Challenges of the New Accreditation in Digital Competences for Citizens (ACTIC): Update, Validation and Results

The aim of this study is to explain the process used to update and validate the Catalan Accreditation of Information and Communications Technology Skills (ACTIC), conducted by the Open University of Catalonia and the Blanquerna Foundation of Ramon Llull University, at the initiative of the Catalan Department for Digital Policy and Public Administration, Government of Catalonia.

Using a mixed method, the study is divided into 3 phases and presents the definitions of the 5 competence areas, 19 competences, 3 achievement levels and a total of 233 indicators. The definitions were validated by a group of experts. As a result of the study, three key dimensions have emerged that improve digital awareness among citizens while empowering them and providing them with a way of having their skills accredited and acknowledged in the workplace: (i) identity, centred around participatory, social, ethical and civic issues; (ii) skills learning among citizens; and (iii) technological development and digital autonomy of citizens.