ICDL DIGITAL STUDENT

General introduction

In the context of global integration and the advancement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, general IT education is crucial for enhancing students' skills, knowledge, and IT proficiency according to international standards from the earliest stages of education. To address this need, the ICDL Digital Student International IT Program provides a vital academic foundation. This program is essential for achieving the goal of positioning Ho Chi Minh City as a leading centre for economics, finance, trade, science, and technology in Southeast Asia in the near future.

The ICDL Digital Student Program is tailored for primary, secondary, and high school students. It offers a specialised knowledge system that emphasises three key areas: Information & Communication Technology, Computer Science, and Digital Literacy. This program aligns with the Informatics General Education Curriculum Framework established by the Ministry of Education & Training under Circular No. 32/2018/TT-BGDĐT.

The ICDL Digital Student International Certificate is valid indefinitely and has been effectively adopted in numerous countries worldwide, including the USA, UK, Italy, China, and Singapore…

Program structure & certification

The program encompasses 17 subjects (modules) spread across different grade levels, from grade 1 to grade 12. It is organised into three educational stages: Primary School - Digital Explorer, Middle School - Smart Digital, and High School - Compute and Code or Professional. Additionally, students can explore advanced curricula covering cutting-edge technology trends such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing, Industry 4.0, Blockchain, and Robotics. Upon completing each module, students have the opportunity to take the ICDL International Certificate exam, which is globally recognized and valid for life.

Primary School Program Including 5 modules:
- First Steps
- Application Basics
- Online Basics
- Introduction to Coding 1
- Introduction to Coding 2

Secondary School Program Including 5 modules:
- Computer Essentials
- Online Essentials
- Documents (Old name: Word Processing)
- Presentation
- Spreadsheets

High School Program Including 4 modules:
- IT Security
- Computing
- Online Collaboration
- Using Database

High School International Program Including 3 modules:
- Documents (Advanced)
- Presentation (Advanced)
- Spreadsheets (Advanced)

Notable Advantages

International computer science program taught in Vietnamese

The program framework was developed by the ICDL Foundation, under the advice and assessment of technology experts from the Confederation of European Information Systems (CEPIS) and has been widely deployed in many advanced countries around the world.

Comprehensive and cohesive knowledge from grade 1 to grade 12

A balanced curriculum distribution across each grade level (from 1 to 12) will be implemented, with each stage focusing on a specific area of expertise. This structured approach is designed to develop comprehensive digital skills in students throughout their educational journey.

Prioritise hands-on practice over theoretical learning

Each lesson emphasises hands-on activities, teaching students essential computer operations. Additionally, the program incorporates STEM topics such as Robotics and AI during extracurricular hours, allowing students to explore their creativity. This certificate is officially recognized by the Ministry of Information and Communications as Vietnam's first foreign IT certificate that meets high IT skill standards.

Priority admission at certain universities in Vietnam

Students may be exempt from taking the General Computer Science course, including both the classes and the standard exam, at universities and colleges. This exemption is in line with the certificate requirements set by state agencies, organisations, and enterprises, as outlined in Circular 03/2014/TT-BTTTT issued by the Ministry of Information and Communications.

Standards for IT competency assessment and certification

ICDL certificate is a recognized benchmark for students' technological proficiency. Holding an ICDL certificate can enhance opportunities for scholarships for studying abroad and offer priority for direct admission. Additionally, it aligns with the output standards required by universities in Vietnam. The Ministry of Information and Communications has recognized ICDL as the first foreign IT certificate to meet essential IT skills standards. The ICDL organisation has also provided expert guidance to the Ministry of Education and Training in developing the 2018 national general education program for IT. Additionally, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has approved the project titled "Improving IT Capacity, Knowledge, Skills, and Application for High School Students in Ho Chi Minh City Towards International Standards, 2021-2030," with ICDL being acknowledged as an international benchmark for the project (as per Decision No. 762/QD-UBND dated March 8, 2021).

Recognition at international

The ICDL Digital Competency Framework is the most popular digital competency framework in the world, with 31 out of 43 countries choosing to use it as their national digital competency framework. The ICDL Digital Competency Framework also meets 5/5 competency groups of the European Commission's Digcomp Digital Competency Framework and 7/7 competency groups of the UNESCO DLFG Global Digital Competency Framework.

Opportunity to compete in international IT competitions for high school students

With the knowledge acquired from the curriculum, students are well-equipped to excel in global IT talent competitions. These events offer a valuable platform for students to gain hands-on experience, practise their skills, and learn in a more dynamic and open environment.

A comprehensive ecosystem that supports diverse teaching and learning activities

The program offers comprehensive learning materials, training systems, and tools designed to help students master and reinforce their knowledge. It also assists teachers in creating effective lessons and saving time. Furthermore, all teachers involved in the program meet ICDL standards.

Standard Output

At the end of each module, students have the opportunity to take the ICDL International Computer Certification exam. This certification is recognized globally and remains valid for life.

Over 100 countries, including the US, UK, Portugal, Italy, and Singapore, acknowledge the ICDL International Informatics program as a trusted benchmark for evaluating information technology proficiency. This endorsement comes from various organizations and governmental bodies, such as the American Council on Education (ACE), the Polish Ministry of Education, the Italian Ministry of Education, the Turkish Ministry of Education, and the Portuguese Government.

Moreover, numerous universities and colleges in Vietnam, along with several international educational institutions, also regard the ICDL International Informatics certificate as a reliable indicator of students' IT competence.

Registration contact

For assistance with questions and solutions related to organising and implementing IT education in line with international ICDL standards, please contact: 0918 071 927