Computer Driving Licence, @-level and A-level examinations

Syllabus

1.9.2013
Computer Driving Licence, @- and A-level syllabus 2

Table of Contents

1 The objectives and contents of examinations ........................................................................................ 3

2 The structure of examinations ............................................................................................................... 3
2.1 @-level examination ....................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 A-level examination ........................................................................................................................ 4
2.3 Skills tests ...................................................................................................................................... 4
3 Device and data management .............................................................................................................. 5
4 Internet and e-mail ................................................................................................................................ 6
5 Word processing ................................................................................................................................... 7
6 Spreadsheets ........................................................................................................................................ 8
7 Presentation graphics ........................................................................................................................... 9
8 Databases in spreadsheets ................................................................................................................. 10
9 Image processing................................................................................................................................ 11
10 Working on the net ............................................................................................................................ 12

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Computer Driving Licence, @- and A-level syllabus 3

1 The objectives and contents of examinations

@-level examination is useful to everybody, providing also an appropriate

mid goal in accomplishing the A-level examination. Contents in @-level
include basic skills needed in the information society. These skills include
device and data management, information seeking, e-mail and basic
operation with selected software. By taking the @-level examination
candidate will be able to work, study and use services through internet.

A-level examination is directed to those who use computer as tool in support

of their own work, studying and spare time. Contents and required level of
understanding meet the needs of working life and includes the most important
sectors of information society. Once accomplished, the A-level certificate
proves that holder is able to independently manage different devices,
operates smoothly with selected software, is familiarized with the basic
concepts of information technology and recognizes different application fields
of ICT.

Examinations are not depending on certain programmes and can be taken in

Finnish, Swedish or English. CDL, the Finnish innovation, is accepted by EU
and it is recognised both in Europe and in the whole world. Certificate is
bilingual working easily as proof of the candidate´s skills all around the world.

@-level examination is approved as a part of A-level examination. The

examinations are accepted as a share in many vocational examinations and
as periods in different degrees of education and in education that prepares for
a profession.

2 The structure of examinations

The examinations contain several modules. When passing a module, a study

card will be received if needed. Once all required modules for the chosen
examination are passed, the actual certificate will be delivered.

2.1 @-level examination

@-level examination consists of four modules. There are two compulsory

modules and at least two other modules are chosen according to the
candidates interest or the training organisations supply.

The two compulsory modules of @-level are:

• device and data management

• internet and e-mail

The optional modules (at least two) are chosen amongst following:

• word processing
• spreadsheets
• presentation graphics
• databases in spreadsheets
• image processing
• working on the net.

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Computer Driving Licence, @- and A-level syllabus 4

2.2 A-level examination

A-level examination consists of seven modules. There are three compulsory

modules and at least four other modules are chosen according to the
candidates interest or the training organisations supply.

The three compulsory modules of A-level are:

• device and data management

• internet and e-mail
• word processing

The optional modules (at least four) are chosen amongst following:

• spreadsheets
• presentation graphics
• databases in spreadsheets
• image processing
• working on the net.

2.3 Skills tests

Modules can be taken in any order one by one. It’s allowed to use 45 minutes
on each test.

All modules are skills tests in which the candidate performs tasks guided in
the examination paper. During these tests the candidate can use notes and
guidebooks. For the evaluator there are instructions and guidelines to help
evaluating the test. The tests must be 90 % correct.

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Computer Driving Licence, @- and A-level syllabus 5

3 Device and data management

The candidate demonstrates competence in using the common functions of computer and its operating
system as well as his/her skills in data management.

1. The structure and configuration of a • cut, copy and delete

computer • print
• central processing unit • file properties: read-only, created,
• data input-, saving-, and printing modified, used, type, location, size
equipment • recognizing the most common file types
• operating systems and software • file extracting and importing
• servers, workstations, data terminal 9. Storage devices
equipments
• e.g. hard disk, CD, DVD, USB, network
2. Functioning principle of a computer disk
• start-up routines 10. Comprehending personal computer and
• operating system network environment
• peripheral devices • data management on hard disk and
3. Managing the operating system server
• desktop • number of files and folders and sorting
• keyboard and mouse • version numbers
• opening and closing a program • available disk space
• simultaneous use of several programmes • significance of system tools, for example
disk conditioning and integration
• windows and icons
• using bin/wastebasket: deleting and
• creating a shortcut icon
restoring files
• using menus, toolbars and dialogue
• problem solving, for example task
boxes
management
4. Control panel
• changing the user, logging off and
• mouse, printers, date and time, display restarting
options
• search-function
5. Using utility programmes
11. Information security
• e.g. calculator, text editor, drawing
• understanding the meaning of data
programme
security in computer and network
6. Using the clipboard environment
• cutting and copying data from one • passwords , good password
software to another
• antivirus software and worms, hoaxes,
• print screen -function etc.
7. Managing folders • significance of firewall
• create and delete • backing up data
• cut and copy 12. Comprehending the basic terms of
• rename information networks
8. Managing files and file properties • internet, intranet, extranet
• open and close • local area networks
• create and save in correct location and • telecommunication networks
file type
• save as
Skills test It is allowed to use 45 minutes on test. Notes and guidebooks are allowed to
use during the test.

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Computer Driving Licence, @- and A-level syllabus 6

4 Internet and e-mail

The candidate demonstrates his/her competence in using digital communication. He/she possesses
good skills in using safely and with ease the chosen browser and e-mail programme. He/she also has
basic skills in using internet based services and knows the basics of information seeking.

Essential objectives of the module:

1. E-mail messages 8. Copying and/or saving

• to, copy, carbon copy • copying an URL address
• structure: subject or title, message, • copying or saving text from web as a file
signature • copying or saving a picture from web
• receiving and sending a message 9. Copyright laws
• replying to a message and forwarding a • references
message
• plagiarism
• printing a message
10. Information seeking
• deleting and restoring messages
• channels (search engines, databases,
• spam glossaries)
2. E-mail attachments • analyzing search results
• sending and receiving • search techniques (words and phrases,
• saving techniques and strategies)
• size, type and other properties 11. Internet based services
• scanning for viruses • registration to use services
3. Managing e-mail messages • register details
• creating and renaming folders • privacy and confidentiality policies
• moving message into folders • using protected web pages
• sorting 12. Using social media
• address book (single address, distribution • recognizing services
list or group) • registration to use services
• Search-function • information security and data protection
4. Accessing a web-page • privacy
5. Information security 13. Digital services
• antivirus software and worms, hoaxes • concept of eCommerce
etc.
• the sense of registration
• significance of firewall
• forms and services
• cookies
14. Printing
• user names, passwords and storing them
• printing a page and a selection
• private browsing
• print setup and print preview
6. Browser options
15. Bookmarks
• defining the starting page
16. Find -function
• allowing or preventing pop-up windows
17. Help-function
• clearing cache and page history
7. Netiquette

Skills test It is allowed to use 45 minutes on test. Notes and guidebooks are allowed to
use during the test.

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Computer Driving Licence, @- and A-level syllabus 7

5 Word processing

The candidate demonstrates his/her competence in using the basic functions of the chosen word
processing application. He/she is able to produce and edit documents that follow standards.

Essential objectives of the module:

1. Opening and closing a file • indentation and hanging/depending

2. Typing and editing text indentation
• line change, paragraph change, page • alignment
break • line spacing
• insert and replacement mode • header and footer
• different view modes • date
3. Saving a file • automatic and manual page break
• correct file name, location and file type • page numbering and total number of
• save as (new name and or location) pages
4. Selecting functions 10. Preservation of the language
• text selection • spell checking
• move or copy text within a document or • hyphenation
from one document to another 11. Tables
5. Apply text from other sources • inserting tables
• paste options • rows and columns
6. Font formatting • inputting and revising data
• type and size • formatting
• change case (EXAMPLE -> example) 12. Bullets and numbering
7. Font styles and effects 13. Adding a picture
• italic, bold, underline • from clipart or from a file
• colour • copying and moving
• subscript and superscript • adjusting size
• deleting automatic hyperlinks • text flow around a picture
8. Inserting special characters 14. Printing
• for example @, ©, ® • selecting print area
9. Page layout • print setup
• main principles of document standards • print preview
• page layout: checking and adjusting • printing
margins, paper orientation 15. Publishing to PDF format
• tabs 16. Find / Replace -function
17. Help-function

Skills test It is allowed to use 45 minutes on test. Notes and guidebooks are allowed to
use during the test.

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Computer Driving Licence, @- and A-level syllabus 8

6 Spreadsheets

The candidate demonstrates his/her competence in using the basic functions of the chosen spreadsheet
application.

Essential objectives of the module:

1. Opening and closing a file 8. Sorting

2. Inputting data 9. Chart
• entering numeric data • creating chart from defined data
• entering text data • basic chart types
• series • chart titles and legends
3. Saving a file 10. Handling of sheets
• correct file name, location and file type • inserting, deleting, moving, copying,
• save as (new name and or location) naming
4. Selecting functions • handling sheets as a group
• selection 11. Page setup and printing
• move or copy content within a table or • paper orientation, fit to page, page
from one file to another breaks
5. Calculation in a table • margins
• basic formulas according to given • headers and footers
sample: add, subtract, multiply, divide • printing gridlines
• basic functions: sum, average, minimum, • repeating row or column headings in a
maximum large table
• cell references, direct and relative • printing row and column headings
• calculation from several sheets • printing areas
• cut and copy formulas and functions • print preview
6. Working with spreadsheet • printing
• inserting and deleting rows and columns 12. Publishing to PDF format
• row height and column width 13. Find / Replace -function
7. Formatting spreadsheet 14. Help-function
• number formatting
• font formatting
• alignment
• borders and backgrounds

Skills test It is allowed to use 45 minutes on test. Notes and guidebooks are allowed to
use during the test.

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Computer Driving Licence, @- and A-level syllabus 9

7 Presentation graphics

The candidate demonstrates his/her competence in using the basic functions of the chosen presentation
graphics application.

Essential objectives of the module:

1. Opening and closing a file 8. Objects

2. Saving a file • selecting, moving, copying
• correct file name, location and file type • grouping, ungrouping
3. Starting a new presentation • rotating, flipping
• page setup • order: bring to front, send to back
• selecting and changing template • creating and formatting charts and
• slide layouts graphs
• using different views 9. Permanent elements
4. Editing presentation • master slide´s meaning
• changing background colour • inserting and changing headers and
footers
• inserting and deleting slide
10. Slideshow
• changing slide order
• fluent usage of slideshow
• copying slide from another presentation
• slide transition effects
5. Word processing
• attaching device to video projector
• font formatting: type, size, style, colours
• opening hyperlinks or media clips and
• bullets and numbering, indentations
returning to presentation
• copying text from another file
11. Printing
6. Drawing
• printing options
• drawing objects
• page setup
• fill colour, border
• print setup
7. Pictures
12. Publishing to PDF format
• inserting from clipart or file
13. Find / Replace -function
• formatting picture (size, location, colours,
14. Help-function
borders)
• selecting, cutting, copying, pasting

Skills test It is allowed to use 45 minutes on test. Notes and guidebooks are allowed to
use during the test.

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Computer Driving Licence, @- and A-level syllabus 10

8 Databases in spreadsheets

The candidate demonstrates his/her competence in using the database functions of the chosen
spreadsheet application.

Essential objectives of the module:

1. Opening and closing a file

2. Managing files
• opening and closing
• saving with a correct name, type and location
• save as (new name or location)
3. Handling of sheets
• inserting, copying, naming within a file or from one file to another
4. Managing sheets
• cell formatting (e.g. text, number)
• logical field order
• handling rows and columns
5. Maintaining data
• inserting and editing data
• inserting and deleting records
• number of records
• browsing and searching data
• sorting
6. Making a query or filtering data
• selecting table to a filter or query
• hiding and unhiding columns
• filtering and sorting
• copying and saving query and filter results
7. Subtotals
8. Page setup and printing
• paper orientation, fit to page, page breaks
• margins
• headers and footers
• printing gridlines
• repeating row or column headings in a large table
• printing row and column headings
• printing areas
• print preview
9. Find / Replace -function
10. Help-function

Skills test It is allowed to use 45 minutes on test. Notes and guidebooks are allowed to
use during the test.

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Computer Driving Licence, @- and A-level syllabus 11

9 Image processing

The candidate can independently use digital cameras and transfer pictures from a device to a computer.
He/she is able to modify pictures with an image processing application. He/she can use basic functions
of the chosen application and is able to take notice of different purposes of using pictures when handling
and saving them.

Essential objectives of the module:

1. Opening and closing a file

2. Digital pictures
• basic functions of a digital camera
• taking pictures with a digital camera
• transferring pictures from camera to computer
• importing pictures from different applications
• copyrights and access rights
3. Converting picture to digital format
• using scanner
4. Basic functions of image processing
• using basic tools
• rectify and crop picture
• red-eye removal
• changing picture size and resolution according to usage
5. Editing picture
• choosing and editing colours
• brightness and contrast
• correcting colour shades
• colour shades: e.g. gray, rgb
• transparency
• sharpening
• scratches and rubbish
• correcting perspectives: diagonal lines
• inserting and formatting text
• understanding the meaning of layers
• copying layer
6. Saving pictures
• correct name and location
• application´s own saving option
• saving options: jpg, tif, gif, png
• printing options: pdf, paper

Skills test It is allowed to use 45 minutes on test. Notes and guidebooks are allowed to
use during the test.

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Computer Driving Licence, @- and A-level syllabus 12

10 Working on the net

The candidate is able to act in work and learning situations exploiting information and communication
techniques. He/she understands the meaning of desktop publishing and ways of maintaining information
via desktop publishing. Collaboration, learning and usage of social media is fluent and safe.

Essential objectives of the module:

1. Meeting situations • information security

• using equipment in a strange 5. Interaction on the net
environment • synchronic and asynchrony
• networks (wlan, mobile) in a strange communication
environment • awareness
• problem situations and preparing for • attention
them
• authenticy
2. Social media and applications supporting
• trust
learning and working
• network identity, reputation, publicity,
• instant messaging
privacy, risks
• collaboration (for example wikis, blogs,
6. Producing, sharing and presenting data in
micro blogs, discussion forums,
social networks
bookmarks, rss feeds)
• internet based learning and studying
• networking
options: analysing advantages and
• virtual worlds challenges
• learning platforms • file size and type
• information seeking techniques and • copyright, access rights
analyzing of results
• information security and data
• interaction on the net management
• sharing information • footsteps in the net
• netiquette • sharing information in local and public
3. Ergonomics networks
• time control and self-management • transferring data into net from different
4. Web pages from a company view storage devices
• intranet / extranet / internet • different means to present data (different
audiences, different learners, different
• maintaining data via desktop publishing
options)
• understanding basic structure of html

Skills test It is allowed to use 45 minutes on test. Notes and guidebooks are allowed to
use during the test.

© TIEKE Finnish Information Society Development Centre. All rights reserved. 1.9.2013