ECDL Extra

The internationally recognised European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Extra will improve your understanding of computer applications.

You’ll learn how to use popular word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.

Is this qualification right for you?

This qualification builds on your existing basic IT skills to show you how to:

use, organise and protect your computer
use Internet Explorer to browse the internet and email using Outlook

The ECDL Extra qualification is for learners working towards level 2.

Here's a simple guide to explain what the levels mean, but we’ll help you work out what level and qualification suits you best before you start.

How will you learn?

You'll enrol and learn at one of our centres, where you'll get face-to-face support from our friendly staff.

Getting your qualification

To get your qualification you'll take a series of online tests at your centre. Your tutor will let you know when you're ready and they'll make sure you have lots of practice beforehand so you're fully prepared.

How much will it cost?

Thanks to Government funding, your courses and qualification may be free. We'll be able to tell you for certain when you get started with us.

How long does it take?

Between 2 and 8 months, but we'll agree a target end date with you when you enrol.

What do you learn?

As part of your ECDL Extra qualification you'll cover the following topics:

Improving Productivity Using IT

This course shows you how to work more effectively with IT. It looks at using tools to help save time and effort when you're producing word-processed documents, presentations and spreadsheets. You'll learn how to:

choose the right IT tools for your task
improve your productivity and efficiency using IT and find ways to save time and money, and get more done
evaluate successful use of IT by looking at the strengths and weaknesses of your final work

Presentation Software

Visual information is more easily absorbed by people than written or spoken information. This course introduces you to making presentations with PowerPoint software.

It shows you how to produce high quality presentations using tools like charts, graphs and drawn objects. You'll learn how to:

input and combine text and other information within presentation slides
use tools to structure, edit and format slide sequences
prepare a slideshow for a presentation

Spreadsheet Software

Spreadsheets can handle and sort very large amounts of data quickly and easily. This course helps you develop a working knowledge of spreadsheets using Excel. You'll learn how to:

use a spreadsheet to enter, edit and organise numerical and other data
use appropriate formulas and tools to summarise and display information
create charts and produce high quality documents
select and use appropriate tools and techniques

Word Processing Software

This course teaches you more about creating word-processed documents in Word, editing and formatting work and using graphs, tables and pictures for a professional finish.

It also shows you how to work more efficiently by using tools like the spell-checker and mail merge. You'll learn how to:

enter, edit and combine text and other information accurately
structure information within word processed documents
use word processing software tools to format and present documents

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I went to learndirect as I was computer illiterate, which I felt was holding me back from getting a job. Without the help, support and confidence boost I have received from learndirect, I believe I would still be out of work.

Dawn Stoddard
47
Chorley

Getting started

To get started please contact your local centre to find out if they offer this qualification or other similar IT qualifications.

Find your local centre

Get face to face tutor support
Free access to a computer and the internet to do your learning
Meet other learners and make new friends

Find your local centre:

Or call 0800 101 901 if you need more information about learning with us.