How ICDL Courses in Kenya Work, Step by Step: From Enrolment to Certificate

People ask us about ICDL fees and levels all the time. They ask much less about what happens after they’ve paid, and that’s where the nerves kick in. What’s the test like? Where do I sit it? What if I fail a module?

This guide walks through ICDL courses in Kenya the way they run at Excel Global College, an authorised ICDL test centre in Parklands, Nairobi. Five steps, from choosing a level to holding a certificate an employer can check.

The five steps at a glance

Step 1: Choose the right level

ICDL is modular, which is good news and slightly confusing at first.

• ICDL Base covers four modules: Computer and Online Essentials, Documents, Spreadsheets and Presentations. 6 weeks, KSh 22,500.
• ICDL Standard covers seven, adding Databases, Online Collaboration and Application Essentials. 10 weeks, KSh 32,500.
• ICDL Advanced modules go deep on one tool, like Financial Spreadsheets. 3 weeks, KSh 9,000 each.
• ICDL Professional modules cover areas like cybersecurity, data analytics and AI. 6 weeks, KSh 18,000 each.

If you’re not sure where you fit, read ICDL Courses in Kenya: Fees, Levels and What Actually Gets You Hired first. If you’re already past Standard, see our guide to Advanced and Professional modules.

Step 2: Enrol, pick a slot, pay

You can train online or in person. In person, choose from our weekday slots (7:00 to 9:00 am, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 2:00 to 5:00 pm, 5:30 to 8:00 pm) or weekends. Fees can be paid by M-Pesa, bank transfer or cash, and because ICDL is priced by level or module, you can pay for one stage at a time.

Before you pay, ask admissions three things: which modules your fee covers, what the retake terms are if you don’t pass a module, and when your test dates are likely to fall. Get the answers in writing.

Step 3: Train and practise

This is most of the course. Classes are small, so trainers can see who’s stuck. Our trainers are certified in ICDL delivery, and you get access to ICDL Skillsbox and official learning resources, so you’re practising on material built for the actual tests.

A few habits that help:

• Practise in the real software, not just on paper. ICDL tests what you can do on a computer, so time at the keyboard beats reading notes.
• Find your weak module early. Maybe it’s Spreadsheets, maybe Databases. Whichever it is, give it extra practice time.
• Do at least one timed practice run per module. Knowing a task is one thing. Doing it with a clock running is another.

Step 4: Sit the module tests

Because Excel Global College is an authorised ICDL test centre, you sit your tests in the same place you trained. No separate venue to find, no new building to get lost in on the morning of your test.

Modules are tested one at a time, which takes some pressure off. You don’t face everything in one sitting. Your trainer will confirm each module’s test format, timing and pass requirement before you sit it, so there are no surprises on the day.

The night before, rest. On the day, arrive early and ask admissions in advance what you need to bring.

Step 5: Get your certificate, and let employers check it

Once you pass the required modules, you receive official ICDL certification. ICDL describes it as “The Digital Skills Standard”, and our ICDL page notes recognition by employers and institutions in over 100 countries.

The practical value is that it can be verified. An employer doesn’t have to take your word or a college letterhead for it. You can also confirm our status yourself on the ICDL test centre finder for Kenya.

After that, plenty of learners keep going, adding Advanced or Professional modules one at a time to build a portfolio.

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