The ICDL builds upon the successful development of the concept in the European union over the past 4 years. The value of the licence is recognized in both the public and private sectors for identifying skills in the workplace, and for supporting teacher training for in-service and personal development. As the candidate passes each module successfully, the corresponding skill is noted in their card. The final achievement of a full card leads to the award of an International Computer Driving Licence. All but the first of the modules are tests of practical skills rather than theory.
Tests consist of tasks chosen at random from a store of typical day to day computer operations.
The tests may be taken in any order and over a period of time. The standard is free of any bias towards any computer producer or software product. Initial implementation is now underway in Canada. ICDL is identifying several potential authorized test centres that will be accredited by ICDL Canada using guidelines standardized worldwide. Eventually across Canada, computer course vendors, educational establishments and large employers will be accredited to operate the tests.