ICDL Advanced (Level 3)

International Certificate of Digital Literacy

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Improve IT Skills with the ICDL Level 3 Certificate

The ICDL Advanced is the BCS Level 3 Certificate in IT User Skills. It is the highest level of the ICDL qualification, an industry recognised IT certification accredited in the UK by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT and Ofqual. 

The ICDL Advanced is an ideal training pathway for those looking to develop the IT skills to progress into further education, industry training, or in their career. It is an internationally recognised qualification by employers, schools and colleges. Furthermore, the ICDL Advanced carries 24 UCAS points, making it a valuable qualification for students seeking to match university entry requirements.

As the BCS Level 3 Certificate in IT User Skills, this course builds upon the ICDL Level 1 (Essentials) and the ICDL Level 2 (Extra) course training and allows students to gain competence and confidence in using computer software. It comprises of four learning modules; word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases plus an Improving Productivity module which helps learners improve speed, accuracy, productivity, and confidence when working with software applications.

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ICDL Advanced Online Training Course

£289.00

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What is ICDL Advanced?

The ICDL Advanced is the Level 3 Certificate in IT User Skills, an internationally recognised digital literacy training course. It provides clear, structured, practical online learning modules that allow students to study at their own speed, develop transferable skills and build confidence in using computer systems and software to complete everyday digital tasks for use in the workplace, education, and home environments.

Qualification Details: ICDL Advanced - Level 3

  • Qualification Title: Level 3 Certificate in IT User Skills (ICDL Extra) 
  • Qualification Reference Number (QAN): 500/6243/8 
  • 24 UCAS points awarded


Official certification is achieved by successfully completing the required ICDL assessments through an approved ICDL testing centre.

This Level 3 course builds on a learners basic knowledge and experience with five study modules; databases, presentation, spreadsheets and word processing software, as well as an Improving Productivity using IT module, giving a solid grounding in practical software usage skills.

Who Is the ICDL Advanced Course For?

The ICDL Level 3 (Extra) course is suitable for learners with a good understanding of IT and digital literacy.

Learners progressing from ICDL Core or ICDL Extra

Adults wanting advanced workplace IT skills

School and college leavers seeking UCAS points

Employees developing professional digital skills

Individuals pursuing office, administration, or IT support careers

Learners preparing for higher education or workplace progression

Why Choose an ICDL Digital Literacy Course?

The ICDL e-learning course is one of the world’s leading digital literacy and computer skills certifications, and is delivered in over 100 countries worldwide. 

With 24/7 access the course provides flexible learning, allowing students to study at their own pace and at times that suits. The course focuses on everyday digital literacy skills with modular courseware that gives students a clear learning path to developing IT skills and becoming more confident and capable of using technology in personal, educational and professional settings. 

The Level 3 Certificate in IT User Skills (ICDL Advanced) is an Ofqual recognised course and a qualification which provides students with 24 UCAS points and a route to gaining access to colleges and university. It also provides a boost to career prospects by adding recognised skills to a CV or application form.

Benefits of ICDL Advanced:

Internationally recognised Level 3 IT qualification

Awards 24 UCAS points upon completion

Develops advanced digital skills in the main Microsoft applications

Improves productivity and efficiency using IT

Enhances CVs and career opportunities

Supports progression into administration, IT support, and advanced business roles

Builds confidence using professional office software applications, shortstcuts and features

What You Will Learn:

ICDL Advanced Course Summary & Modules

The ICDL Level 3 ( Advanced) course includes 3 key learning modules as well as an 

This BCS Level 3 course in IT User Skills includes five advanced learning modules designed to develop professional IT and digital workplace skills including an ‘Improving Productivity’ module which looks at real world scenarios and efficiency.

Recommended Guided Learning Hours

35–37 hours including exams (5 modules)

Database Software (Level 3)

Database Software (Level 3)

The database module develops practical database management skills to support administrative, reporting, and business support roles.

  • Organising and storing information 
  • Creating queries, forms, and reports 
  • Managing records effectively 
  • Retrieving and analysing data 
  • Understanding structured database systems

Presentation Software (Level 3)

This module sets out advanced knowledge relating to planning and designing presentations, as well as the skills needed to produce advanced presentation outputs using a presentation application with skills, including:

  • Creating polished presentations 
  • Using advanced formatting and layouts 
  • Graphical objects. design and formatting 
  • Delivering information in charts and diagrams
  • Working with multimedia and presentation tools 
  • Enhanced productivity
  • Managing presentations

Spreadsheet Software (Level 3)

This module sets out advanced skills that can be used to produce sophisticated reports, to perform complex mathematical and statistical calculations, and to improve productivity using a spreadsheet application. 

  • Working with complex formulas and functions 
  • Creating charts and reports 
  • Data analysis techniques 
  • Organising and managing structured information 
  • Improving accuracy in financial and reporting tasks

Word Processing (Level 3)

This module sets out advanced skills that can be used to produce complex documents, enhance outputs, and improve productivity, when using a word processing application.

  • Professional document formatting 
  • Advanced layouts and styles 
  • Structuring large documents 
  • Producing high-quality business materials 
  • Improving accuracy and presentation standards

Improving Productivity (Level 3)

This unit teaches methods for planning, evaluating improving productivity for different scenarios when using IT tools and the software covered in the ICDL Level 3.

  • Improving workflow and organisation 
  • Using shortcuts and automation tools 
  • Managing digital tasks effectively 
  • Increasing productivity using IT systems

What our students have to say

Start Your ICDL Training Today

Taking the first step towards improving your computer skills and gaining a recognised digital literacy skills qualification is easy with the ICDL course pathway. The clear and structure  courseware allows you to progress through the three course levels, building invaluable  practical skills and the confidence to use IT technology and software in everyday life.

If you are ready to start the ICDL Level 3 course, we offer two options:

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ICDL Advanced - Online Learning Course

£289.00

You can simply sign-up for the Level 3 ICDL Advanced self-study course, and progress in your own time to develop your skills as you work through the online modules.

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ICDL Advanced - Course & Official Exams

£579.00

If you’re looking to add a recognised advanced IT qualification to your CV, then you will want to include an official examination to obtain a certificate of qualification which is accredited by the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. The exam can be sat remotely at one of our approved test centres.

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