competition for Students in School

The Singapore National Digital Explorer (NDE) digital skills competition has made a profound impact, with Singapore’s NDE 2023 showcasing exceptional digital skills in over 64 schools. In East Africa, the launch of the ICDL Africa Digital Explorer in Kenya and Uganda signifies a commitment to raising digital competency standards. Both initiatives highlight the global push for digital literacy, empowering students for success in the digital age.

ICDL: Essential Digital Skills Transforming Irish School Education

In Ireland, ICDL certification has become a cornerstone in fostering lifelong learning, starting with the Junior Cycle and progressing seamlessly through Transition year to Senior Cycle.

Empowering Vietnam’s Digital Future with ICDL

In the era of digital transformation, Vietnam stands at the forefront of embracing digital literacy to propel its educational landscape forward. This case study explores the significant role played by ICDL in collaboration with key educational entities in Vietnam, including the Ministry of Information & Communications, Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), and Ho Chi Minh City DOET.

Integrating ICDL in Ugandan ACE Schools

Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) schools in Uganda have recognised the importance of digital literacy in today’s educational landscape. Several institutions, including Asifiwe International Academy (AIA), Friends International Christian Academy (FICA), Orchard International Christian School (OICS), Shoma Christian Academy, and Chum International School, have embraced ICDL as a standard for enhancing their students’ digital skills.

Commonly asked questions for schools

If you are interested in offering ICDL at your school and have a question, please check our FAQs for schools below and if you can’t find the information you are looking for, submit a contact form and we will be in touch.

If you’re currently enrolled in an ICDL module or programme at your school and encounter questions or technical issues regarding ICDL tests, learning materials, or any aspect of your learning experience, we recommend reaching out directly to your school. Your teachers are equipped to assist you promptly and effectively with your issues, ensuring you receive the support you need.

ICDL stands for International Certification of Digital Literacy. It is a globally recognised certification that validates essential digital skills and competence in using computer applications.

ICDL certification ensures that students acquire the fundamental digital skills required in school, as well as enhancing their employability and preparing them for further study and the digital demands of the modern workplace.

ICDL is suitable for students of various age groups and educational levels, from primary to higher education. It is designed to cater to individuals with varying levels of digital proficiency.

ICDL offers complete flexibility for teachers to choose from a wide range of modules to meet the needs of their students. Mix and match any number of modules from any programmes to meet curriculum objectives or complement school projects.

Group modules to fit into a timetable or offer our brand new ICDL Insights modules to generate interest in further study or a career in computer science. Our modules are the perfect length for short courses too.

ICDL certification tests are typically conducted online via our custom-built automated test system, Skillsbox. Skillsbox manages the whole process, from assessments, learning and certification and is easy to set up and manage ICDL tests are designed to evaluate both theoretical knowledge and practical application of digital skills.

Yes, ICDL is recognised and accepted globally. It provides a standardised measure of digital competence that is acknowledged by employers and educational institutions around the world.

Yes, ICDL is flexible and can be integrated into existing curricula. Schools can choose to offer ICDL as a standalone programme or incorporate specific modules into relevant subjects.

ICDL provides schools with comprehensive resources, including curriculum materials, teacher training, and ongoing support to ensure a smooth implementation process.

The duration depends on the specific modules chosen and the pace of the students. We have provided some example class schedules which fit easily into 1 semester or 1 academic year however modules can be spread across multiple years depending on your school’s requirements and timetable. Contact us for more details.

Students will need an internet-enabled device (laptop, Chromebook etc.) with internet browser to access the eLearning portal to complete the eLearning modules.

Students will need an internet-enabled Windows computer or laptop with internet browser to successfully complete the certification tests.

Skillsbox, ICDL’s automated testing system, makes it easy for teachers to monitor student progress. Schools can view individual and class progress with learning materials, diagnostic assessment scores and certification test scores in the Skillsbox dashboard.

Yes, ICDL offers professional development opportunities for teachers, including training sessions, workshops, and access to online resources to ensure that educators are well-equipped to deliver the programme effectively.

Skillsbox, ICDL’s automated testing System, makes student management easy. Schools can easily assign modules to students and allocate learning materials from the online dashboard. Certification test sessions are also set up and managed in Skillsbox. Training is provided to schools prior to commencing ICDL with students.

Students who successfully complete the required modules receive an ICDL digital badge and certificate, officially recognising their digital competence. The certification process involves passing a certification test for each selected module. The pass mark is 75% and over.

ICDL does not have a strict minimum age requirement. The certification is designed to accommodate students of varying age groups, starting from primary school students.

There is one simple fee per student based on the number of modules selected. Schools can contact us for detailed pricing information.

Schools can initiate the process by contacting us. We will provide guidance on program options, resources, and the steps required to integrate ICDL into the school curriculum.

Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it! More than 17 million people are now ICDL certified across the world. Scroll through the testimonials below to understand how ICDL Certification has benefited them.

ICDL Global References and Endorsements

Since our launch over 25 years ago, ICDL has been endorsed by Governments, Industry Associations and Academic Institutions and is mapped to multiple qualification frameworks across the world.

Take a look at our references and endorsements relating to Academic Institutions below.

See all Academic References & Endorsements