1. What is ICDL?

ICDL (International Computer Driving Licence) is an internationally recognized certification that validates computer and information technology skills based on global standards. The ICDL certificate has lifetime validity and is issued by the ICDL Foundation.

As of today, ICDL has achieved:

• 17,000,000+ certified candidates
• 20,000+ test centers worldwide
• Presence in over 100 countries and territories, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Ireland, Singapore, and various government agencies and reputable organizations across the globe
• Support in more than 40 languages
• Over 75,000,000 tests administered

>>> Source: ICDL - ICDL Global

Worldwide network of ICDL partners and recognized institutions

2. ICDL in Vietnam

Beyond its international recognition, the ICDL certificate is also officially recognized in Vietnam as equivalent to the national IT skill standards. Specifically:

• The Ministry of Information and Communications has acknowledged the ICDL Smart Digital certificate as one of the international qualifications meeting Vietnam’s Basic IT Skills Standards, as stipulated in Circular No. 03/2014/TT-BTTTT—a key legal document defining both basic and advanced IT competency frameworks.

• The ICDL program fully aligns with all 6 competency areas in the Digital Competency Framework for Learners, under Circular No. 02/2025/TT-BGDĐT, issued by the Ministry of Education and Training on January 24, 2025.

In addition, ICDL offers the ICDL Digital Student program, designed specifically for primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary students. It features a carefully structured curriculum centered on three core knowledge domains:

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

• Computer Science

• Digital Literacy

This program aligns with Vietnam’s latest General Education Curriculum for Informatics, as promulgated in Circular No. 32/2018/TT-BGDĐT by the Ministry of Education and Training.

>> Learn more about the ICDL International Program here

3. Why is ICDL becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam?

The ICDL (International Computer Driving Licence) is considered the most widely accepted benchmark for assessing computer literacy and IT skills globally. Its growing popularity in Vietnam stems from several advantages:

• Global recognition: Adopted in over 100 countries and by thousands of organizations, corporations, and universities worldwide.
• Officially recognized by Vietnamese authorities: Accepted under Circular No. 03/2014/TT-BTTTT issued by the Ministry of Information and Communications.
• Lifetime validity: The ICDL certificate never expires—no renewal or maintenance fees required.
• Practical skill assessment: ICDL tests focus on real-world software applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to measure practical IT competence.

4. List of Vietnamese Universities, Academies, and Colleges Recognizing the ICDL Certificate

With its outstanding advantages, the ICDL certificate has been officially adopted by numerous universities, academies, and colleges across Vietnam as part of their IT proficiency graduation standards. Students who obtain the ICDL certificate are eligible for exemptions from IT foundation courses and examinations, or may convert their ICDL results into equivalent academic credits.

List of Universities, Academies, and Colleges Recognizing the ICDL Certificate in 2025

Thanks to its clear legal recognition, practical and up-to-date content, and global acceptance, the ICDL has become one of the most trusted standards for digital competency today.
This certification not only enables students to meet university IT graduation requirements but also serves as a solid stepping stone for those aiming to advance their careers in an increasingly digital and globally integrated environment.