ECDL or MOS Certification?

NicoleDel

Just looking for recommendations for a transition year student. Which would be better/ more recognised, the ECDL or MOS in PowerPoint, Word,Excel and Databases. Any advice appreciated.

L1011

ECDL is worthless except for secretarial work. There is a major scam built up around the whole thing, convincing people its a worthwhile qualification when its not.

MOS is better - not hugely, but its better. MOS in Access for instance shows an ability to learn and understand more serious concepts; although even in Word & Excel it has some value.

Just take in to account that both qualifications expire or get replaced so if you're entering TY in September, they'll be damn near expired / outdated by the time you're finished the LC.

NicoleDel

Thanks for the reply. yeah that's what I was thinking. maybe just better to say on CV, competent in excel, word etc.

L1011

NicoleDel wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. yeah that's what I was thinking. maybe just better to say on CV, competent in excel, word etc.

Better than the ECDL yes - as you'll still have your few hundred.

Cuddlesworth

I like the MOS exams. Don't know if they really carry much relevance with employers or HR staff for most roles. The ECDL as stated is really just saying, " I'm 50 and comfortable moving a mouse and opening basic programs"

druidhill

Start with the ECDL.

I'd disagree with the previous contributors, as given your age and previous comments, it seems this is to be put on your CV for getting a job in the next while as part of your work experience in TY (as opposed to getting into the IT world).

People working in offices never seem to use what they learned in the ECDL to improve their work practices, especially re. spreadsheets and databases. Sure that's their problem, not yours.

A lot of schools have the ECDL course available (often as part of TY year) - I wouldn't be paying to learn it and get the qualification that is for sure.

maybe just better to say on CV, competent in excel, word etc

Be ready to back that up.

Good on you for even bothering, that's what I say.

L1011

You don't learn enough in the ECDL to "improve [your] work practices", though. Are you aware how empty and pointless it is?

There isn't a HR department (or person) in the world that considers it valuable. Its a confidence scam and nothing else.

druidhill

It may be basic, but it is not empty and pointless.

There isn't a HR department (or person) in the world that considers it valuable. Its a confidence scam and nothing else.

I'd disagree with the HR bit, and the rest is a pretty cynical opinion.

L1011

druidhill wrote: »

It may be basic, but it is not empty and pointless.

I'd disagree with the HR bit, and the rest is a pretty cynical opinion.

Cynicism is often true.

The ECDL is worthless, it always has been worthless and it always will be worthless. Someone has made themselves very rich off the backs of people who didn't know better.

It does not contain enough to improve someones work practices - if you think it does you've clearly never seen the course content.

cork93

Having done ECDL a few years ago I agree that it is a complete waste of time and money.
Content is awful and tends to focus on the most irrelevant aspects.

You'd be better off watching some free youtube videos.

The only place I can see it being worthwhile is perhaps as an intro for elderly people just starting to learn to use a computer who really need to be spoon fed everything. And even at that many of the modules would be pointless (eg MS Access)