Following on the success of ECDL, and in response to demand from ECDL holders and test centres, the ECDL Foundation launched the Advanced ECDL Programme in 2000.

The ECDL Advanced Programme is now complete and the ECDL Foundation now provides a syllabus and a Question Test Base in four modules, Word Processing (AM3), Spreadsheets (AM4), Database ((AM5) and Presentations (AM6). It is important to note that each module at advanced level is individually certified. A full revision of the QTB, complete with scientific cut score exercises and item criticality analysis, has taken place. To date there are over 200 advanced test centres in Ireland, and more than 4000 advanced tests have been taken.

Many ECDL licence holders are anxious to progress to a higher level of proficiency in computer use. The Advanced programme addresses the needs of these people. The skills covered in the advanced level ECDL concern more complex tasks and deal with a richer and more extensive functionality of common applications. In general, the ability to create and manipulate larger, extended files is required for advanced certification. It is anticipated that candidates will undergo a programme of study in order to bridge the gap in the skill and knowledge requirements from the core to the advanced level certification.

On completing the ECDL Advanced programme, a candidate is a proficient computer user who has high-level skills in the four applications, and has gained a degree of intuition in their use. They are fully conversant with the scope of the applications, and the interactivity of related applications. Increased skill level undoubtedly leads to enhanced confidence and self-assurance in the advanced computer user.