Training: ICDL BASE – Word Processing – BM3

Ref. ECDL1-BM3

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Duration:

2

days

Exam:

Optionnel

Level:

Fundamental

Funding:

Eligible

Home > Trainings > Office Automation > Office Automation Certifications > ICDL BASE – Word Processing – BM3

ECDL BASE Training – Word Processing – BM3

This course covers the essential fundamentals of word processing. It is designed for anyone wishing to improve their skills in creating and formatting professional documents. With a clear and structured approach, this training provides a complete understanding of the key functions needed to work efficiently with software such as Microsoft Word.

Develop your office skills with ECDL BASE

The ECDL BASE – Word Processing (BM3) module helps participants gain practical, hands-on skills that can be applied immediately in daily tasks. Learners discover how to create documents, save them in different formats, and manage their layout according to professional standards. The goal is to enhance productivity and adopt best practices for writing clear, accurate, and well-structured documents. Each concept is supported by practical exercises to ensure immediate application of the acquired knowledge.

Participant Profiles

Users wishing to improve their word processing skills
Office employees or administrative assistants
Students and professionals preparing for the ECDL BASE certification
Individuals in career transition looking to enhance their office skills

Objectives

Create and save professional documents in various formats
Use help features and keyboard shortcuts effectively
Edit and format text for a clear and polished presentation
Insert and format tables and graphic objects
Prepare and perform a complete mail merge
Apply styles and ensure consistent document layout
Check, correct, and print documents according to quality standards

Prerequisites

No prerequisites

Course Content

Using the application

Module 1: Working with documents

Open, close a word processing application. Open, close document(s)
Create a new document based on default template, other available template locally or online
Save a document to a location on a local, online drive. Save a document under another name to a location on a local, online drive
Save a document as another file type like: text file, pdf, software specific file extension
Switch between open documents

Module 2: Enhancing Productivity

Set basic options/preferences in the application: user name, default folder to open, save documents
Use available help resources
Use magnification/zoom tools
Display, hide built-in toolbars. Restore, minimise the ribbon
Recognise good practice in navigating within a document: use shortcuts, go to tool
Use go to tool to navigate to a specific page

Document Creation

Module 1: Enter Text

Understand the uses of available document view modes like: print, draft
Switch between document view modes
Enter text into a document
Insert symbols or special characters like: ©, ®, ™

Module 2: Select, Edit

Display, hide non-printing formatting marks like: spaces, paragraph marks, manual line break marks, tab characters
Select character, word, line, sentence, paragraph, entire body text
Edit content by entering, removing characters, words within existing text, by over-typing to replace existing text
Use a simple search command for a specific character, word, phrase
Use a simple replace command for a specific character, word, phrase
Copy, move text within a document, between open documents
Delete text
Use the undo, redo command

Formatting

Module 1: Text

Apply text formatting: font size, font type
Apply text formatting: bold, italic, underline
Apply text formatting: subscript, superscript
Apply font colour to text
Apply case changes to text
Apply automatic hyphenation

Module 2: Paragraphs

Create, merge paragraph(s)
Insert, remove soft carriage return (line break)
Recognise good practice in text layout: use align, indent, tab tools rather than inserting spaces
Align text: left, centre, right, justified
Indent paragraphs: left, right, first line, hanging
Set, remove and use tabs: left, centre, right, decimal
Recognise good practice in paragraph spacing: apply spacing between paragraphs rather than inserting several paragraph marks
Apply spacing above, below paragraphs. Apply single, 1.5 lines, double line spacing within paragraphs
Add, remove bullets, numbers in a single level list. Switch between different standard bullet, number styles in a single level list
Apply border style, line style, line colour, line width, shading/background colour to a paragraph

Module 3: Styles

Apply an existing character style to selected text
Apply an existing paragraph style to one or more paragraphs
Use copy format tool

Objects

Module 1: Table Creation

Create, delete a table
Insert, edit data in a table
Select rows, columns, cells, entire table
Insert, delete rows and columns

Module 2: Table Formatting

Modify column width, row height
Modify cell border line style, width, colour
Apply shading/background colour to cell(s)

Module 3: Graphical objects

Insert an object (picture, drawn object) to a specified location in a document
Select an object
Copy, move an object within a document, between open documents
Resize an object maintaining, not maintaining aspect ratio. Delete an object

Mailings

Module 1: Preparation

Open, prepare a document, as a main document (letters, address labels) for a mail merge
Select a mailing list, other data file, for use in a mail merge
Insert data fields in a mail merge main document

Module 2: Outputs

Merge a mailing list, other data file with a letter, label document as a new file
Print mail merge outputs: letters, labels

Prepare Outputs

Module 1: Setup

Change document orientation: portrait, landscape. Change paper size
Change margins of entire document: top, bottom, left, right
Recognise good practice in adding new pages: insert a page break rather than inserting several paragraph marks
Insert, delete a page break
Add, edit, delete text in headers, footers
Add, delete fields in headers, footers: date, page numbering, file name, author

Module 2: Check and Print

Spell check a document and make changes like: correcting spelling errors, ignoring specific words, deleting repeated words
Add words to a built-in custom dictionary using a spell checker
Preview a document
Print a document using output options like: entire document, specific page(s), selected text, number of copies

Documentation

Digital courseware included

Lab / Exercises

This course includes hands-on exercises designed to reinforce your knowledge and apply your skills in real-world professional scenarios.

Exam

This course prepares to the exam ICDL Base – Word Processing (BM3). If you wish to take this exam, please contact our secretariat who will let you know the cost of the exam and will take care of all the necessary administrative procedures for you

Complementary Courses

Eligible Funding

ITTA is a partner of a continuing education fund dedicated to temporary workers. This fund can subsidize your training, provided that you are subject to the “Service Provision” collective labor agreement (CCT) and meet certain conditions, including having worked at least 88 hours in the past 12 months.

Additional Information

Mastering the fundamentals of word processing for professional use

In today’s workplace, where written communication remains essential, mastering a word processing application is no longer optional. The ECDL BASE – Word Processing (BM3) training provides a complete understanding of the essential office tools needed to produce clear, reliable, and well-presented documents. More than just a technical course, it helps participants develop a structured and efficient way of working.

The course emphasizes best practices for writing and presenting documents. It teaches how to use advanced features of software like Word to design reports, letters, or internal documents that are consistent and professional. Through this approach, each participant develops professional rigor, which is key to ensuring the quality and readability of any written material.

Optimizing document creation and management

The training focuses on organization and file management, two aspects often overlooked by beginners. Knowing how to save a document in the correct format, choose the right storage location, and use consistent file naming conventions are essential habits. These skills not only save time but also improve collaboration across teams. The introduction to document templates also provides a solid foundation for standardizing the presentation of reports and business correspondence.

Participants learn to use navigation, search, and replace functions, which greatly simplify editing long texts. These tools become indispensable in environments where documentation is regularly updated. The use of keyboard shortcuts and customization options completes tool mastery and enhances productivity.

Formatting and structuring information effectively

Formatting is more than just visual design. It supports readability and the logical organization of information. The ECDL BASE Word Processing training teaches how to harmonize fonts, adjust line spacing, set margins, and use paragraph styles. These techniques ensure visual consistency and improve readability, even for long documents.

The trainer also shares tips for using tabs, borders, and shading professionally. These elements help structure documents without overloading the layout. Creating lists, adding headers and footers, and applying automatic page numbering are also part of the skills developed.

Using advanced features: tables, objects, and mail merge

Tables and graphic objects add both visual and analytical depth to documents. Their correct use makes it possible to present data clearly and effectively. The course guides participants through creating, formatting, and modifying tables. Adding images, charts, and illustrations is covered in a practical way so that each learner can produce materials that are both informative and visually appealing.

The mail merge module adds significant value. It allows the automation of personalized letters, labels, or invitations. This skill is especially useful in administrative and commercial sectors, where managing large volumes of documents efficiently is a key challenge.

Preparing and finalizing a document for distribution

Once the content is written, preparing the final document requires attention to detail and precision. The training covers proofreading and spell-checking steps, as well as the use of automated verification tools. Learners discover how to use print preview to identify layout issues before finalizing their documents. The goal is to produce professional documents that meet quality and presentation standards.

Adjusting margins, orientation, and print settings ensures optimal output on any medium. These skills are essential for anyone producing documents intended for clients, partners, or colleagues.

ECDL BASE certification: a European recognition

Obtaining the ECDL BASE certification is a mark of professional recognition. It validates proficiency in essential office tools and highlights the skills acquired. This certification is recognized across Europe and is an asset for employers seeking adaptable and autonomous professionals. The course prepares participants for success with a progressive, hands-on learning approach.

FAQ

How long does the training last?
The ECDL BASE – Word Processing (BM3) training usually takes place over several days, depending on the chosen pace. It combines theory and practice to ensure steady progress.

Do I need to know Word before taking this course?
No, but it is recommended to have basic computer skills and to have completed the ECDL BASE – Essential Computer Skills module. This helps in understanding the advanced features more easily.

Which software is used during the training?
The course mainly uses Microsoft Word, but the acquired skills are also transferable to other word processing tools such as LibreOffice Writer or Google Docs.

Is the ECDL BASE certification recognized by employers?
Yes, it is a European standard certification that validates a recognized level of office proficiency. It enhances credibility and employability in the professional market.

Is this training suitable for personal use?
Absolutely. It helps improve both professional writing and the management of personal correspondence or reports. It’s a universal skill with long-term value.

What are the concrete benefits after the training?
Participants gain autonomy, efficiency, and confidence. They learn to produce high-quality documents and make full use of the advanced features of word processing software.