ICDL GCC Foundation refuses to renew the accreditation of many training institutes

ICDL GCC Foundation is reviewing the performance of its accredited centres to guarantee that ICDL candidates receive full benefit from the ICDL programme, and called on all its Accredited Centres to adhere to the ICDL standards to ensure

effective training and improved success rate in the ICDL official testing.

A recent analysis by ICDL GCC Foundation showed that test results in some centres in the region are substandard, while other centres are in par with the international average. This is attributed to the significant contribution of the trainer qualification and the quality of training provided in the classroom. The ICDL standards specifically calls on all accredited centres to provide candidates with a minimum of 60 hours of training using approved courseware and allow them a preview of the test environment prior to taking the official ICDL test.

"ICDL GCC Foundation is adamant about protecting the integrity of the ICDL certificate, and enforces high standards that ensure candidates receive maximum benefit. Because of our syllabus and uniform operating standards across the world, the ICDL programme is endorsed by renowned academic institutions as well as employers in the government and private sectors in 140 countries. Our accredited training and testing centres play a major role in upholding the integrity and the continuous growth of the ICDL programme. Those centres who fail to comply with the standards will simply be discontinued from the programme," said Jamil Ezzo, Director General of ICDL GCC Foundation.

ICDL GCC Foundation places great significance on the competence of instructors. Each accredited centre is required to have all ICDL trainers complete their ICDL certification and at least one trainer to complete the ICDL Certified Training Professional (CTP) Programme. The CTP Programme, developed by the ECDL Foundation and launched by the ICDL GCC Foundation in the GCC region early this year, aims at promoting best practices to drive up the quality of ICDL training throughout its network of 750 accredited training centres across the Gulf region. The institution of CTP as a requirement for all existing ICDL accredited training centres and new applicants, offers candidates further assurance about the quality of training offered by the centres.

Although the automated performance-based testing methodology employed by ICDL effectively prevents any foul play, ICDL GCC Foundationís quality assurance officers consistently monitor all test sessions, and stringent action is taken against centres that fail to comply with the ICDL standards. Since the beginning of this year, 15 centres have lost their accreditation due to failure to adhere to the international standards of the ICDL programme.

"The rigorous authorisation and audit processes ICDL GCC Foundation currently has in place ensure that the integrity and quality associated with the ICDL programme is maintained in all our accredited centres. By applying consistent quality standards to the provision of training, the Foundation ensures a significantly high candidate retention and success rate."