ICILS was designed to respond to a question of critical interest today: How well are students prepared for study, work, and life in a digital world? The study measures international differences in students’ computer and information literacy (CIL). This type of literacy refers to students’ ability to use computers to investigate, create, and communicate in order to participate effectively at home, at school, in the workplace, and in the community. In addition to student achievement, the study collects a rich array of contextual data on  students' home and school environments. ICILS provides education systems and policymakers with an important data source on the contexts and outcomes of CIL-related education programs.