Frequently Asked Questions
Beginners:
I want to learn to use a PC, what can I do?
If you are a complete beginner or if you know someone who is a complete beginner and would like to learn to use a PC, we have collated a list of excellent Free Resources to Get You Started, which include our comprehensive helpsheets and various free courses from the BBC website.
If you would like a helping hand getting started, please refer to our ICT Beginners Classes page, which includes details about Hillingdon Adult Education classes and Mini ICT Tasters Sessions available at your local Hillingdon Library.
When do your beginners classes start?
Unfortunately due to staffing restrictions, we are currently unable to offer beginners taught classes. Several options to get you started are still available:
- Free Beginners Resources to Get You Started
- Comprehensive Beginners Helpsheets
- Start with ECDL e-learning Modules 2 & 7 (Using a computer and managing files, and Internet & email).
- e-Citizen & ECDL e-Learning courses now available free of charge through ALISON.
- Mini Tasters Sessions available at your local Hillingdon Library
- Hillingdon Adult Education Classes
I would like an IT qualification for my CV.
The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is the world's fastest growing IT skills qualification and is recognised in over 120 countries around the world. It is the ideal qualification to have on your CV as more an more employers are asking for it, and many companies (for example the NHS, Hillingdon Borough Council and Uxbridge College) are encouraging their employees to become ECDL qualified.
No prior knowledge of IT or computer skills is needed to study ECDL. If you have never used a computer before you can join one of our ECDL taster sessions and we will help you get started using our e-learning courses.
With ECDL, people learn how to use use a computer and manage files, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, internet and email and other important aspects of computers.
We strongly recommend that you start your studies with Module 2 (Using the computer and managing files) which contains fundamental information that you will need for all the other modules.
We also offer ECDL Advanced which takes peoples skills to a higher level and are a benchmark of excellence. ECDL Advanced can lead to a level 3 IT qualification.
ECDL Modules and Qualification
I do not want a qualification, what can I do?
You can study whichever e-learning module you are interested in - all now free of charge, learn a new IT skill or improve your existing ones without having to sit any exams. If you study using our ECDL e-learning modules you can attend our free support sessions and take some diagnostic samples to see how you are doing - you do not need to purchase a logbook.
How do I get started on my ECDL?
You can register on ALISON yourself, or attend a free taster session for some help in registering. We strongly recommend that you start your studies with Module 2 (Using the computer and managing files) which contains fundamental information that you will need for all the other modules. Module 1 (Basic Concepts of IT) is very technical, and is not a very practical module.
If you need some help - attend one of our free support sessions at Uxbridge Library.
When you have worked your way through your e-learning module, you should try our electronic diagnostic samples or our paper based samples. You would then book onto a testing session and purchase your logbook and your first test(s) from Uxbridge Library at least 7 days prior to the testing session you wish to attend.
When do the ECDL classes start?
We do not offer ECDL taught classes. We offer ECDL as flexible, pay-as-you-go, supported e-learning: you can prepare for each exam by using the free interactive e-learning modules with feedback, which can be used on any PC with Internet access anytime you like. We hold regular support sessions that you can attend if you wish to study in a supported environment, or to cover a topic that you are stuck on or to sit a diagnostic test. You can also contact us at ecdlsupport@hillingdon.gov.uk if you need some support.
Are there any concessions?
We are pleased to now be able to offer ECDL e-learning modules completely free of charge lowering the price of the whole qualification so that is is hopefully more affordable to everyone. We do not receive funding and our pricing is kept as low as possible. We offer ECDL on a pay-as-you-go so you can spread the total cost of the qualification over a period of time for your studies.
What happens if I get stuck?
We hold regular support sessions at Uxbridge Library Learning Centre. We can also be contacted at ecdlsupport@hillingdon.gov.uk or at the office on 01895 250711. Please specify what you are struggling with and which session you would like to attend so that we can prepare extra exercises and materials to help you. If you are unable to attend a support session we will try to make alternative arrangements for you.
Please note that sometimes we may be unable to respond to your enquiry straight away due to our other work commitments. When we are out of the office or in a meeting there is an answering machine. Please leave a short message with a telephone contact number and we will call you back as soon as we can. Alternatively there are now several forms on this website which you can fill in and these will be sent electronically to us. These forms and emails are generally answered daily (even at weekends).
Do I have to do all seven modules?
Yes, in order to gain the full ECDL qualification you must pass an exam for each module within three years of your first successful test. The modules can be taken in any order, but we strongly recommend that you start your studies with Module 2 (Using the computer and managing files) which contains fundamental information that you will need for all the other modules, then Module 7 (Internet & email) and then Module 1 (Concepts of IT) as this will give you a Level 1 Certificate and some encouragement or motivation to help you finish all 7 modules.
Can I sit a test without using your e-learning modules?
Yes, you can. We offer ECDL flexibly and pay-as-you-go, so if you feel that your existing knowledge is good enough or if you have studied for the exam by using other materials, you can just sit the exam with us.
We would strongly still suggest you take our electronic sample ECDL tests which you can access via a NETgLearning login, so once you have paid for your logbook and/or tests we can set you up with a login without the e-learning courses.
To book for an ECDL test please fill in the online form and ensure you pay for the logbook and/or test(s) at least 7 days prior to the testing session you wish to attend.
How long will it take to do an ECDL course?
This will vary depending on your individual circumstances. Our e-learning modules suggest that it will take about six to eight hours to go through each course.
You have three years from the date of your first successful test to pass all seven modules. You can sit up to two tests during a testing session and we hold between two and six testing sessions per month, so the entire ECDL qualification can be gained in as little as six weeks. If you wish to take longer this is fine - we would normally suggest you try to get the qualification within 12 months as with all IT software applications, their development moves on very quickly.
Where can I get my logbook and/or tests?
Logbooks and tests can be purchased through library staff on Level 1, Uxbridge Library at least 7 days prior to the test session you wish to attend. Logbooks cost £28.00 and each ECDL test costs £15.00. Testing dates are available online. We take cash or cheques made payable to London Borough of Hillingdon.
Library staff will fill in the online form with you asking you for your full name, address with postcode, DOB, which test session you wish to attend, which version of software you wish to be tested in etc. You can also fill in this form yourself and then pay for your logbook and test(s) at least 7 days prior to the test session you wish to attend. This is so that we can register your logbook on our systems and with BCS. You can also pay for your logbook and/or test(s) via post for the attention of The Learning Team, Uxbridge Library, 14 High Street, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 1HD.
How long will it take to gain the ECDL qualification?
You have three years from the date of your first successful test to pass all seven modules.
You can sit up to two tests during a testing session and we hold up to six testing sessions per month, so the entire ECDL qualification can be gained in as little as four to six weeks.
How many exams can I sit in one session?
You can take up to two tests during a testing session - this is due to the fact that we must allow at least 45 minutes per test plus setting up times, and each testing session lasts up to two hours.
Do you offer ECDL Advanced?
Yes, we do.
We offer exam packs for both ECDL Advanced Word Processing (AM3) and ECDL Advanced Presentations (AM6) for £70 each. This includes a USB pen drive with a multitude of exercises and sample tests and your exam registration with BCS. Resits are £15.
We can also offer testing only for these two courses for £50 each. Resits are £15.
Additionally we can offer learning packs for ECDL Advanced Spreadsheets (AM4) and ECDL Advanced Databases (AM5) for £20 but we cannot currently offer testing in these two courses.
Other Courses
I want to know more about your web design courses.
We are migrating to a new e-Learning portal from SkillSoft, called SkillPort which will offer a variety of web design courses and advanced IT courses. Aims and objectives of the courses available will be available on this website as soon as we have the details from the supplier.
Is there a qualification for any of these courses?
The qualifications we offer through our BCS Accredited Test Centre (Hillingdon Learning & Development Centre), based at Uxbridge Library Learning Centre include e-Citizen, ECDL and Advanced ECDL.
Any other courses we provide are just for learning only to help you to improve your skills.
