ICDL - Base Modules Trainings

ICDL Base Modules: recognised European digital literacy standard

The ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence), renamed ICDL (International Certification of Digital Literacy) globally, is a widely used tool certification for validating fundamental digital skills in Europe and Switzerland. The Base Modules form the foundation of the certification: they cover the essential skills to use a computer, navigate the Internet and communicate online, produce office documents and operate a spreadsheet efficiently. This certification is delivered by the ECDL Switzerland Foundation, the national branch of the ICDL Foundation based in Dublin.

In French-speaking Switzerland, ICDL Base is widely recognised by cantonal and federal administrations, vocational schools, career assessment centres, recruitment agencies, banks and insurance companies, as well as by public employment services and ORP. The certification is used to validate a homogeneous level of digital literacy in recruitment processes, professional retraining, CFC apprenticeships or internal upskilling. ITTA is an ICDL training centre and offers the four Base Modules on-site in Geneva and Lausanne as well as in interactive virtual classroom with an accredited ICDL trainer live.

Following a recognised ICDL Base Modules training opens access to varied roles: secretary, executive assistant, administrative employee, reception agent, file manager, data entry operator, hospital staff or librarian. The certification is also required in certain CFC apprenticeship paths and in professional reintegration programmes funded by the ORP. For people in transition, ICDL Base allows them to materialise informally acquired skills and present them on a CV.

Whether you are preparing the complete ICDL Base certification, targeting a specific module (Word Processing, Spreadsheets), or following an office productivity refresher path, our ICDL Base Modules training in Geneva and Lausanne covers the full official programme and prepares for the exam in accredited examination centres in Switzerland.

The ITTA ICDL Base Modules catalogue

ICDL Base BM1: Computer Essentials

ICDL Base BM1 Computer Essentials covers the fundamentals of computer use in a professional environment. The programme addresses the Windows operating system, file and folder management, file tree organisation, basic settings, backup best practices, fundamental security (passwords, antivirus) and workstation ergonomics. This module is the natural entry into ICDL Base certification for people starting out or wishing to validate their acquired skills.

ICDL Base BM2: Online Essentials

ICDL Base BM2 Online Essentials covers Internet browsing and online communication. The programme addresses the use of a web browser, efficient information search, source reliability evaluation, online security (phishing, passwords, cookies), email (writing, attachments, organisation), shared calendars and digital communication best practices in a professional context.

ICDL Base BM3: Word Processing

ICDL Base BM3 Word Processing covers the use of word processing software (Microsoft Word or open source equivalent). The programme addresses document creation and formatting, styles, headers and footers, tables, lists, images, mail merge, document review and collaboration, printing and PDF export. This module is widely used for any administrative role and is often the first module taken in certification.

ICDL Base BM4: Spreadsheets

ICDL Base BM4 Spreadsheets covers the use of a spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel or open source equivalent). The programme addresses data entry, basic formulas and functions (sum, average, conditionals), conditional formatting, sorting and filtering, charts, tables, layout and printing. This module provides the spreadsheet skills expected in nearly all administrative and management positions.

ICDL and the publisher ecosystem at ITTA

ICDL Base fits into a broader ecosystem of office productivity certifications. The root publisher ECDL/ICDL regroups all Base, Standard and Advanced modules. The ICDL Standard Modules deepen usage (Presentation, Databases, IT Security) and the ICDL Advanced Modules cover expert levels (Advanced Spreadsheets, Advanced Word Processing). The office automation certifications sub-domain regroups Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), TOSA and ICDL certifications. For profiles wishing to deepen Microsoft Office, the Microsoft Office and Microsoft Office 365 publishers cover Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams in thematic training.

ICDL trends in 2026

ICDL continues its evolution in 2026 with strong attention on transversal digital skills and digital inclusion. The ICDL Foundation emphasises online collaboration, digital security and responsible tool use, in response to the rise of remote work and cyber threats. Specific modules on artificial intelligence (ICDL AI) and online collaboration are available among the Standard Modules. The certification remains one of widely used labels for digital literacy in Europe, and the Swiss Confederation continues to support the programme through various continuing education initiatives. Our pedagogical content regularly integrates these evolutions to remain aligned with the official syllabus.

ICDL Base Modules training in Geneva, Lausanne and online

All our ICDL Base Modules courses are available on-site in our Geneva and Lausanne centres, as well as in interactive virtual classroom with an accredited ICDL trainer live. Our sessions are organised in 5-week cycles. Each session includes practical exercises on the official ICDL syllabus, mock exams, and preparation for the exam in an accredited examination centre. Customised corporate training is also possible at your premises, in Geneva, Lausanne, Vaud and across French-speaking Switzerland, with a programme adapted to your need (CFC apprenticeship, collective upskilling, transition).

Why train on ICDL at ITTA

ITTA is an ICDL training centre. Our ICDL trainers are office productivity consultants accredited ICDL active in continuing education projects for Swiss public organisations and companies, covering Base, Standard and Advanced Modules. The ICDL Base Modules catalogue regroups the four official BM1 to BM4 modules. Our pedagogical team supports you in choosing modules, identifying the relevant path (complete Base, isolated modules, ICDL Profile certification) and identifying funding solutions adapted to your professional situation.

Our pedagogical approach favours learning by doing, with exercises from daily professional life and individualised follow-up throughout the path. Each session combines training time, applied exercises on the official ICDL syllabus and exchanges with the trainer, allowing each participant to progress at their own pace and to present themselves in the best conditions at the certification exam.

Our training is aimed at varied audiences: office productivity beginners, people in professional transition, CFC apprentices, administrative employees in upskilling, job seekers oriented by the ORP, HR teams wishing to train their collaborators in digital literacy. Our pedagogical team adapts the content to the participants’ context.

Featured courses in this catalogue

Here is a selection of reference training courses in this catalogue, accessible directly:

• ICDL BASE Computer Essentials (BM1)
• ICDL BASE Online Essentials (BM2)
• ICDL BASE Word Processing (BM3)
• ICDL BASE Spreadsheets (BM4)

FAQ

Which ICDL Base module should I take first?

The logical order for most profiles is BM1 (Computer Essentials) then BM2 (Online Essentials), followed by BM3 (Word Processing) and BM4 (Spreadsheets). However, for profiles already comfortable with Windows and the Internet, it is possible to start directly with BM3 or BM4 according to the business need. Our pedagogical team guides you based on your initial level.

Do I need to take all four Base Modules to obtain certification?

Yes, the complete ICDL Base certification requires validation of the four modules BM1, BM2, BM3 and BM4. However, it is possible to take each module independently and obtain an ICDL Profile certificate listing only the successfully passed modules, which suits targeted needs.

Is the ICDL exam taken at ITTA or elsewhere?

The ICDL exam takes place in an accredited ICDL Switzerland examination centre. Our pedagogical team guides you to the nearest accredited examination centre and prepares you through mock exams on the official ICDL syllabus. Training and examination are organised distinctly.

Are your ICDL Base courses available for companies and ORP?

Yes, the entire ICDL Base Modules catalogue is available in-house and in partnership with ORP, in Geneva, Lausanne and in virtual classroom, with a programme adapted to your context (CFC apprenticeship, transition, collective upskilling). Our team builds the specifications with you and organises sessions according to your calendar.