All the following alternative format materials can be ordered online via the Approved Centre Forum > Orders > Alternative Format Materials link.

There is no charge for these materials.

Large Print

The large print test papers are provided in sans serif font (Arial), size 18 pt. Most people prefer their material in a font size range from 16 to 22 and font size 18 is the most widely provided by commercial Large Print producers.

If a candidate wishes to use any other font style or size, please specify in the additional information/ comments box when you order online.

Braille

The Braille test papers are transcribed into Grade 2 Braille. This grade was chosen because the test paper can be read in a shorter time period and the majority of experienced Braille readers use Grade 2. The Braille papers are accompanied by a printout of the test paper for use by the invigilator and/or scribe.

If someone would prefer Grade 1 Braille, please specify in the Additional information/ comments box when you order online.

The Braille papers can be used repeatedly, provided they are looked after reasonably well. Keep the material in a box and avoid putting any heavy weight on top of it.

Audio

The test papers are also available as mp3 audio files. These are supplied on a CD-ROM and can be played on most computers.

British Sign Language (BSL)

New from BCS are the BSL DVDs, a unique test format for the ECDL qualification, the Multi Accessible Test System (MATS). Aimed specifically at deaf candidates who are British Sign Language (BSL) users, it also addresses the needs of other major disability groups.

The DVDs will accommodate individuals with partial sight, deaf candidates who use BSL or have a low literacy level in English, candidates with a specific learning difficulty like dyslexia as well as foreign nationals working in the UK for whom English is a second or additional language. The DVD also contains the test questions in sans serif font (Arial), size 18 pt and a high quality audio output.

The first DVD covers ECDL Essentials and includes modules 1, 2 and 7. The other DVD covers ECDL Extra and includes modules 3, 4, 5, 6 and Unit E. It provides an integrated solution to their accessibility requirements.

Candidates are given the ECDL tests with a choice of text only or the support of either video clips showing British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation or a top quality audio output. The readability and layout of the text follows nationally recognised accessibility guidelines.

BCS Centres can order the DVDs through the approved centre forum. More information about the DVDs can be obtained by sending an email to a2a@hq.bcs.org.uk or by telephone 01793 417571.