Chennai: Fourth R, a training institute primarily for children, has tied up with International Computer Driving Licence, a European standard for recognising computer skills in employees, to provide courseware and training for the certification.

ICDL, which originated in Europe is well recognised in Australia and Asia-Pacific regions, is primarily a certification that tests basic abilities of a person to handle a computer. ''This is not aimed at a professional IT person, but is aimed at the common man who has to use IT in his field of work - be it a doctor, a lawyer or a housewife,'' says Fourth R CEO C T Chari.

The seven modules under the certification, if taken up, enables easy usage of the computer without asking colleagues for help - for example in using spreadsheets or making presentations.

While the end user, who wants to take up the online exams to check his ability and get certified, will have to pay ICDL 60 pounds (in one shot) or 67 pounds if he wants takes the course in instalments. He will also have to pay Fourth R for training, which could be anywhere between Rs 500 to Rs 750 for a single module spanning a 15-hour training programme.