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For Immediate Release
Summit To Focus On Certification's Role In Helping Organisations Compete in the Global Digital Economy
Prodigy launches IC³ for Ireland—The new global Internet and Computing Literacy standard
Dublin, Ireland (23 October 2002) — Prodigy, Master Distributor for the new global Internet and Computing literacy standard, today launched the IC³ certification programme for Ireland at the Westbury Hotel in Dublin. Representatives from the corporate, training centres and private arenas were present to listen to guest speaker, David Saedi, Executive Vice President of Certiport, the creator of the IC³ programme and a leading provider of global certification programmes and services.
Saedi discussed the critical need for relevant and current global standards of excellence to succeed in the rapidly changing world marketplace. Also presenting at the seminar was Lorraine Danaher, instructor at FAS Training Centre, Athlone, which has already incorporated the certification into its computer curriculum.
"Digital literacy standards are a growing issue for companies trying to compete in global markets," stresses Saedi. "Governments, academic institutions and organisations that raise the expectation for computer proficiency utilising global standards like IC³ will position themselves not just to survive, but thrive in today's global marketplace.
IC³ stands for Internet and Computing Core Certification and was released worldwide in February 2002 by Certiport, Inc, a leading provider of global, performance-based certification programs and services (www.certiport.com). The programme was developed over a two-year period and included 270 subject matter experts in 19 countries. IC³ is a global, professionally validated, standards-based certification program that provides employers and academic institutions proof that an IC³ certified individual has the essential computing knowledge and skills to succeed in today's digital economy.
Currently on the market, there is nothing to match this qualification. All other computer literacy programmes do not meet the minimal standards to be called a certification and can more accurately be described as training curriculum. Also unique to IC³ is its use of a secure global database and digital transcripts via a secure, authenticated website where candidates can view exam and certification results online at any time and grant access to employers or educators to verify candidate results. Lorraine Danaher from FAS insisted that IC³ was the obvious choice to meet today's needs.
"It seemed obvious that if we wanted validated results from the computer industry, then we should use a validated certification," says Danaher. She urged those present, most of whom were representatives from the testing centres of the Microsoft Office examinations (Microsoft Office Specialist), to consider the benefits of IC³, especially given the fact that there is no set-up cost included in executing this programme.
IC³ is endorsed by CompTIA, which represents more than eight thousand computing and communications companies worldwide. CompTIA provides common standards in certification for the information and communication technology (ICT) industry and has recommended IC³ as a precursor to all of its own certification programmes.
Craig Bewley, Managing Director of Prodigy, the master distributor for IC³ in Ireland views the introduction of IC³ as a critical tool, most particularly in relation to the current ICT skills shortfall. "Fortunately, the global certification industry has provided a solution to this problem—IC³—a solution based on established standards and professional guidelines."
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For more information, please contact:
Niamh O'Neill, Prodigy—01 2360423
Emma Godsil, PRG—087 7868 410 / 055 294 55
Cian MacEochaidh, Text100—01 2600353 / 086 8593376
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