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Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Information Technology Engineers Examination
Guide to the New Examination System
-- A Guidepost to Advanced IT Human Resources --
Information-technology Promotion Agency New Examination System Deliberation Committee
Report
December 25, 2007
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
CCoonntteennttss
1 Summary of the System Revision ..................................................................................................... 4 1.1 Positioning of this Report .......................................................................................................... 4 1.2 Approach of the Information Technology Engineers Examination System Review ................. 4
(1) Examination System Compliant with the Common Career/Skill Framework ....................... 4 (2) Establishment of an examination that corresponds with Level 1 of the Common Career/Skill Framework .............................................................................. 8 (3) Integration of vendor-side and user-side human resources .................................................... 9 (4) Response to growing importance of knowledge and skills of embedded systems ................ 9 (5) Consolidation of advanced examinations .............................................................................. 9 (6) Fundamental review of scope of questions to reflect state-of-the-art technological trends .... 10 (7) Improvement of convenience for examinees ....................................................................... 10
2 Outline of the New Information Technology Engineers Examination System ............................... 11 2.1 The New Categories of the Information Technology Engineers Examination ........................ 11
(1) Examination categories ........................................................................................................ 11 (2) Considerations regarding the examination system .............................................................. 13
2.2 Outline of Examination Categories ......................................................................................... 14 (1) Typical examinees ............................................................................................................... 14 (2) Association between examination categories of the Advanced Examination and fields of work..... 15
2.3 Correspondence between the Current and New Examinations................................................ 16 (1) Correspondence between the Current and New Examinations ............................................ 16 (2) Comparison of the Scope of the Current and New Examinations ....................................... 20 (3) Transition of the Information Technology Engineers Examination System ........................ 20
2.4 Considerations for Questions in the New Examinations ......................................................... 20 (1) Corresponding to a Wide Range of Human Resource Models ............................................ 20 (2) Questions Regarding Knowledge of User Tasks and a Wide Range of Industries .............. 21 (3) Questions from Users' Standpoint ....................................................................................... 22 (4) Questions Related to Embedded Systems ............................................................................ 22 (5) Questions Related to System Audits .................................................................................... 22
3 Details of the New Information Technology Engineers Examination............................................. 23 3.1 The Human Resource Models (Tasks and Roles, Expected Technology Level,
Corresponding Level) Corresponding to Each Examination Category ................................... 23 (1) IT Passport Examination ...................................................................................................... 23 (2) Fundamental Information Technology Engineers Examination .......................................... 23 (3) Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination .................................................... 24 (4) Information Technology Strategist Examination ................................................................. 25 (5) Systems Architect Examination ........................................................................................... 26 (6) Project Manager Examination ............................................................................................. 27 (7) Network Specialist Examination ......................................................................................... 28 (8) Database Specialist Examination ......................................................................................... 28 (9) Embedded Systems Specialist Examination ........................................................................ 29 (10) Information Security Specialist Examination ...................................................................... 30 (11) Information Technology Service Manager Examination ..................................................... 30 (12) Systems Auditor Examination ............................................................................................. 31
4 Configuration and Grading of Examinations .................................................................................. 33 4.1 Examination Time, Type, and Number of Questions and Answers ......................................... 33 4.2 Outline of the Scope of Questions ........................................................................................... 34 4.3 Grading Method, Points Allocation and Pass Criteria ............................................................. 34
5 Examination Implementation .......................................................................................................... 37 5.1 Implementation Schedule of the New Examination System ................................................... 37 5.2 Implementation Method and Period of Examinations ............................................................. 37
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
5.3 Exemption System ................................................................................................................... 38 (1) Introduction of Exemption System for a Part of the Morning Exam in the Advanced Examination .............................................................................................. 38 (2) Exemption System Interim Measures for Successful Candidates in the Current Examinations ...... 39 (3) Exemption System Interim Measures for Individuals that have Completed Authorized Courses in the Current Examination System .................................. 40 (4) Authorized Course Exemption System in the New Examination System ........................... 41
(1) IT Passport Examination (discussions ongoing) .................................................................. 42 (2) Fundamental Information Technology Engineers Examination, Applied Information Technology Engineers Examination, and Advanced Examination .... 42
7 Matters for Consideration ............................................................................................................... 44 7.1 In Consideration of Future Improvements and Enhancements of the Examination System ......... 44
8 Scope of Questions .......................................................................................................................... 45 8.1 IT Passport Examination ......................................................................................................... 45 8.2 Fundamental Information Technology Engineers Examination,
Applied Information Technology Engineers Examination, and Advanced Examination ........ 49 (1) Morning Examination .......................................................................................................... 49 (2) Afternoon Examinations ...................................................................................................... 60
Annex 1 Transition of the Information Technology Engineers Examination System ......................... 68
Annex 2 Comparison of Scope of Current and New Examinations .................................................... 69
Annex 3 Breakdown of Number of Questions per Field in the Fundamental Information Technology
Engineer Examination and Applied Information Technology Engineer Afternoon Examination .......... 76
Appendix 1 Abstract of “Aiming towards the Development of Advanced IT Human Resources” ..... 77
Appendix 2 Structure of Skill Standards ............................................................................................. 84
New Examination System Deliberation Committee Members List ..................................................... 87
New Examination System Deliberation Committee Deliberation History .......................................... 89
► “Guide to the IT Passport Examination”
(Level 1 Examination Working Group Report) ......................................................................... 89
The company and products names in this report are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective
companies. Also, this report does not specify ® and TM .
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
1 Summary of the System Revision
1.1 Positioning of this Report
The Human Resources Development Working Group (hereinafter, “HRD-WG”) which was
established in October 2006, under the Information Service and Software Subcommittee of the
Information Economy Committee within the Industrial Structure Council, has discussed matters
concerning the development of advanced IT human resources in perspective of the coming 10 years
in Japan. The results of the discussions have been summarized in a report entitled “Aiming towards
the Development of Advanced IT Human Resources” (hereinafter, “HRD-WG Report”), dated July
20, 2007 (see Appendix 1).
Based on the discussions of the HRD-WG, the Information-technology Promotion Agency
(hereinafter, “IPA”) established the New Examination System Deliberation Committee
(chairperson: Yoshiaki Iwamaru) in April 2007, consisting of experts on the Information
Technology Engineers Examination. This committee has deliberated the realization of a new
Information Technology Engineers Examination system.
The committee produced a report entitled “New Examination System Deliberation Committee
Interim Report” as an interim result of their discussions and invited public comments during the
period September 7 to 27, 2007.
This Report is a final summarization of the discussions by the New Examination System
Deliberation Committee, taking account of the public comments.
Furthermore, under the New Examination System Deliberation Committee, the Level 1
Examination Working Group (chairperson: Kazuhiko Satoh) has discussed the contents of the
newly established Level 1 Examination. The report entitled “Guide to the IT Passport
Examination” produced by this working group as a result of their discussions, is an integral part of
this report and is added to the end.
1.2 Approach of the Information Technology Engineers Examination System Review
In reviewing the Information Technology Engineers Examination system, the content was
examined closely from the viewpoints of examination implementation experts based on the
direction of the examination system reform as proposed by HRD-WG Report and moreover the
improvement of examinees’ convenience was considered.
(1) Examination System Compliant with the Common Career/Skill Framework
The HRD-WG Report proposed the establishment of a Common Career/Skill Framework that
indicates the career and required skills suitable for the advanced IT human resource models that
Japan should aim to develop in the future. In order to build an objective human resource evaluation
mechanism under the Common Career/Skill Framework, the Information Technology Engineers
Examination system is revised fundamentally to be compliant with each of the human resource skill
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
standards including the IT Skill Standard (ITSS)1, Embedded Technology Skill Standards (ETSS)2
and Users' Information Systems Skill Standards (UISS)3 (see Table 1 and Appendix 2) using the
Common Career/Skill Framework as a reference model and thereby make it useful for judging the
level of individual skill as shown below.
Of the seven levels of the Common Career/Skill Framework, Level 1 through 3 are judged
basically by passing the Information Technology Engineers Examination, and Level 4 is judged
by work experience etc. in addition to passing the Information Technology Engineers
Examination (Figure 1).
Figure 1 Level Judgment based on the Common Career/Skill Framework (Source: HRD-WG Report)
1 ITSS (Skill Standards for IT Professionals): A reference that defines and systemizes the skills required for
providing various IT related services, and that is intended to provide a useful guideline (common framework) for the education, training etc. of IT service professionals within the industry and academic world.
2 ETSS (Embedded Technology Skill Standards): A reference that defines and systemizes the skills required for embedded software development, and that is intended to provide a useful guideline (common criteria) for the human resource development and utilization of embedded software developers.
3 UISS (Users' Information Systems Skill Standards): A reference for optimal placement of information system functions within companies, and for determining required human resources and appropriate human resource development for this arrangement.
Note: indicates the scope of the Examination System Reform
29 Domain Specialist ET30 Software Engineer ET31 QA Specialist ET32 Test Engineer ET33 Development Environment Engineer ET
34 Education IT 7. Other
* 1: Although the “Information Security Engineer Examination” and “Systems Auditor Examination” are designed to examine the human resource models of Service Manager or Technical Specialist, these examinations remain unchanged.
* 2: In the new human resource models application design is part of the Systems Architect category, while application implementation is part of the Technical Specialist category. In the examination, topics from application design to implementation is included in the “Systems Architect Examination.”
Creation 6. Creator Creators are ineligible for assessment by the ITEE.
Correspond to education category in ITSS
HumanResources
Type
HumanResourceCategory
Current Skill Standards (34 Job Titles) IT: Skill Standards for IT Professionals (11) ET: Embedded Technology Skill Standards (10) UI: Users' Information Systems Skill Standards (13)
SkillStandards
BasicStrategy
Solution
Assessed by Exam ResultAssessed by Work Experience,Evaluation of Professionals, etc.
1. Strategist
5. Technical Specialist
2. Systems Architect
3. Service Manager
4. Project Manager
Ent
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Bas
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Str
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valu
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Sys
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(Note) indicates the scope of the examination system reform.
Figure 2 Current Skill Standard and Direction of Restructuring of the Information
Technology Engineers Examination (Source: based on the HRD-WG Report)
(2) Establishment of an examination that corresponds with Level 1 of the Common
Career/Skill Framework
Information technology is becoming a social infrastructure of Japan, and is playing an
important role in any company regardless of its industry or its types of role up to a point where
company and organizational activities can hardly be discussed without taking information
technology into account.
To perform activities as business workers within these circumstances, in addition to being
capable of operating personal computers and processing data using them, all business workers are
required to have perspective for aggressively utilizing the potential of information technology in
their own tasks to generate added value. Business workers are also expected to have an
understanding of how to utilize information technology in order to identify and analyze issues in
the workplace and solve those issues. Furthermore, it is essential for business workers in the
coming years to possess knowledge such as how to safely perform business activities in the
network society and knowledge that contribute to improving corporate compliance.
Considering these points, the Level 1 Examination, which measures the basic knowledge
commonly required of business workers, is newly established to expand the IT human resource
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
population at entry level, thereby aiming to improve the overall national capability of information
technology utilization. The “System Administrator Examination,” which has achieved a good
reputation as an examination for information system users, is incorporated partially into the Level
1 and Level 2 Examinations in order that a better examination system may be formed..
The Level 1 Examination has a duration of just under three hours and consists only of
multiple-choice questions, and a broad range of questions are set with regard to basic knowledge
of the three fields of the Common Career/Skill Framework which are strategy, management, and
technology. Successful examinees must reach or surpass the standard qualifying scores set for
each of the three fields and for the total score of the three fields. Furthermore, examinations are
conducted frequently throughout the year, and the introduction of CBT (Computer Based Testing:
an examination method in which questions are displayed and answered on personal computers) is
sought so that examinees can take the exams in places most convenient for themselves.
Successful examinees are granted qualification certificates from the Minister of Economy, Trade
and Industry, and their score is written on the certificate.
For details regarding the Level 1 Examination, refer to the “Guide to the IT Passport
Examination”.
(3) Integration of vendor-side and user-side human resources
Both the IT industry and user industry are in need of human resources capable of strategically
utilizing information technology. Furthermore, in order to plan and construct an appropriate high-
quality information system, it is imperative that user-side human resources possess knowledge
and skills at levels comparable to vendor-side human resources, and vendor-side human
resources possess thorough knowledge of user-side tasks, and that both maintain close
communication with each other. Considering these matters, the examination system is reformed
to integrate vendor-side human resources and user-side human resources that had been separated
in the current Information Technology Engineers Examination. Specifically, the Level 1, 2, and 3
Examinations are designed to cover a wide area of questions not only from the technology field
but also from the management and strategy fields, so that the examinations can be also utilized
broadly on the user-side.
(4) Response to growing importance of knowledge and skills of embedded systems
Knowledge and skill of embedded systems are examined only in a certain examination
category under the current Information Technology Engineers Examination, but the examination
system is reformed so that questions on embedded systems are included broadly in order to
respond to their growing importance for increasing Japan’s global competitiveness.
(5) Consolidation of advanced examinations
In accordance with the integration of vendor-side and user-side human resources, examination
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
categories of technological fields that overlap are consolidated. Specifically, the current “System
Analyst Examination” and “Senior System Administrator Examination” are consolidated in order
to develop human resources which establish basic strategies and lead increases in business value
by utilizing information technology. Furthermore, the “Information Security Engineer
Examination” and “Information System Security Administrator Examination” are consolidated in
accordance with the requirements of vendor-side and user-side human resources with comparable
levels of knowledge and skills in the face of the rising importance of information security.
(6) Fundamental review of scope of questions to reflect state-of-the-art technology trends
To cope with the rapid development of information technology, a fundamental review of the
scope of questions is conducted in accordance with the Common Career/Skill Framework.
Knowledge required of IT human resources is organized into three fields: Strategy, Management,
and Technology. Furthermore, the essential technology fields such as embedded systems,
information security, and Open Source Software (OSS) are clearly included within the scope of
the questions, and state-of-the-art knowledge is incorporated.
(7) Improvement of convenience for examinees
In order to make it easier for more people to take the examinations, the newly established
Level 1 Examination seeks to introduce CBT. Furthermore, not only the total score, but also the
scores in each of the Strategy, Management, and Technology fields, are made available to
examinees in addition to their pass/fail result. Also, the exemption system with regard to the
Afternoon Examination of the Advanced Examinations is expanded.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
2 Outline of the New Information Technology Engineers Examination System
The results regarding the reform of the Information Technology Engineers Examination system,
based on “1.2 Approach of the Information Technology Engineers Examination System
Review”, are shown below.
2.1 The New Categories of the Information Technology Engineers Examination
(1) Examination categories
The new Information Technology Engineers Examination is, in principle, designed as a system
compliant with the Common Career/Skill Framework. Specifically, Level 1 to 4 of the five
human resource models of Strategist, Systems Architect, Project Manager, Service Manager, and
Technical Specialist are covered.
a) For Level 1 through 3 of the Common Career/Skill Framework, an examination common to the
five human resource models are established. Of these, the examination associated with Level 1
is the “IT Passport Examination”, the examination associated with Level 2 is the “Fundamental
Information Technology Information Engineer Examination”, and the examination associated
with Level 3 is the “Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination”.
b) For Level 4, an examination category taking into account the human resource models, etc. of
the HRD-WG Report is established, and is collectively called “Advanced Examination”.
Specifically, the examination for Strategists is the “Information Technology Strategist
Examination”, the examination for Systems Architects and some Technical Specialists is the
“Systems Architect Examination”, the examination for Project Managers is the “Project
Manager Examination”, and the examination for Service Managers is the “Information
Technology Service Manager Examination”. For Technical Specialists, the target technological
area is explicitly identified and is subdivided into the following three categories: “Network
Specialist Examination”, “Database Specialist Examination”, and “Embedded Systems
Specialist Examination”. Besides the above, the “Information Security Specialist Examination”
and “Systems Auditor Examination” are established, and associated with Technical Specialists
and Service Managers respectively. (Table 3 and Figure 3)
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Table 3 Examination Categories, and Associated Human Resource Models and Levels
Examination category Associated human resource models and levels
IT Passport Examination Level 1 of the 5 human resource modelsFundamental Information Technology Engineers Examination Level 2 of the 5 human resource modelsApplied Information Technology Engineers Examination Level 3 of the 5 human resource models
Advanced Examination
Information Technology Strategist Examination
Level 4 of Strategists (Note)
Systems Architect Examination Level 4 of Systems Architects (Note) Level 4 of Technical Specialists (Note)
Project Manager Examination Level 4 of Project Managers (Note) Network Specialist Examination Level 4 of Technical Specialists (Note) Database Specialist Examination Level 4 of Technical Specialists (Note) Embedded Systems Specialist Examination Level 4 of Technical Specialists (Note) Information Security Specialist Examination Level 4 of Technical Specialists (Note) Information Technology Service Manager Examination
Level 4 of Service Managers (Note)
Systems Auditor Examination Level 4 of Service Managers (Note)
(Note) For Level 4, qualification is determined by task experience etc. in addition to passing the
Information Technology Engineers Examination.
IT Passport Exam (IP)
Applied Information Technology Engineer Exam (AP)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Common Career Skill
Framework
Basic
Working
Knowledge
Basic
Knowledge
& Skills
Applied
Knowledge
& Skills
Advanced
Knowledge
& Skills
Vendor / User
Information Systems / Embedded Systems
Independent
Advanced (Professional) Examination
Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Exam (FE)
Sys
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IT S
trat
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Info
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Sec
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Spe
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(AU)(SM)(SC)(ES)(DB)(NW)(PM)(SA)(ST)
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
<Description of examination category abbreviations> Examination category name Abbreviation
Information Technology Passport Examination IP Fundamental Information Technology Engineers Examination FE Applied Information Technology Engineers Examination AP Information Technology Strategist Examination ST Systems Architect Examination SA Project Manager Examination PM Network Specialist Examination NW Database Specialist Examination DB Embedded Systems Specialist Examination ES Information Security Specialist Examination SC Information Technology Service Manager Examination SM Systems Auditor Examination AU
Figure 3 Structure Diagram of the New Information Technology Engineers Examination
(2) Considerations regarding the examination system
The followings are addressed in consideration of the standpoint of the information policy,
continuity with regard to the current examination system, and the expected number of applicants
and examinees, etc.
a) Target scope of the Information Technology Strategist Examination
The Information Technology Strategist Examination targets basic strategists who plan basic
strategies to solve various business management issues by utilizing information technology, and
includes the contents of the current System Analyst Examination and Senior Administrator
Examination.
b) Target scope of the Systems Architect Examination
The Systems Architect Examination addresses systems architects who design the system
structures of information systems4 and embedded systems, and technical specialists who design
and develop applications for information systems.
c) Target scope of the Information Security Specialist Examination
The Information Security Specialist Examination includes the contents of the current
Information Security Engineer Examination and Information Security Administrator Examination.
4 Hereinafter in this report, systems that are mainly enterprise type will be referred to as “information systems”
in order to differentiate them from embedded systems. Furthermore, information systems and embedded systems will be collectively referred to as “systems”.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
2.2 Outline of Examination Categories
(1) Typical examinees
The profile of intended examinees for each examination category is shown in Table 4.
Table 4 Typical Examinees for Each Examination Category Examination category Typical examinee
IT Passport Examination
Individuals who have basic knowledge of information technology that all business workers should commonly possess, and who are doing information technology related tasks, or trying to utilize information technology in their tasks in charge.
Fundamental Information Technology Engineers Examination
Individuals who have basic fundamental knowledge and skills required to be an advanced IT human resource, and who possess practical utilization abilities.
Applied Information Technology Engineers Examination
Individuals who have applied knowledge and skills required to be an advanced IT human resource, and who have established their own direction as an advanced IT human resource.
Adv
ance
d E
xam
inat
ion
Information Technology Strategist Examination
Individuals who have an established field of expertise as an advanced IT human resource, and who plan, propose, and promote basic strategies to innovate, sophisticate, and optimize certain processes with regard to business models and activities utilizing information technology, based on the company’s management strategies. Or, individuals who supervise the planning and development of embedded systems, and plan, propose, and promote basic strategies to realize new values.
Systems Architect Examination
Individuals who have an established field of expertise as an advanced IT human resource, and in response to suggestions from IT strategists, define the requirements that are necessary for the development of information systems or embedded systems, design the architecture to realize the systems, and for information systems, lead development.
Project Manager Examination
Individuals who have an established field of expertise as an advanced IT human resource, and who, as a person responsible for a system development project, prepare project plans, secure the required personnel and resources, and control and manage the project while taking responsibility for achievement of the planned budget, delivery date, and quality.
Network Specialist Examination
Individuals who have an established field of expertise as an advanced IT human resource, and who utilize specific technologies related to networks and take a central role in the planning, requirements definition, development, operation, and maintenance of optimal information system infrastructures while providing technical support for the planning, requirements definition, development, operation, and maintenance of information systems as a specialist of specific technologies.
Database Specialist Examination
Individuals who have an established field of expertise as an advanced IT human resource, and who utilize specific technologies related to databases and take a central role in the planning, requirements definition, development, operation, and maintenance of optimal information system infrastructures while providing technical support for the planning, requirements definition, development, operation, and maintenance of information systems as a specialist of specific technologies.
Embedded Systems Specialist Examination
Individuals who have an established field of expertise as an advanced IT human resource, and who utilize their broad knowledge and skills related to embedded system development and lead the establishment of optimal embedded system development infrastructure and the design, establishment, and production of embedded systems.
Information Security Specialist Examination
Individuals who have an established field of expertise as an advanced IT human resource, and who, with regard to the planning, requirements definition, development, operation, and maintenance, support the realization of security
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Examination category Typical examinee features compliant with information security policies or prepare the information system infrastructure and support information security management as a specialist of information security technology.
Information Technology Service Manager Examination
Individuals who have an established field of expertise as an advanced IT human resource, and who with regard to the overall information system, ensure stable operations and act to minimizes damage from incidents as well as take efforts such as continuous improvement and quality management to provide highly safe and reliable services.
Systems Auditor Examination
Individuals who have an established field of expertise as an advanced IT human resource, and who from a standpoint independent from auditees, comprehensively inspect and evaluate the risks and controls of information systems and embedded systems, report audit results to top management and others, and recommend improvements.
(2) Association between examination categories of the Advanced Examination and fields of work
The roles that the assumed human resources in each of the examination categories of the
Advanced Examination play in each field of work related to providing IT solutions, products, and
services, can be roughly organized as shown in Figure 4.
BusinessStrategyPlanning
InformationSystemStrategyPlanning
PlanningRequirements
DefinitionSystemDesign
SoftwareDesign
Production,Test,
DeploymentOperation Maintenance
SystemAuditing
Planning &evaluation of
businessstrategy
Planning &evaluation ofinformation
system strategyand overall
systemization
Envisioning &planning ofindividual
systemization
Management& evaluation of
informationsystemstrategy
execution
Technicalsupport
Systemplanning
Requirementsdefinition
Systemplanning
Informationsystem design
Informationsystem
establishment
Informationsystem
evaluation
Technicalsupport
Envisioning &planning ofindividual
systemization
Projectplanning &
management
Projectmanagement
Projectmanagement
Projectmanagement& evaluation
Technicalsupport
Technicalsupport
Systemplanning
Networksystem design
Networksystem
establishment
Networksystem
operation
Networksystem
maintenance
Technicalsupport
Technicalsupport
Systemplanning
Databasesystem design
Databasesystem
establishment
Databasesystem
operation
Databasesystem
maintenance
Technicalsupport
Technicalsupport
Systemplanning
Embeddedsystem design
Embeddedsystem
establishment
Technicalsupport
Embeddedsystem
enhancement &maintenance
Technicalsupport
Technicalsupport
Systemplanning
Securityfunctiondesign
Securityfunction
establishment
Technicalsupport
Technicalsupport
Servicemanagement
planning
Servicemanagement
planning
Servicemanagement
planning
Servicemanagement
planning
Servicemanagement
planning &execution
Servicemanagement
execution, andprovision &continual
improvement ofservices
Servicemanagement
execution, andprovision &continual
improvement ofservices
Systemauditing
: Main work fields : Subordinate work fields
Field of Work (Phase) (Note) Exam Category
Information SecuritySpecialist Exam
Embedded SystemSpecialist Exam
Network SpecialistExam
Database SpecialistExam
Project ManagerExam
Systems ArchitectExam
Systems Auditor Exam
InformationTechnology ServiceManager Exam
InformationTechnology StrategistExam
(Note) The fields of work are organized based on “Software Life Cycle Processes-Japan Common Frame 2007”.
Figure 4 Association between Examination Categories of the Advanced Examinations
and Fields of Work
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
2.3 Correspondence between the Current and New Examinations
(1) Correspondence between the Current and New Examinations
The categories for the new examinations roughly correspond to those of the current
examinations as shown in Figure 5.
Note that the rearrangement and restructuring of the examination categories is done to provide
a new measure for the development of competence that is more in line with needs of the age, and
this does not change a pass in an examination under the previous examination system.
In particular, while the Systems Administrator Examination is principally incorporated into
the IT Passport Examination in order that a better examination system may be formed, the
Systems Administrator Examination questions, which tested knowledge and skills required in
promoting the computerization of a section, required a higher level of understanding than the IT
Passport Examination, which mostly tests fundamental knowledge commonly required for
utilizing IT in the workplace. Therefore, it can be said that the Systems Administrator
Examination is inclusive of the level of the IT Passport Examination, and an individual
that has passed the Systems Administrator Examination satisfies the level required to
pass the IT Passport Examination.
The transition of the examination system, from its foundation in 1969 to the upcoming revision,
is described in Annex 1.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
IndependentVendor/UserInformation Systems/Embedded Systems
Technical Engineer Examination
Sys
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Sys
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Software Design & Development Engineer Examination (SW)Systems Administrator
Examination (AD)Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (FE)
Information SystemsUser Side
Information Systems Development & Operation SideIndependent
(NW)
Dat
abas
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yst
ems
(DB)
Sy
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sM
ana
gem
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(SM)
Em
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Sys
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s D
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(ES)
Info
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Sec
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(SV)(AU) (AN) (PM) (AE)
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Sys
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s
Sec
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Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination (AP)
Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (FE)
(ST)
New
Exa
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Leve
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Sys
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s A
rch
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Exa
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(SA)
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(SC)
IT S
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anag
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(SM)
Sys
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udito
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(AU)
Information Technology Passport Examination (IP)
Ad
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xam
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3
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1
Figure 5 Correspondence between Current and New Examinations
Below, correspondence between the current and new examination categories is explained.
a) IT Passport Examination (Level 1)
・ The scope of questions covers a wide range of fields, from the fields of strategy, management,
and technology. It covers the same scope as the Morning Exam of the current Systems
Administrator Examination, and is further supplemented with fundamental theories.
・ Bearing in mind that the examination is aimed at testing basic knowledge that all business
workers should possess, the examination focuses on testing the understanding of fundamental
terminology and concepts, etc. in the fields of strategy, management, and technology.
: Indicates that the categories of the new and current exams correspond closely to one another in terms of the scope of the questions and level of difficulty.
: Indicates that the categories of the new and current exams correspond closely to one another in terms of the level ofdifficulty. The scope of the questions is widened and technical aspects are partially supplemented in the categories of the new exams.
: Indicates that the categories of the new and current exams correspond closely to one another in terms of the scope of the questions. The categories of the current exams include the level of the categories of the new exams.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
b) Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (Level 2)
・ The Morning Exam covers the same fields as the current Fundamental Information
Technology Engineer Examination. The afternoon exam covers the same technology fields as
the current Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination, while incorporating
management and strategy fields, questions is spread evenly across a broad range of fields.
・ The level of the examination is almost equivalent to that of the current Fundamental
Information Technology Engineer Examination.
c) Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination (Level 3)
・ The Morning Exam includes strategy fields in addition to the technology and management
fields covered in the current Software Design & Development Engineer Examination. The
Afternoon Exam covers almost the same technology fields as the current Software Design &
Development Engineer Examination, but also includes management and strategy questions.
Several questions are provided, allowing the examinee to select and answer the questions that
best match his/her area of profession.
・ The level of the new examination is almost equivalent to that of the current Software Design
& Development Engineer Examination.
d) Information Technology Strategist Examination (Level 4)
・ In addition to fields covered by the current System Analyst Examination, this examination
covers the fields of formulation of management-oriented business strategies, as well as
execution management and evaluation of IT strategies. This examination is inclusive of the
current Senior Systems Administrator Examination. Multiple-choice questions on planning,
formulation of development schedules and promotion of embedded systems also are added to
expand the scope of questions.
・ While the current System Analyst Examination is targeted at ITSS level 5, the IT Strategist
Examination is targeted at level 4, with its relative difficulty lowered slightly such as by
reducing the complexity and the scale of the theme described in the questions.
e) Systems Architect Examination (Level 4)
・ In comparison to the current Application Systems Engineer Examination, the Systems
Architect Examination clarifies and focuses on the structural design of information systems
for total optimization and on the system formula design of the target information systems.
Architecture design for embedded systems is covered by additional multiple-choice questions.
・ The level of the new examination is almost equivalent to that of the current Application
Systems Engineer Examination.
f) Project Manager Examination (Level 4)
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
・ The scope of the examination is almost equivalent to that of the current Project Manager
Examination, but additionally covers embedded systems.
・ While the current Project Manager Examination was targeted at ITSS level 5, the new Project
Manager Examination is targeted at level 4, with its relative difficulty lowered slightly such
as by reducing the complexity and the scale of the projects used in the questions.
g) Network Specialist Examination (Level 4)
・ The scope and level of the examination is almost equivalent to the current Network Systems
Engineer Examination.
h) Database Specialist Examination (Level 4)
・ The scope and level of the examination is almost equivalent to the current Database Systems
Engineer Examination.
i) Embedded Systems Specialist Examination (Level 4)
・ The scope and level of the examination is almost equivalent to the current Embedded Systems
Development Engineer Examination.
j) Information Security Specialist Examination (Level 4)
・ This examination covers the combined scope of the current Information Security Engineer
Examination and the Information Systems Security Administrator Examination. In order to
match the Technical Specialist model described in the Common Career/Skill Framework, the
Information Security Specialist Examination is weighted towards security technology fields
covered in the Information Security Engineer Examination (refer to *1 in Figure 2, and
Table 3).
・ The level of the examination questions is almost equivalent to that of the current Information
Security Engineer Examination and the Information Systems Security Administrator
Examination.
k) Information Technology Service Manager Examination (Level 4)
・ The Information Technology Service Manager Examination is based on the current Systems
Management Engineer Examination, but its scope is reorganized in accordance with JIS Q
20000 and ITIL for a greater emphasis on management aspects.
・ The level of the examination is almost equivalent to that of the current Systems Management
Engineer Examination.
l) Systems Auditor Examination (Level 4)
・ The scope of this examination is almost equivalent to that of the current Systems Auditor
Examination. To foster systems auditors capable of coping with increasingly sophisticated
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
and diverse information technologies, the new examination demands a broader and deeper
understanding of information technology. Embedded systems are covered by additional
multiple-choice questions.
・ The level of the examination is almost equivalent to that of the current Systems Auditor
Examination.
(2) Comparison of the Scope of the Current and New Examinations
Annex 2 compares the scope of the current and new examinations.
For an outline of the scope of the examinations, refer to “4.2 Outline of Scope of
Questions”. For details of scope, refer to “8 Scope of Questions”.
(3) Transition of the Information Technology Engineers Examination System
The Information Technology Engineers Examination was established in 1969 as a national
examination administered by the former Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Since then,
it has undergone three major revisions to accommodate the needs of the age and the advancement
and changes in information technology.
For reference, Annex 1 presents the transition of the examination system, from its inception in
1969 to the upcoming revision, including information on the revisions in 1994 and 2001.
2.4 Considerations for Questions in the New Examinations
(1) Corresponding to a Wide Range of Human Resource Models
The IT Passport Examination, Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination,
and Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination are consistent with the five human
resource groups described in the Common Career/Skill Framework, and include a variety of
questions from the fields of technology, management, and strategy.
a) IT Passport Examination
The examination is structured on the basis that it is designed to test basic knowledge that all
business workers should possess.
In the strategy field, the examinee is tested on his/her knowledge of fundamental terminology
and concepts, etc. required for analysis related to computerization and corporate activities, the
content of the high school information technology course, and fundamental terminology and
concepts, etc. used in commonly read newspapers, books, and magazines, etc. There also are
questions concerning methods for grasping and analyzing familiar tasks, and resolving issues, as
well as basic knowledge for utilizing office tools for data analysis and problem solving.
In the management field, the examinee is tested on his/her knowledge of fundamental
terminology and concepts, etc. related to system development and project management processes,
but not on specific terminology and concepts, etc. that require a high degree of expertise. There
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
also are questions that test basic knowledge required to consider improving the task environment
using computers, networks, office tools, etc.
In the technology field, the examinee is tested on his/her knowledge of fundamental
terminology and concepts, etc, as well as on logical thinking, but not on fields that would require
a high degree of technological expertise. Furthermore, there are questions of fundamental
knowledge on the safe use of familiar systems.
b) Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination
Since the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination targets both solution
providers and basic strategists, the questions evenly cover a broad field of technology,
management, and strategy. The proportion of software development (programming) questions is
reduced in comparison to the current Fundamental Information Technology Engineer
Examination, with the number of questions 1 instead of 2. Furthermore, while the current
examination targets solution providers and allows the examinee to select from four programming
languages (C, COBOL, Java5, and assembly), the new examination expands the target to include
basic strategists and user-side human resources that may not require programming skills, and is
revised to add questions to test logical thinking skills using spreadsheets as a subject enabling to
select questions other than programming languages.
c) Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination
While the current Software Design & Development Engineer Examination specifically targets
software developers, the Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination targets all five
human resource models, and hence covers a much wider range of questions. However, as the
examination is designed for those who have decided on the path they are taking as an advanced
IT human resource, the examination evenly covers the fields of technology, management, and
strategy, allowing both strategists and solution providers to select the questions that best fit their
tasks in charge and area of expertise.
(2) Questions Regarding Knowledge of User Tasks and a Wide Range of Industries
In order to develop superior software products (module products) that incorporate know-how
of user tasks, or to improve task processes by utilizing such products, human resources with a
thorough understanding of user tasks are expected. Considering the above, the Information
Technology Strategist Examination, Systems Architect Examination, and Systems Auditor
Examination in particular include questions that demand specific solutions to issues experienced
by user companies and organizations such as the financial, manufacturing, distribution, and
public services industries.
Furthermore, in response to the increasing importance of utilizing information technology
5 Java is a trademark or registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the U.S.A and other countries.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
solutions in various task areas, there are more questions concerning industries that have
previously received little coverage, such as medicine and transportation.
(3) Questions from Users' Standpoint
In response to the unification of vendor-side and user-side human resources, there are an
increased number of questions presented from the users’ standpoint, for example on RFP (request
for proposal) writing, estimation methods, contract-related knowledge, and outsourcing
management.
(4) Questions Related to Embedded Systems
In response to the increasing importance of knowledge and skills related to embedded systems,
questions on embedded systems are widely incorporated, not only into the Embedded Systems
Specialist Examination, but into all examination categories.
(5) Questions Related to System Audits
In a world where information technology is penetrating into every aspect of our economic
activities and increasingly becoming a social infrastructure, a systems auditor must understand
information technology precisely in order to contribute to the improvement of IT governance and
assurance of compliance. The Systems Auditor Examination aims to foster systems auditors
capable of coping with increasingly sophisticated and diverse information technologies, and
hence questions demand a broader and deeper understanding of information technology than the
current Systems Auditor Examination.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
3 Details of the New Information Technology Engineers Examination
3.1 The Human Resource Models (Tasks and Roles, Expected Technology Level,
Corresponding Level) Corresponding to Each Examination Category
The tasks and roles, expected technology level, and corresponding levels for each examination
category are shown below.
(1) IT Passport Examination
Tasks and
Roles
Individuals who have acquired common basic knowledge of information technology that a
business worker should possess, and utilize information technology in their tasks as well as
perform the following activities:
a) Understand information devices and systems to use, and utilize them.
b) Understand the tasks in charge, identify problems of those tasks, and act to provide
required solutions.
c) Perform acquisition and utilization of information safely.
d) Support task analysis and systemization activities under the guidance of superiors.
Expected
Technology
Level
The following basic knowledge is required as a business worker in order to determine
information devices and systems, and to perform his/her tasks in charge as well as facilitate
systemization.
a) Knowledge of computer systems and networks to determine the information devices
and systems to use, and knowledge of how to utilize office tools.
b) Knowledge of corporate activity and related tasks in order to understand the tasks in
charge. Also, in order to identify issues of the tasks in charge and provide required
solutions, systematic thinking and logical thinking as well as knowledge of problem
analysis and problem solving methodologies are required.
c) Ability to act in accordance with relevant laws and regulations as well as various
information security provisions in order to utilize information safely.
d) Knowledge of development and operations of information systems in order to support
analysis and systemization of tasks.
Corresponding
Level
Corresponds with Level 1 of the Common Career/Skill Framework for the 5 Human
Resource Models (Strategist, Systems Architect, Service Manager, Project Manager, and
Technical Specialist)
(2) Fundamental Information Technology Engineers Examination
Tasks and
Roles
Individuals engaged in the planning of basic strategy or in the implementation of IT
solutions, products or services, and who perform either of the following activities under the
guidance of superiors.
1. Participate in strategic planning that utilizes information technology in response to
issues that a consumer (company management, social system) faces.
2. Build a highly reliable and productive system through design and development of
systems, or through optimally combining (integrating) generic products. Also,
contribute to the realization of stable operational services of systems.
Expected
Technology
Level
1. With regard to strategic planning utilizing information technology, the following
knowledge and skills are required, depending on the tasks in charge.
a) Understanding of the basics of target business fields and tasks and capability to utilize
this understanding in his/her tasks in charge.
b) Capability to perform projection, analysis and evaluation of information strategies
under the guidance of superiors.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
c) Capability to participate in making proposals under the guidance of superiors.
2. With regard to design, development and operation of systems, the following knowledge
and skills are required depending on the tasks in charge.
a) Understanding of the basics of information technology in general and capability to
utilize this understanding in his/her tasks in charge.
b) Capability to design, develop and operate systems under the guidance of superiors.
c) Capability to design software under the guidance of superiors.
d) Understanding of policies of superiors and ability to develop software on his/her own.
Corresponding
Level
Corresponds with Level 2 of the Common Career/Skill Framework for the 5 Human
Resource Models (Strategist, Systems Architect, Service Manager, Project Manager, and
Technical Specialist)
* Examination questions correspond to either: 1. Basic strategist or 2. Solution provider as outlined in
“Tasks and Roles” and “Expected Technology Level”. As such, in the Afternoon Examinations, there are
multiple-choice questions for each technological area. For more information, refer to Annex 3
“Breakdown of the Number of Questions per Field in the Afternoon Examination”.
(3) Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination
Tasks and
Roles
Individuals engaged in the planning of basic strategy or the implementation of IT
solutions, products or services, and who perform either of the following activities
independently.
1. Devise strategy that utilizes information technology in response to issues that a
consumer (company management, social system) faces.
2. Construct a highly reliable, productive system through the design and development of
systems, or through optimally combining (integrating) generic products. Also realize
stable operational services of systems.
Expected
Technology
Level
1. With regard to strategic planning that utilizes information technology, the following
knowledge and skills are required, depending on the tasks in charge.
a) Capability to understand the managements’ policies, accurately grasp the external
environment surrounding the management, and collect trend information and case
studies when formulating business and IT strategies.
b) Capability to conduct gap analysis, etc. based on predetermined monitoring indicators
when evaluating management and IT strategies.
c) Capability to participate in discussing proposals and making parts of proposal
documents.
2. With regard to system design, development and operation, the following knowledge and
skills are required depending on the tasks in charge.
a) Capability to organize system requirements and conduct surveys of applicable
technologies when designing architectures.
b) Capability to ensure stable operation and provision of services in the field concerned
as a member of teams such as administration, operation, and service desk teams.
c) Capability to manage scope, budget, process, quality, etc. as a project member under a
project manager (leader).
d) Capability to understand the policies of superiors and solve technical problems
spontaneously with regard to the design, development, operation, and maintenance of
information systems, networks, databases, embedded systems, etc. Corresponding Corresponds with Level 3 of the Common Career/Skill Framework for the 5 Human
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Level Resource Models (Strategist, Systems Architect, Service Manager, Project Manager, and
Technical Specialist)
* Examination questions correspond to either: 1. Basic strategist or 2. Solution provider as outlined in
“Tasks and Roles” and “Expected Technology Level”. As such, in the Afternoon Examinations, there is a
choice of questions for each technological area. For more information, refer to Annex 3 “Breakdown of
Number of Questions per Field in the Afternoon Examination”.
(4) Information Technology Strategist Examination
Tasks and
Roles
Individuals engaged in the planning, promotion, or support of business innovation,
operational process innovation, development of innovative products and services utilizing
information technology, and who take a leading role in the following while guiding
subordinates.
a) In accordance with the characteristics of businesses in different industry fields,
formulate business strategies utilizing information technology in order to realize
management strategies, and evaluate implementation results.
b) In accordance with the characteristics of the businesses in different industry fields,
formulate information system strategies and overall systemization plans for realizing
business strategies, and evaluate implementation results.
c) Formulate concepts and plans for individual systemization to realize information
system strategies, and evaluate implementation results.
d) Considering the prerequisites and constraints of each business, manage the execution
of reform programs comprising multiple individual projects in order to realize
information system strategies.
e) As well as formulating development strategies for embedded systems, supervise the
lifecycle covering development, construction, maintenance, etc.
Expected
Technology
Level
The following knowledge and practical ability are required to execute the formulation,
proposal, and promotion of basic strategies utilizing information technology in sections
such as business planning, the promotion of operational process innovation,
computerization planning, and product and service planning.
a) Capability to advise on the analysis of the business environment, the analysis of
information technology trends, and the formulation of business models as well as
capability to formulate or support business strategies. Also, capability to evaluate the
achievement level of the business strategies and provide feedback to management.
b) Capability to conduct surveys and analysis of the target business and task
environment, and formulate information system strategies and overall systemization
plans. Also, capability to evaluate information system strategies and overall
systemization plans.
c) Capability to conduct survey and analysis of the target business and task environment,
formulate concepts and plans for systemization of individual systems based on overall
systemization plans, and procure appropriate individual systems. Also, capability to
evaluate the implementation results of the systemization concepts and plans.
d) Capability to understand the prerequisites for implementing information system
strategies and reform programs, and monitor and control the realization of information
system strategies. Also, capability to perform causal analysis, formulate and
implement countermeasures, etc. with regard to the risks in the realization of
information system strategies.
e) With regard to the development of new embedded systems, capability to plan
competitive systems based on analysis of related technology trends, social constraints
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
and needs, intellectual property, etc. Also, capability to formulate and promote
deployment strategies and development strategies in accordance with added values,
extensibility, flexibility, etc. Corresponding
Level Prerequisite for Level 4 of the Common Career/Skill Framework Human Resource Model
of a Strategist
(5) Systems Architect Examination
Tasks and
Roles
[Information Systems]
Individuals engaged in the structure design of information systems for the realization of
information system strategies, the requirements definition needed for development, the
design of system methods and the development of information systems, and who take a
leading role in the following while guiding subordinates.
a) Design the structure of the target information system from the perspective of overall
optimization in order to realize information system strategies.
b) Analyze, organize and document the requirements needed for the development of
target information systems, in order to realize overall systemization plans and the
individual systemization concepts and plans.
c) Design optimal system methods for realizing the requirements of target information
systems.
d) Based on the requirements and the designed system methods, conduct review of the
design, development, testing, operation, and maintenance of software that satisfy the
required quality, and develop the target information systems.
However, for specific technologies such as databases, networks, etc, accept support
from specialists when necessary.
e) Evaluate target information systems and the effectiveness thereof.
[Embedded Systems]
Individuals engaged in the survey and analysis of embedded system requirements,
deciding functional specifications, and documenting the required specifications for
hardware and software, and who take a leading role in the following while guiding
subordinates.
a) Based on the conceptions and development plans for embedded systems, survey and
analyze the functional requirements, technical requirements, environmental
prerequisites, and quality requirements and determine the functional specifications of
target embedded systems.
b) Consider the assignment of functions to hardware and software to realize functional
specifications, design optimal system architecture, and compile the required
specifications for hardware and software.
c) Formulate policies regarding the validity of introducing generic modules and the
possibilities of reusing software assets that have already been developed.
Expected
Technology
Level
The following knowledge and practical skills are required to smoothly execute the tasks
and roles of Systems Architect.
[Information Systems]
a) Capability to correctly understand information system strategies and consider the
overall organization of task models and information systems.
b) Capability to utilize both specialist knowledge of all types of task processes and
knowledge of systems, and to propose appropriate systems.
c) Capability to make abstractions (models) of a company’s business activities and
reconstruct them into a form in which information technology can be applied.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
d) Knowledge about best practices for each industry, the status of task processes in
major companies, and the task processes in many user companies of the same
industry, specialist knowledge of each different industry, knowledge of industry
specific practices, etc.
e) Knowledge related to generic systems such as information system implementation
methods, development methods, and software packages, and capability to select and
apply them appropriately.
f) Knowledge about basic elemental technologies with regard to operating systems,
databases, networks, etc. and capability to construct and maintain appropriate
information systems, considering the technological risks and effects of those
technologies.
g) Capability to establish appropriate evaluation criteria for the system operation, task
operation, investment effects and task effects of information systems, and analyze and
evaluate the systems.
h) Capability to consider generalization of software and system services, bearing in mind
the possibility of deployment to many companies.
[Embedded Systems]
a) Capability to examine environmental conditions and quality requirements such as
safety of where the target embedded systems are used, and determine the functional
specifications that should be realized.
b) Capability to design appropriate combinations of hardware and software based on the
functional specifications of target embedded systems and compile the designs as
separate requirement specifications.
c) Thorough knowledge about real time operating systems and knowledge of generic
modules, and capability to consider the possibility of reusing software assets and
utilizing them appropriately. Corresponding
Level Prerequisite for Level 4 of the Common Career/Skill Framework Human Resource Models
of Systems Architects and Technical Specialists
(6) Project Manager Examination
Tasks and
Roles
Individuals engaged in the planning, execution and management of system development
projects as the person in charge of the project, and who take a leading role in the following
while guiding subordinates.
a) Support the formulation of individual systemization concepts and plans as required,
and prepare project plans for the execution of the relevant projects based on the
individual systemization concepts and plans that were formulated.
b) Secure necessary personnel and resources, and establish project organizations.
c) Manage budget, process, quality, etc. and run the project smoothly. Keep track of the
state of progress, pick up and recognize problems and anticipated future issues at an
early stage, and implement appropriate measures and actions to achieve project goals.
d) Report appropriately to senior members and stakeholders on the project execution
plans, state of progress, issues, countermeasures, etc, and obtain support and
cooperation to run the project smoothly.
e) Analyze and evaluate the project plans and achievements at the end of each stage and
at the end of projects, or as needed and reflect these in subsequent operations of the
projects as well as provide them as reference models for other projects. Expected
Technology
The following knowledge and practical skills are required to smoothly execute the tasks
and roles of Project Manager.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Level a) Understanding of the basics regarding organization management and IT systems.
b) Capability to correctly understand the expectations towards the individual
systemization concepts and plans as well as the projects, and prepare feasible project
plans.
c) Capability to reliably accomplish project goals under the prerequisites and constraints.
understanding of the project, and run the project.
e) Capability to understand the state of progress of the project and anticipated risks at an
early stage, and deal with them appropriately.
f) Capability to appropriately analyze and evaluate project plans and achievements. Also,
capability to utilize the results in the subsequent operation of the projects as well as
provide them as reference for other projects. Corresponding
Level Prerequisite for Level 4 of the Common Career/Skill Framework Human Resource Model
of a Project Manager
(7) Network Specialist Examination
Tasks and
Roles
Individuals engaged in planning, requirements definition, development, operation, and
maintenance work for network systems, and who take a leading role in the following while
guiding subordinates.
a) As network administrator, manage network resources which comprise the foundation
of information systems.
b) Analyze requirements of the network systems and perform the planning, requirements
definition, development, operation, and maintenance considering efficiency,
reliability, and safety.
c) Provide network related technical support for the planning, requirements definition,
development, operation, and maintenance of information systems.
Expected
Technology
Level
The following knowledge and practical skills are required in order to construct and
maintain network systems that conform to objectives.
a) Capability to foresee the trend of network technologies and services, and select
applicable technologies and services according to objectives.
b) Capability to understand precisely the requirements of the company, organization or
individual applications, and create requirement specifications of network systems.
c) Capability to evaluate design techniques such as modeling, protocol technology,
reliability design, security technology, network services, and costs etc. that relate to
the requirements specifications, and create optimal logical designs and physical
designs.
d) Capability to utilize network related companies (telecommunications companies,
vendors, construction firms, etc.), and construct and operate network systems. Corresponding
Level Prerequisite for Level 4 of the Common Career/Skill Framework Human Resource Model
of a Technical Specialist
(8) Database Specialist Examination
Tasks and
Roles
Individuals engaged in the planning, requirements definition, development, operation, and
maintenance work for data resources and databases, and who take a leading role in the
following while guiding subordinates.
a) As data administrator, manage data resources for the entire information system.
b) Analyze requirements of the database systems and perform planning, requirements
definition, development, operation, and maintenance considering efficiency,
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
reliability, and safety.
c) Provide database related technical support for the planning, requirements definition,
development, operation, and maintenance of individual system development.
Expected
Technology
Level
The following knowledge and practical skills are required for the planning, requirements
definition, development, operation, and maintenance of high quality databases.
a) Capability to foresee the trend of database technologies, and select applicable
technologies according to objectives.
b) Capability to understand the purposes and techniques of data resource management,
and perform standardization of data parts as well as conduct the planning,
requirements definition, development, operation, and maintenance of repository
systems.
c) Capability to understand data modeling techniques, conduct data analysis based on
user requirements, and create accurate conceptual data models.
d) Capability to understand the characteristics of database management systems, and
conduct planning, requirements definition, development, operation, and maintenance
of high quality databases. Corresponding
Level Prerequisite for Level 4 of the Common Career/Skill Framework Human Resource Model
of a Technical Specialist
(9) Embedded Systems Specialist Examination
Tasks and
Roles
Individuals engaged in the development, implementation, and testing in the development
process of embedded systems based on hardware and software requirement specifications
of the embedded systems, and who take a leading role in the following while guiding
subordinates.
a) Balance the division of functions based on trade-offs between hardware and software
that realize optimal functional specifications and realtime processing in embedded
systems, and create design and specification documents.
b) Lead the execution of tasks of each stage in the embedded systems development
process.
c) Based on advanced specialist knowledge and development experiences in specific
technology and product fields, obtain technical knowledge from experts in the
relevant development fields, and incorporate the knowledge into each stage of the
development processes.
d) Prepare and improve the development environment for performing development.
Expected
Technology
Level
The following knowledge and practical skills are required to appropriately decompose the
required functions, performance, quality, reliability, security, etc. into hardware and
software requirements and realize an optimal embedded system.
a) Capability to realize appropriate combinations of hardware and software based on
functional specifications and lead the execution of each stage of embedded system
development processes.
c) Capability to obtain technical knowledge from experts in the relevant development
fields and incorporate the knowledge into each stage of the embedded system
development processes, based on advanced specialist knowledge and development
experiences in specific technology and product fields.
c) Capability to construct and improve effective development environments for
performing embedded system development. Corresponding
Level Prerequisite for Level 4 of the Common Career/Skill Framework Human Resource Model
of a Technical Specialist
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(10) Information Security Specialist Examination
Tasks and
Roles
Individuals engaged in promotion or support tasks for the planning, requirements
definition, development, operation, and maintenance of security functions, or the
preparation of secure information system foundations, and who take a leading role in the
following while guiding subordinates.
a) Analyze and evaluate threats and vulnerabilities to information systems and promote
or support the planning, requirements definition, and development of security
functions that appropriately avoid or prevent these.
b) Analyze the threats to information systems during development projects of
information systems or security functions, and support project management
appropriately.
c) Support security administration from a technical side in dealing with security
violations, application of security patches, and other information system operation
processes.
d) Support information security management sections such as in the creation of
information security policies and the education of users.
Expected
Technology
Level
As an information security technology specialist, the following knowledge and practical
skills are required to apply information security technology in cooperation with other
specialists as well as for the planning, requirements definition, development, operation,
and maintenance of secure information systems.
a) Capability to conduct risk analysis of information systems or information system
infrastructures, and extract concrete information security requirements compliant with
information security policies.
b) For information security measures, basic skills and application skills for multiple
specific areas with regard to technological measures, and capability to apply these
skills to target systems as well as evaluating their effects.
c) For information security measures, basic knowledge and techniques for applicable
cases with regard to physical and administrative measures, and capability to
understand the basic approaches to information security management, detailed
knowledge of cases where the approaches are applicable, and capability to evaluate
them.
d) For information technology knowledge, basic knowledge of networks, databases, and
system development environments, and capability to select necessary elemental
technology including encryption, authentication, filtering, and logging in order to
ensure confidentiality, accountability, etc. of information systems.
e) Basic knowledge as well as knowledge and experience of specific application
examples of process management and quality control for information system
development.
f) Basic knowledge regarding information security policies, and capability to support
information security management sections in policy formulation and user education,
etc.
g) Basic knowledge of information security related legal requirements, etc. and
capability to apply them. Corresponding
Level Prerequisite for Level 4 of the Common Career/Skill Framework Human Resource Model
of a Technical Specialist
(11) Information Technology Service Manager Examination
Tasks and
Roles
Individuals engaged in the management of IT services with the objective of continually
improving their quality and cost efficiency, and who take a leading role in the following
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
while guiding subordinates.
a) Prepare and execute the processes of service support and service delivery as a leader
of teams such as operation management, operation, and service desk teams, and
provides IT services to customers at optimal quality and cost.
b) Conduct acceptance, operation, etc. of systems within the lifecycle management of
applications. Also provide stable information system infrastructures including
development environments, and conduct efficient operation management of systems.
c) Conduct continual improvement of IT services and management processes. Report the
state of implementation of IT services to customers, as well as make efforts to
improve customer satisfaction.
d) Conduct the operation and management of information security policies and the
controlling of information security incidents, and effectively manage information
security during IT service activities.
e) Conduct installation of hardware that matches customer facility requirements,
installation of software, customization, maintenance, and repair. Also, conduct facility
management of data centers.
Expected
Technology
Level
The following knowledge and practical skills are required to smoothly execute the tasks
and role of IT Service Manager.
a) Capability to provide IT services by understanding and implementing the objectives
and contents of each of the process in service support and service delivery.
b) Capability to implement system operation control, operation methods in case of an
incident, performance management, and configuration management. Management
techniques required for system operation management such as incident management,
configuration management, account management, and performance management, and
capability to maintain the quality of information system infrastructures.
c) Capability to prepare a plan, implement and evaluate improvement measures for IT
services as well as provide high quality service reports to customers.
d) Knowledge and techniques required to implement highly effective information
security measures, and capability to operate and manage information security.
e) Capability to install, set up, maintain, and extend functions, and recover from
incidents with the aim of stable operation of hardware and software that has been or is
to be installed. Also, knowledge relating to the safety management of data centers and
capability to execute facility management. Corresponding
Level Prerequisite for Level 4 of the Common Career/Skill Framework Human Resource Model
for a Service Manager
(12) Systems Auditor Examination
Tasks and
Roles
Individuals engaged in the audit of information systems and embedded systems from a
position independent of auditees, and who take a leading role in the following while
guiding subordinates.
a) Analyze the risks involved in information systems and embedded systems based on
broad and thorough knowledge of information systems, embedded systems and their
planning, development, operation and maintenance, and understand the necessary
controls.
b) By verifying or evaluating the controls relating to information systems and embedded
systems, either provide endorsements or advice, and contribute to the improvement of
IT governance and securement of compliance.
c) Prepare audit plans to implement b) and perform audits. Also, report audit results to
top management and the relevant people, and perform follow-ups.
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Expected
Technology
Level
The following knowledge and practical skills are required to promote enhancements so that
information systems and embedded systems are utilized appropriately and safely, and to
contribute to the improvement of IT governance and securing of compliance.
a) Broad and thorough knowledge of information systems, embedded systems and their
planning, development, operation and maintenance as well as specialist knowledge
related to the risks and controls of realizing those objectives and functions.
b) Capability to evaluate the task processes to which the information systems and
embedded systems are applied and the risk to the company strategies, as well as
capability to clarify issues of the controls in place and establish decision criteria to
analyze and evaluate the issues.
c) Capability to prepare audit plans in accordance with business requirements,
management policies, regulations, guidelines, contracts, and internal rules for
information security, and protection of privacy and internal controls, etc. in order to
contribute to the improvement of IT governance and securing of compliance, etc, as
well as appropriately managing audit tasks based on plans.
d) Capability to apply auditing techniques in a timely and precise manner in order to
implement effective and efficient auditing procedures at the planning, development,
and operation stages of information systems and embedded systems.
e) Capability to put together audit results as logical reports based on facts, provide
valuable and convincing recommendations, and perform follow-ups. Corresponding
Level Prerequisite for Level 4 of the Common Career/Skill Framework Human Resource Model
for a Service Manager
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4 Configuration and Grading of Examinations
4.1 Examination Time, Type, and Number of Questions and Answers
Table 5 shows the time, type, and number of questions and answers for each examination.
Table 5 Time, Type, and Number of Questions and Answers for Each Examination.
Examination Category (165 mins)
Exam Type No. of QsNo. of As
IT Passport Examination Multiple-Choice
(1 from 4) 100 100
Examination Category
Morning Afternoon 9:30~12:00 (150 mins)
13:00~15:30 (150 mins)
Exam Type No. of QsNo. of As
Exam Type No. of Qs No. of As
Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination
Multiple-Choice(1 from 4)
80 80
Multiple-Choice
13 (Note) 7
Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination
Multiple-Choice(1 from 4)
80 80
Short Answer12 (Note) 6
(Note) For details of questions in each field of the Afternoon Examination in the Fundamental Information
Technology Engineer Examination and Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination, see Annex 3.
Examination Category
Morning I Morning II Afternoon I Afternoon II (Note)
9:30~10:20 (50 mins)
10:50~11:30 (40 mins)
12:30~14:00 (90 mins)
14:30~16:30 (120 mins)
Exam Type No. of QsNo. of As
Exam Type No. of QsNo. of As
Exam Type
No. of Qs No. of As
Exam Type
No. of QsNo. of As
Advanced E
xaminations
Information Technology Strategist Examination
Multiple-Choice
(1 from 4)
30 30
Multiple-Choice(1 from 4)
25 25
Short Answer
4 2
Essay3 1
Systems Architect Examination
Multiple-Choice(1 from 4)
25 25
Short Answer
4 2
Essay3 1
Project Manager Examination
Multiple-Choice(1 from 4)
25 25
Short Answer
4 2
Essay3 1
Network Specialist Examination
Multiple-Choice(1 from 4)
25 25
Short Answer
3 2
Short Answer
2 1
Database Specialist Examination
Multiple-Choice(1 from 4)
25 25
Short Answer
3 2
Short Answer
2 1
Embedded Systems Specialist Examination
Multiple-Choice(1 from 4)
25 25
Short Answer
3 2
Short Answer
2 1
Information Security Specialist Examination
Multiple-Choice(1 from 4)
25 25
Short Answer
4 2
Short Answer
2 1
Information Technology Service Manager Exam
Multiple-Choice(1 from 4)
25 25
Short Answer
4 2
Essay3 1
Systems Auditor Examination
Multiple-Choice(1 from 4)
25 25
Short Answer
4 2
Essay3 1
(Note) In the Afternoon II Examination, the essay type indicates the essay (short essay) type of the current examination, and the short answer type indicates the essay (case analysis) type in the current examination.
Common Questions
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4.2 Outline of the Scope of Questions
a) The scope of the questions is compliant with the Common Career/Skill Framework. To pursue
consistency between the Information Technology Engineers Examination and each of ITSS,
ETSS, and UISS human resource skill standards, a detailed discussion has been held to refine
the Common Career/Skill Framework, and under the direction of the Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry, necessary changes have been made to the major and middle categories as
shown in the “HRD-WG Report” (Appendix 1). For details of these changes, refer to Table
14 “List of Question Fields by Examination Category” and Table 15 “Scope of Morning
Questions”.
b) The IT Passport Examination tests the minimum required basic knowledge for business
workers involved in information technology. The Fundamental Information Technology
Engineer Examination tests basic knowledge and skills required for the development of
individuals aiming to be an advanced IT human resource. The Applied Information Technology
Examination tests applied knowledge and skills required to become an advanced IT human
resource. The Advanced Examination tests advanced, specialist knowledge and skills
related to information technology and tasks required for advanced IT human resources (“Basic
Configuration of the New Information Technology Engineers Examination” in Appendix 1
“HRD-WG Report”).
c) The IT Passport Examination and the Morning Examination evaluate by testing knowledge
indicated in the Common Career/Skill Framework to find whether the examinee’s skill reaches
the expected technology level in the relevant examination category.
d) The Afternoon Examination evaluates by testing problem finding ability, abstraction ability and
problem solving ability, etc. gained from reflection on experiences and the combination of
knowledge indicated in the Common Career/Skill Framework to find whether the examinee’s
skills reach the expected technology level for the relevant examination category. The questions
in the Afternoon Examinations are basically written in a format which lists the situations where
skills are applied for each task and process.
e) For details regarding the scope of questions, refer to “8 Scope of Questions”.
4.3 Grading Method, Points Allocation and Pass Criteria
a) Raw points are be used as the grading method for all examination categories and for all time
slots6.
b) The pass criteria for each examination are as follows:
・ In the IT Passport Examination, if the total points (total from all fields) and the points in each
field (points for the 3 fields of Strategy, Management, and Technology) are all above the
6 In the IT Passport Examination, points will initially be given as raw points, but data will be collected and
analyzed as the examination is conducted and a statistical method will be introduced at a later stage when preparations are in place.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
required standard then a pass is awarded.
・ In the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination, Applied Information
Technology Engineer Examination, and Advanced Examination a pass is awarded if points in
each of the time slots (Morning, Afternoon, Morning I, Morning II, Afternoon I, and Afternoon
II Examinations in Table 6) are all over the required standard.
・ A certificate is granted to successful candidates from the Minister of Economy, Trade and
Industry. On the IT Passport Examination Certificate, points are indicated.
c) The points allocation (100%) and pass points are shown in Table 6.
Table 6 Points Allocation and Pass Points for Each Examination Category
Examination Category Time Slot Point Pass Points
IT Passport Examination - 1,000 total
points Total points (of all fields): 60% Points in each field: 30%
Examination Category Time Slot Point Allocation Pass Points
Fundamental Information Technology Engineer ExaminationApplied Information Technology Engineer Examination
Morning 100 total points 60%
Afternoon 100 total points 60%
Advanced E
xaminations
Information Technology Strategist Examination Systems Architect Examination Project Manager Examination Information Technology Service Manager ExaminationSystems Auditor Examination
Morning I 100 total points 60%
Morning II 100 total points 60% Afternoon 100 total points 60% Afternoon - Rank A (Note)
Network Specialist Examination Database Specialist Examination Embedded Systems Specialist Examination Information Security Specialist Examination
Morning I 100 total points 60%
Morning II 100 total points 60% Afternoon 100 total points 60% Afternoon 100 total points 60%
(Note) Evaluation Method for the Afternoon II Examination (essay type)
・ The content of the essay is evaluated from evaluation view points such as sufficiency of the
points required by the question, specificity of the essay, validity of content, consistency of logic,
assertions based on insights, perceptiveness/ability to take action, originality/far-sightedness,
and presentation and composition ability. Also, if the essay content does not adhere to the
“Instructions for Answering” in the questions booklet, evaluation may be lowered depending on
the extent of deviation, despite the content of the essay.
・ The relationship between the evaluation ranks and pass & fail are shown in Table 7.
Table 7 Evaluation Ranks and Pass/Fail Relationship of Afternoon II Examination (Essay Type)
Evaluation Rank Content Pass/Fail
A Satisfies passing level Pass
B Falls just short of passing level
Fail C Content is insufficient
D Deviates significantly from the requirements of the question
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d) The Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination and Advanced Examination
employ a “Multi-Stage Selection Method” as follows:
<Applied Information Technology Examination>
・ If points in the Morning Examination do not reach the pass level, the Afternoon
Examination is not graded and the candidate fails.
<Advanced Examinations Exam Categories>
・ If points in the Morning I Examination do not reach the pass level, the Morning II,
Afternoon I, and Afternoon II Examinations is not graded and the candidate fails.
・ If points in the Morning II Examination do not reach the pass level, the Afternoon I and
Afternoon II Examinations is not graded and the candidate fails.
・ If points in the Afternoon I Examination do not reach the pass level, the Afternoon II
Examination is not graded and the candidate fails.
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5 Examination Implementation
5.1 Implementation Schedule of the New Examination System
Giving sufficient consideration to the time for preparation and familiarization so that
companies and schools that use the examinations can adapt to the new examination system, all
examinations of the new system are supposed to be implemented from spring 2009.
Since the IT Passport Examination is the first attempt to introduce CBT methodology into a
national examination, careful preparation is needed to conduct CBT method examinations in a
steady and stable manner while ensuring the three examination principles: Fairness, Reliability,
and Validity. Therefore, the examination is initially done on paper. While accumulating sufficient
data in parallel, and upon constructing a safe and accurate framework, CBT methodology is
intended to be introduced fully in 2011.
Of the current categories, the Systems Administrator Examination is supposed to continue to
be conducted until the spring of 2009 (Table 8).
Table 8 New Examination System Implementation Schedule
Implementation Period Content Fall 2008 Examinations Fall examinations of the current examination system are supposed
to be conducted. Spring 2009 Examinations Spring examinations of the new examination system are supposed
to be conducted. The System Administrator Examination of the current examination categories is supposed to be conducted.
Examinations in Fall 2009 and Later
All examinations in the new examination system are supposed to be conducted.
5.2 Implementation Method and Period of Examinations
a) All examinations are supposed to be conducted on paper.
For the IT Passport Examination, CBT methodology is intended to be introduced in 2011.
b) The implementation period of the examinations is shown in Table 9.
・ The IT Passport Examination, Fundamental Information Technology Examination, Applied
Information Technology Examination, and Information Security Specialist Examination are
supposed to be conducted twice a year in spring and fall (3rd Sunday in April and October),
and the other examinations are to be conducted once a year in either spring or fall.
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Table 9 Implementation Period of Each Examination Category
Examination Category Period IT Passport Examination Spring Fall Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination Spring Fall Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination Spring Fall A
dvanced Exam
inations
Information Technology Strategist Examination Fall Systems Architect Examination Fall Product Manager Examination Spring Network Specialist Examination Fall Database Specialist Examination Spring Embedded Systems Specialist Examination Spring Information Security Specialist Examination Spring Fall Information Technology Service Manager Examination Fall Systems Auditor Examination Spring
・ The current Project Manager Examination is conducted in the fall but the new Project
Manager Examination is to be conducted in the spring. Also, the current Systems
Management Engineer Examination is conducted in spring but the Information Technology
Service Manager Examination is to be conducted in fall.
The reasons for this are as follows: 1) To increase the opportunity for successful candidates in
an Advanced Examination to attempt other Advanced Examinations. 2) To achieve smooth
implementation of examinations by equalizing the number of examinees in spring and fall as
much as possible.
5.3 Exemption System
(1) Introduction of Exemption System for a Part of the Morning Exam in the Advanced
Examination
The Morning Exam of the Advanced Examination employs the skill set methodology, and is
split into the Morning I Examination which tests knowledge required in common for the
Advanced Examination and the Morning II Examination which tests specialist knowledge of the
relevant examination category. If one of the conditions 1~3 below is satisfied, the candidate is to
be exempt from sitting the Morning I Examination for 2 years with the intention of improving
convenience for examinees and encouraging them to take the Advanced Examination (Figure 6).
Condition 1: Pass in the Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination.
Condition 2: Pass in one of the Advanced Examinations.
Condition 3: Has gained a grade surpassing the pass points in one of the Advanced Morning I
Examinations.
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Afternoon II
Afternoon I
Morning II (Specialist)
Morning I (Compulsory)
Advanced Exam A Advanced Exam B Advanced Exam C
...
Afternoon II
Afternoon I
Afternoon II
Afternoon I
Regular Candidates
・ Passed the Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination
・ Passed Advanced Examination・ Gained a grade over the pass points in the Advanced Morning I Examination
Morning II Specialist
Morning I (Compulsory)
Morning II (Specialist)
Morning I (Compulsory)
Exempted Candidates
Figure 6 Exemption System for Part of the Morning Advanced Examination
(2) Exemption System Interim Measures for Successful Candidates in the Current Examinations
Interim measures are to be taken as a limited, temporary step at the time of the transition of the
examination system for all those eligible for the exemption system implemented for successful
candidates of the current examination system (Table 10 and Figure 7).
Table 10 Exemption System for Successful Candidates of Current Examinations Candidates
(Eligibility and Exemption)
Eligibility Exemption
a) A pass in the Software Design & Development
Engineer Examination (SW) The Morning Examination of one of the
following examination categories:
Systems Analyst Examination
Product Manager Examination
Application Systems Engineer Examination
b)
A pass in one of the following examination categories:
・ System Analyst Examination (AN)
・ Product Manager Examination (PM)
・ Application Systems Engineer Examination (AE)
Of these, a pass in (a) the Software Design & Development Engineer Examination is treated as
a pass in the Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination, and a pass in (b) the
System Analyst Examination, Project Manager Examination, or Application Systems Engineer
Examination is treated as a pass in the Advanced Examination. After the start of the new
examination system in spring 2009, the exemption system is to be applied to all eligible
candidates.
These interim measures are intended for those who already have qualified for the exemption
system at the time of the start of the new examination system in spring 2009. The period of
validity of this exemption system is 2 years from the start of the year in which a pass is achieved.
Therefore those eligible for the interim measures are candidates who passed in the spring or fall
of 2008. Either is to be exempt from taking the Advanced Morning I Examination in spring and
fall 2009.
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Figure 7 Exemption System Interim Measures for Successful Candidates in the Current Examinations
(3) Exemption System Interim Measures for Individuals that have Completed Authorized
Courses in the Current Examination System
Interim measures are to be taken for the exemption system (nationwide)7for those who have
completed an authorized course based on the Information Technology Engineer Examination
rules as a limited, temporary step at the time of transition of the examination system.
If certification of completion is to be granted after April 1, 2008 for the Fundamental
Information Technology Engineer Exam (FE) authorized courses that have already been
authorized, course plans and other matters regarding the difference in the course items in the
current and new examinations are to be submitted.
An examination equivalent to the Systems Administrator Examination (AD) is supposed to no
longer exist in the new examination system and therefore the exemption system for Systems
Administrator Examination authorized courses that have already been authorized is supposed to
cease as of spring 2009 (Figure 8).
7 From regulations Clause 2, Articles 5 and 6 in the Japan Information Technology Engineers Examination Rules
(Ministry Ordinance No. 59 issued in 1970 by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry).
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2007Dec Jan April June July Oct Dec Jan April Jun July Oct
CurrentExam
CurrentExam
NewExam
NewExam
Exempt Exempt
Exempt Exempt
Exempt Exempt
Exempt Exempt
ExemptEnd
20092008
Completion
Completion
AD
FE
Completion
Completion
Completion
Figure 8 Exemption System Interim Measures for Individuals that have Completed
Authorized Courses in the Current Examination System
Note that the exemption system8 interim measures for those who have completed authorized
courses based on the Structural Reform Special District System are to be discussed separately.
(4) Authorized Course Exemption System in the New Examination System
The authorization of certification courses for the Fundamental Information Technology
Engineers Examination under the new examination system is supposed to begin April 1, 2008
(Figure 9).
2007Dec Jan April Jun July Oct Dec Jan April June July Oct
CurrentExam
CurrentExam
NewExam
NewExam
Exempt Exempt
New FE Exam Authorization
2008 2009
NewFE Completion
Figure 9 Authorized Course Exemption System in the New Examination System
5.4 Accommodating Physically Disabled Persons
As in the current examinations, accessibility has been fully considered and special measures
are implemented such as enlarged copies of the exam questions, braille, bringing in a word
processor, accompaniment by a carer, and extension of exam time.
8 In accordance with the stipulations set forth in Clause 24, Article 1 and Clause 25, Article 1 of the “Ordinance
specifying measures regarding exceptions to the ordinance stipulated in Clause 2, Article 3 of the Structural Reform Special District Law, and the applicable specific businesses” (Ministry Ordinance No. 39 issued in 2003 by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry).
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6 Information Disclosure
(1) IT Passport Examination (discussions ongoing)
Disclosure of information relating to the IT Passport Examination is to be as shown in Table 11.
Table 11 IT Passport Examination (Paper-Based) Information Disclosure
Matter Content Matters Disclosed in Advance (Always)
Grading Method
・ Grading according to raw points (Points are initially given as raw points, but data are collected and analyzed as the examination is conducted and a statistical method is to be introduced at a later stage when preparations are in place)
Pass Points ・ Total points: 60% of full points. Points in each field: 30% of full points in each field. Matters Disclosed on Examination Day
Exam Questions
・ Question booklet can be taken home (also published on the Examination Center website)
Example Answers
・ Correct answers
Matters Disclosed After Examination Implementation Individuals’ Grades
・ Pass/fails, total points ・ Points in each field (Strategist, Management, and Technology)
Statistics ・ Population distribution of points, document of examination results statistics (aggregated results per industry, etc.)
(2) Fundamental Information Technology Engineers Examination, Applied Information
Technology Engineers Examination, and Advanced Examination
Disclosure of information relating to the Fundamental Information Technology Engineers
Examination, Applied Information Technology Engineers Examination, and Advanced
Examination is to be as shown in Table 12.
Table 12 Fundamental Information Technology Engineers Examination, Applied Information
Technology Engineers Examination, and Advanced Examination Information Disclosure
Matter Content Matters Disclosed in Advance (Always)
Grading Method
・ Grading according to raw points for all examination categories and all time slots ・ Multi-step selection implementation (Applied Information Technology Engineers Examination,
Advanced Examination) Pass Points ・ Fundamental Information Technology Engineers Examination and Applied Information
Technology Engineers Examination: 60% of full points for both the Morning and Afternoon Examinations
・ Advanced Examination: Morning I, Morning II, Afternoon I, and Afternoon II (short answer) 60% of full points, Afternoon II (essay): Rank A
Matters Disclosed on Examination Day Exam
Questions ・ Question booklet can be taken home (also published on the Examination Center
website) Point
Distribution ・ Distribution of points for each question in Morning I, Morning II, Afternoon,
Afternoon I, and Afternoon II (short answer) Examinations Example Answers
・ Correct answers and intention of the questions for the multi-step selection questions
Matters Disclosed After Examination Implementation Example ・ Example or essential points of the answers to the short answer questions, intention of
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Matter Content Answers the questions of short answer and essay questions
Matters Disclosed When Results Announced Individuals’ Grades
・ Pass/fails ・ Morning (I and II), Afternoon (I and II [short answer]) points
(Reference: in the current examinations, scores based on a statistical method (Morning) and scores based on points (Afternoon), are disclosed (range of points: 200~800)
・ Points in each field (Strategist, Management, and Technology) in the Morning Examinations (Fundamental Information Technology Engineers Examination and Applied Information Technology Engineers Examination)
・ Afternoon II Examination (essay type) evaluation ranking Statistics ・ Population distribution of points in each time slot, and population distribution per
evaluation rank for the essay type ・ Document of examination results statistics (aggregated results per industry, per task
type, etc.) Matters Disclosed After Results Announced
Review of Grading
・ Discussions, etc. of the examiners based on the trends and state of examinees’ answers summarized in a simple document. For the Afternoon Examinations
Information disclosure schedule is to be roughly as shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10 Guide to Information Disclosure Schedule
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7 Matters for Consideration
7.1 In Consideration of Future Improvements and Enhancements of the Examination System
Aiming for goals such as further improvement in convenience for examinees and increased
incentive for successful candidates, the following matters are to be considered:
・ Outsourcing CBT method examination implementation to the private sector
・ Partial exemption of examinations such as for those who complete training programs that
satisfy certain requirements
・ Registration system for successful candidates of the Advanced Examinations
・ Issuance of a Pass Card (tentative name)
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8 Scope of Questions
The scope of the examination questions is as follows.
8.1 IT Passport Examination
The IT Passport Examination is a newly established examination. It is described in the “Concept
of Examination Questions” column in detail compared to the other examination categories (see
Table 13).
The IT Passport Examination consists of 100 questions and the examination duration is 165
minutes (see Table 5). Since the IT Passport Examination lays weight on common basic knowledge
that is required in order to utilize information technology, around 60% of the questions are derived
from the strategy field and management field.
Table 13 Scope of Questions in the IT Passport Examination Common Career/Skill Framework
Scope of questions to be asked (Concept of exam questions) Field Major Category Middle Category
Stra
tegy
1 Corporate and legal affairs
1 Corporate activities
- Ask about the fundamental concepts about corporate activities and business management.
- Ask about the techniques for analyzing familiar business tasks and resolving issues, the concept of PDCA, and operational planning using techniques such as Pareto charts.
- Ask about the visual expressions used for understanding business tasks, such as workflow.
- Ask about the fundamental concepts of accounting and financial affairs, such as financial statements and break-even points.
2 Legal affairs - Ask about the familiar laws of workplaces, such as intellectual property rights (copyright, industrial property rights, etc.), Act on the Protection of Personal Information, Labor Standards Act, and Act for Securing the Proper Operation of Worker Dispatching Undertakings and Improved Working Conditions for Dispatched Workers.
- Ask about the concepts and characteristics of software license, such as license types and license management.
- Ask about the concepts of corporate rules and regulations, such as compliance and corporate governance.
- Ask about the significance of standardization. 2 Business
strategy 3 Business
strategy management
- Ask about the fundamental concepts about typical management information analysis techniques and business management systems, such as SWOT analysis, PPM (Product Portfolio Management), customer satisfaction, CRM, and SCM.
- Ask about the fundamental concepts relevant to marketing. - Ask about the typical information analysis techniques for planning business strategies.
- Ask about the understanding of the use of office tools (software packages) such as spreadsheet software, database software, etc.
4 Technological strategy management
- Ask about the understanding of the significance and purpose of technology development strategy.
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Common Career/Skill Framework Scope of questions to be asked (Concept of exam questions)
Field Major Category Middle Category
5 Business industry
- Ask about the characteristics of typical systems in various business fields such as e-commerce, POS systems, IC cards, and RFID application systems.
- Ask about the characteristics of typical systems in the engineering filed and e-business.
- Ask about the characteristics and trends of intelligent home appliances and embedded systems.
3 System strategy
6 System strategy
- Ask about the significance and purpose of information system strategies and the concepts of strategic goals, business improvement, and problem solving.
- Ask about the concepts of typical modeling in business models. - Ask about the effective use of groupware for communication and of office tools.
- Ask about the purpose and concepts of increasing operational efficiency by using computers and networks.
- Ask about the concepts of solutions through typical services. - Ask about the significance and purpose of the promotion and evaluation activities of system utilization.
7 System planning
- Ask about the purpose of computerization planning. - Ask about the purpose of the operational requirements definition based on the analysis of current state.
- Ask about the fundamental flow of procurement, such as estimates, RFPs, and proposals.
4 Development technology
8 System development technology
- Ask about the fundamental flow of the process of software development such as requirements definition, system design, programming , testing, and software maintenance.
- Ask about the concepts of the estimate in software development. 9 Software
development management techniques
- Ask about the significance and purpose of typical development methods.
5 Project management
10 Project management
- Ask about the significance, purpose, concepts, processes, and methods of project management.
6 Service management
11 Service management
- Ask about the significance, purpose, and concepts of IT service management.
- Ask about the understanding of related matters such as help desks. - Ask about the concepts about system environment maintenance, such as computers and networks.
12 System audit - Ask about the significance, purpose, concepts, and target of system audit.
- Ask about the flow of system audit, such as planning, investigating, and reporting.
- Ask about the significance, purpose, and concepts of internal control and IT governance.
Tec
hnol
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7 Basic theory 13 Basic theory - Ask about the fundamental concepts about radix including the characteristics and operations of binary numbers.
- Ask about the fundamental concepts about sets, such as Venn diagrams, probability, and statistics.
- Ask about the fundamental concepts of how to express information content, such as bits and bytes, and of digitization.
14 Algorithm and programming
- Ask about the fundamental concepts of algorithms and data structures, and how to draw flow charts.
- Ask about the roles of programming. - Ask about the types and fundamental usage of markup languages, such as HTML and XML.
Man
agem
ent
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Common Career/Skill Framework Scope of questions to be asked (Concept of exam questions)
Field Major Category Middle Category 8 Computer
system 15 Computer
component - Ask about the fundamental configuration and roles of computers. - Ask about the performance and fundamental mechanism of processors, and the types and characteristics of memory.
- Ask about the types and characteristics of storage media. - Ask about the types and characteristics of input/output interfaces, device drivers, etc.
16 System component
- Ask about the characteristics of system configurations, of the types of processing, and of the types of usage.
- Ask about the characteristics of client/server systems. - Ask about the characteristics of Web systems. - Ask about the concepts of system performance, reliability, and economic efficiency.
17 Software - Ask about the necessity, functions, types, and characteristics of OSs. - Ask about the concepts and use of basic functions of file management, such as access methods and search methods, and the fundamental concepts of backups.
- Ask about the characteristics and fundamental operations of software packages, such as office tools.
- Ask about the characteristics of OSS (Open Source Software). 18 Hardware - Ask about the types and characteristics of computers.
- Ask about the types and characteristics of input/output devices. 9 Technical
element 19 Human
interface - Ask about the concept and characteristics of interface design, such as GUI and menus.
- Ask about the concepts of Web design. - Ask about the concepts of universal design.
20 Multimedia - Ask about the types and characteristics of encodings such as JPEG, MPEG, and MP3.
- Ask about the purpose and characteristics of application of multimedia technology, such as VR (Virtual Reality) and CG (Computer Graphics).
- Ask about the characteristics of media, and compression and decompression of information data.
21 Database - Ask about the significance, purpose, and concepts of database management systems (DBMS).
- Ask about the concepts of data analysis and design, and the characteristics of database models.
- Ask about the manipulation methods such as data extraction. - Ask about database processing methods such as exclusive control and recovery processing.
22 Network - Ask about the types and configurations of LAN and WAN regarding networks, and the roles of Internet and LAN connection devices.
- Ask about the necessity of communication protocols, and the roles of typical protocols.
- Ask about the characteristics and fundamental mechanism of the Internet.
- Ask about the characteristics of e-mail and Internet services. - Ask about the understanding of the types and characteristics, accounting, and transmission rates of communication services, such as mobile communication and IP phones.
23 Security - Ask about the fundamentals of information security from the viewpoint of safe and secure activities in a network society.
- Ask about the information assets, the purpose of risk management, and the concepts of information security policy.
- Ask about the concepts, types, and characteristics of technological security measures, such as measures against computer viruses.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Common Career/Skill Framework Scope of questions to be asked (Concept of exam questions)
Field Major Category Middle Category - Ask about the concepts, types, and characteristics of physical and human security measures, such as entrance/exit control and access control.
- Ask about the types and characteristics of authentication technologies such as ID, password, callback, digital signature, and biometric authentication.
- Ask about the mechanisms and characteristics of encryption technology such as public keys and private keys.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
8.2 Fundamental Information Technology Engineers Examination, Applied Information
Technology Engineers Examination, and Advanced Examination
(1) Morning Examination
a) Morning Examination Question Fields
In the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination and Applied Information
Technology Engineers Examination, 80 questions cover a broad field of technology, management,
and strategy in line with Table 14 “List of Question Fields by Examination Category”. There
are questions from Technology Level 2 in the Fundamental Information Technology Engineers
Examination, and from Technology Level 3 in the Applied Information Technology Engineers
Examination.
The Advanced Examination is composed of the Morning I Examination and the Morning II
Examination. In the Morning I Examination, 30 questions of Technology Level 3, required for all
examination categories, cover a broad field of technology, management, and strategy. In the
Morning II Examination, there are 25 questions of Technology Level 3 or 4 specialized for each
examination category, according to the marks ○ and ● shown in Table 14. For example, in the
Information Technology Strategist Examination, questions are taken from the middle categories
marked with a ○ or ● in the major categories “System Strategy”, “Management Strategy”, and
“Corporate and Legal Affairs” of the Strategist field. This is the same for other examination
categories as well.
Table 15 shows the minor categories and examples of knowledge items included in each
middle category of Table 14 “List of Question Fields by Examination Category”.
b) Technology Level and Question Types of Morning Questions
・ The Technology Levels of the Morning Examination questions shown in “List of Question
Fields by Examination Category” have been set at 4 relative difficulty levels for each field – 1,
2, 3, and 4 – from the standpoint of depth and breadth of knowledge, getting wider and deeper
from 1 to 4.
・ The Morning Examination question are roughly composed of the following 4 types:
(1) “Basic Knowledge Level” questions that examine whether the individual knows the
significance, concepts, and characteristics of the target knowledge items.
(2) “Fundamental Knowledge Level” questions that examine whether the individual understands
the detailed content and methods relating to the target knowledge items.
(3) “Applied Knowledge Level” questions that examine whether or not the individual can apply
the target knowledge item.
(4) “Advanced Knowledge Level” questions that examine whether or not the individual can
apply the target knowledge items sophisticatedly.
・ There are mainly “Basic Knowledge Level” questions at Technology Level 1, “Fundamental
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
at Technology Level 3, and “Advanced Technology Level” questions at Technology Level 4.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Table 14 List of Question Fields by Examination Category
(Note 1) ○ means that it is within the scope of questions, and ● means that it is a priority field within the scope of questions.
(Note 2) 1, 2, 3, and 4 indicate the Technology Level. 4 is the highest and the upper levels include the lower levels.
(Note 3) To pursue consistency between the Information Technology Engineers Examination and each of ITSS, ETSS, and
UISS human resource skill standards, a detailed discussion has been held to refine the Common Career/Skill
Framework, and under the direction of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, necessary changes have been
made to the major and middle categories as shown in the “HRD-WG Report” (Appendix 1).
Field
1 Basic Theory
2 Algorithms and Programming
3 Computer Components ○3 ○3 ○3 ●4 ○3
4 System Components ○3 ○3 ○3 ○3 ○3
5 Software ●4
6 Hardware ●4
7 Human Interfaces
8 Multimedia
9 Databases ○3 ●4 ○3 ○3 ○3
10 Networks ○3 ●4 ○3 ●4 ○3 ○3
11 Security ○3 ●4 ○3 ○3 ●4 ○3 ○3
12System DevelopmentTechniques
●4 ○3 ○3 ○3 ●4 ○3 ○3
13Software DevelopmentManagement Techniques
○3 ○3 ○3 ○3 ○3 ○3
5ProjectManagement
14 Project Management ●4 ●4
15 Service Management ○3 ○3 ●4 ○3
16 System Auditing ○3 ○3 ●4
17 System Strategy ●4 ○3
18 System Planning ●4 ●4 ○3
19 Management Strategy ●4 ○3
20Technology StrategyManagement
○3
21 Business Industry ●4
22 Corporate Activities ●4 ○3
23 Legal Affairs ○3 ○3 ○3 ●4
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TechnicalElements
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DevelopmentTechniques
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Examination Category
Field of Questions
Advanced Examinations
Info
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Major Category Middle Category
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App
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ManagementStrategy
7
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ServiceManagement
Corporate &Legal Affairs
○1
Basic Theory
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Table 15 Scope of Morning Questions Field Major Category Middle Category Minor Category Examples of Knowledge Items 1 Basic theory 1 Basic theory 1 Discrete
probability, statistics, numerical analysis, formula manipulation, graph theory, queueing theory, etc.
3 Theory about information
coding theory, predicate logic, automaton, formal language, computational complexity, artificial intelligence, knowledge engineering, learning theory, compiler theory, programming language theory and semantics, etc.
4 Theory of communications
transmission theory (transmission channel, modulation and demodulation technique, multiplexing, error detection and correction, signal synchronization technique) etc.
5 Theories of measurement and control
signal processing, feedback control, feed-forward control, response characteristics, control stability, various controls, types of sensors and actuators and their operating characteristics, etc.
2 Algorithm and programming
1 Data structure stack and queue, list, array, tree structure, binary tree, etc.
2 Algorithm Understanding of sorting, merging, search, recursion, character string processing, flowchart, etc.
3 Programming programming by using existing programming languages (coding convention, program structure, data type, grammar notation, etc.)
4 Programming languages
types and characteristics of programming languages (assembler language, C, C++, COBOL, Java, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby, etc.)
5 Other languages types and characteristics of markup languages (HTML, XML, etc), SDL (Specification and Description Language), ADL (Architecture Description Language), etc.
2 Computer system
3 Computer components
1 Processor types of computers and processors, and their configurations and operating principles, interrupts, performance and characteristics, structure and architecture, RISC and CISC, instructions and addressing, etc.
2 Memory types and characteristics of memory, memory system structure and storage hierarchy (cache, main memory, auxiliary storage), access method, RAM file, memory capacity and performance, types and characteristics of storage media, etc.
3 Bus Types and characteristics of bus, bus system structure, bus control method, bus access mode, bus capacity and performance, etc.
4 Input /output interface
types and characteristics of input/output devices, input/output interface, device driver, synchronization with device, analog-digital conversion, etc.
5 Input /output device
input device, output device, display device, auxiliary storage device and storage media, communication control unit, drive unit, imaging device, etc.
Tech
nolo
gy
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Field Major Category Middle Category Minor Category Examples of Knowledge Items 4 System
components 1 System
configuration system processing mode, types of systems, system application area, client/server system, Web systems thin client system, fault tolerant system, NAS, SAN, P2P, High Performance Computing (HPC), clusters, etc.
2 System evaluation indexes
system performance index, system performance characteristics and evaluation, significance and purpose of system reliability and economy, reliability calculation, reliability index, reliability characteristics and evaluation, cost efficiency evaluation, capacity planning, etc.
5 Software 1 Operating system types and characteristics of OSs, functions of OS, multiprogramming, virtual storage, job management, process/task management, data management, input /output management, storage management, interrupt, etc.
2 Middleware role and functions of various middleware (API for OS, various libraries, componentware, and shells), selection and use of middleware, etc
3 File system types and characteristics of file systems, access method, search method, directory management, backup, file organization, etc.
4 Development tools
design tool, building tools, test tool, language processing tools (compiler, interpreter, linker, loader), CASE, emulator, simulator, in-circuit emulator (ICE), tools chain, integrated development environment, etc.
5 Open source software
types and characteristics of OSS, Unix-family OSs, open source community, LAMP/LAPP, considerations in the use and utilization of OSS (safety, defect, etc), trends, etc.
6 Hardware 1 Hardware electric and electronic circuit, machine and control, logical design, components/elements and implementation, semiconductor device, system LSI, SoC (System On a Chip), power consumption, etc.
3 Technical element
7 Human interface
1 Human interface technology
information architecture, GUI, voice recognition, image recognition, moving image recognition, feature extraction, learning function, interactive system, usability, etc.
2 Interface design form design, screen design, code design, Web design, human centered design, universal design, etc.
8 Multimedia 1 Multimedia technology
Authoring environment, sound processing, still image processing, moving image processing, media integration, compression, decompression, MPEG, etc.
2 Application of multimedia
AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), CG (Computer Graphics), media application, etc.
9 Database 1 Database system types and characteristics of databases, database model, DBMS, etc.
2 Database design data analysis, logical design of database, data normalization, performance design of database, physical design of database, etc.
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Field Major Category Middle Category Minor Category Examples of Knowledge Items 3 Data
manipulation database manipulation, languages used to manipulate databases (SQL, etc.), relational algebra, etc.
4 Transaction processing
exclusive control, recovery processing, transaction management, database performance enhancement, data control, etc.
5 Database application
data warehouse, data mining, distributed database, repository, metadata, etc.
10 Networks 1 Network architecture
types and characteristics of networks, (WAN/LAN, wired/wireless, etc.) internet technology, calculation associated with line, packet exchange network, etc.
2 Data transmission and control
transmission method and line, internetworking device, digital service unit, OSI model, media access control (MAC), data link control, routing control, flow control, etc.
3 Communication protocols
protocols and interfaces, TCP/IP, HDLC, CORBA, HTTP, DNS, SOAP, IPv6, etc.
Internet, intranet, extranet, mobile communication, network OS, communication service, etc.
11 Security 1 Information security
cryptography (public key, private key, DES, RSA, etc.), authentication technology (digital signature, message authentication, time authentication, etc.), user verification (callback, ID, password, etc.), biometric authentication technology, public key infrastructure (PKI), government public key infrastructure (GPKI, Bridge Certification Authority, and so on), etc.
2 Information security management
overview of information assets and risks, types of risks, risk analysis and evaluation, risk countermeasures, information security policy, ISMS, development of security regulations for corporate activities, etc.
3 Security technology evaluation
evaluation method, assurance level, ISO/IEC 15408, etc.
4 Information security measures
human security measures, technical security measures (measures against cracking, measures against computer viruses, etc), physical security measures, etc.
5 Security implementation technology
secure OS, application security, secure programming, etc.
4 Development technology
12 System development technology
1 System requirements definition
system requirements definition (functions; performance; requirements from tasks, organizations, and users; design conditions; qualification requirements; etc), evaluation of system requirements, etc.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Field Major Category Middle Category Minor Category Examples of Knowledge Items 2 Systems
architecture design
establishing the architecture at the top level of the system (functional decomposition of hardware, software, and manual work; hardware architecture; software architecture; application architecture; database architecture; etc.), evaluation of systems architecture, etc.
3 Software requirements definition
establishment of software requirements (function, performance, interface, etc), evaluation of software requirements, hearing, use case, prototype, DFD, E-R diagram, UML, etc.
4 Software architecture design and software detailed design
software structure and component design, interface design, software unit test design, software integration test design, software quality, review, walk-through, software design evaluation, process-oriented design, data-oriented design, structured design, object-oriented design, module design, design pattern, etc.
5 Software coding and testing
software coding, coding conventions, code review, debugging, test method, test preparation (test environment, test data, etc.), test execution, test result evaluation, etc.
6 Software integration and software qualification tests
test planning, test preparation (test environment, test data, etc.), test execution, test result evaluation, etc.
7 System integration and system qualification tests
test planning, test preparation (test environment, test data, etc.), test execution, test result evaluation, tuning, etc.
8 Software installation
creation of software installation plan, execution of software installation, etc.
9 Software acceptance
acceptance review and acceptance test, delivery and acceptance of software products, user manual, education and training, etc.
10 Software maintenance
Styles of software maintenance, significance of software maintenance, etc.
13 Software development management techniques
1 Development process and methods
software development method, process maturity level, software life cycle process (SLCP), reuse of software, structured method, formal method, reverse engineering, mashup, etc.
2 Intellectual property application management
copyright management, patent management, inventory management, etc.
3 Development environment management
development environment operation status management, development environment construction, design data management, tool management, license management, etc.
4 Configuration management andchange control
establishment of configuration identification system, change control, configuration status recording, assurance of the integrity of items, release management and shipment, etc.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Field Major Category Middle Category Minor Category Examples of Knowledge Items M
anag
emen
t 5 Project
management 14 Project
management 1 Project
integration management
project charter preparation, preparation of a preliminary project scope description document, preparation of a project management plan, direct and management of project implementation, controlling of project activities, integrated change control, project termination
2 Project scope management
scope planning, scope definition, WBS creation, scope verification, scope control
human resources planning, project team organization, project team development, project team management
7 Project communications management
communications planning, information distribution, performance reporting, stakeholder management
8 Project risk management
risk management planning, risk identification, qualitative risk analysis, quantitative risk analysis, risk response planning, risk monitoring and control
9 Project procurement management
plan purchasing and acquisition, plan contract, request seller responses, select sellers, contract administration, contract closure
6 Service management
15 Service management
1 Service management
significance and purpose of service management, ITIL, role of system operations manager, SLA (Service Level Agreement), evaluation and verification of operations assessment indicators, handing over of operations, etc.
2 Operations design and tools
schedule design, system installation, system migration, operations support tools, monitoring tools, diagnostic tools, etc.
3 Service support service desk (helpdesk), incident management (fault control), problem management, configuration management, change management, release management, risk management, computer operations and management etc.
4 Service delivery system operation, SLM (Service Level Management), capacity management, availability management, IT service continuity management, user management, system resource management, IT service finance management, information asset management ,etc.
5 Service management foundation
gap analysis, risk assessment, requirements establishment, etc.
6 Facility management
facility management including equipment such as power supply and air conditioning, maintenance and protection of facilities, etc.
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Field Major Category Middle Category Minor Category Examples of Knowledge Items 16 System audit 1 System audit significance and purpose of system audits,
targeted business operations of system audits, system auditability, system audit planning, system audit implementation (preliminary audit, main audit, evaluation, conclusions), system audit reporting, system audit evaluation ,system audit standards, system audit techniques, audit evidence, audit work paper, etc.
2 Internal control Internal control, IT governance, evaluation and improvement of compliance, etc.
Str
ateg
y 7 System
strategy 17 System
strategy 1 Information
system strategy significance and purpose of information system strategy, total optimization policy, total optimization planning, computerization promotion system, computerization investment planning, business model, business operations model, information systems model, EA (Enterprise Architecture) (business architecture, data architecture, application architecture, technology architecture), program management, system owner , data owner, process framework, quality control (quality control framework), information systems strategy evaluation information systems strategy implementation management etc.
2 Business process BPR, analysis of business operations, business improvement, design of business operations, BPM (Business Process Management), BPO, SFA, etc.
3 Solution business business system proposal, business package, problem solving support, ASP, SOA, SaaS, etc.
4 System utilization promotion and evaluation
information literacy, data utilization, popularization and awareness raising, evaluation and verification of information system utilization, information system disposal etc.
18 System planning
1 Computerization planning
computerization initiative, basic computerization policy, total development schedule, development project framework, staff training planning, development return on development investment, system life cycle, information system installation risk analysis, etc.
2 Requirements definition
requirements analysis, user needs study, current state analysis, operational requirements definition, functional requirements definition, non-functional requirements definition, verification of stakeholder requirements, verification of the consistency with the system strategy , etc.
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Field Major Category Middle Category Minor Category Examples of Knowledge Items 8 Business
strategy 19 Business
strategy management
1 Business strategy techniques
competition strategy, differentiation strategy, core competence, M&A, alliance, group management, corporate philosophy, SWOT analysis, PPM (Product Portfolio Management), value chain analysis, growth matrix, outsourcing, etc.
2 Marketing marketing theory, marketing techniques, marketing analysis, LTV (Life Time Value), etc.
3 Business strategy and goal/evaluation
business strategy planning, business environment analysis, needs/wants analysis, competitive analysis, strategic targets, CSF (Critical Success Factor), KPI (Key Performance Indicator), KGI (Key Goal Indicator), balance score card, etc.
4 Business management system
CRM, SCM, ERP, decision support, knowledge management, etc.
20 Technological strategy management
1 Planning of technology development strategy
product trend, technology trend, core technology, technology research, technology acquisition, technology licensing, technological tie-up, MOT (Management Of Technology), industry-academia-government collaboration, standardization strategy, etc.
2 Technology development plan
technical development investment planning, technology development site planning, human resources planning, technology roadmap, product application roadmap, patent acquisition roadmap, etc.
21 Business industry
1 Business system distribution information system, logistics information system, public information system, medical information system, financial information system, e-Government, POS system, XBRL, etc.
2 Engineering system
significance and purpose of engineering system, production management system, MRP, PDM, CAE, etc.
3 e-business EC (electronic commerce such as BtoB and BtoC), electronic payment system, EDI, IC card and RFID application system, etc.
4 Consumer appliances
audio and video equipment, household electrical appliances, personal information appliances, educational and entertainment equipment, computer peripherals/OA equipment, industrial terminal equipment, consumer communications terminals, etc.
5 Industrial devices communication devices, transport/construction equipment, industrial equipment/ FA equipment/ industrial robots, facility equipment, medical devices, analytical/measurement instruments, etc.
9 Corporate and legal affairs
22 Corporate activities
1 Management and organization theory
business management, PDCA, management organization (divisional system, company system, CIO, CEO, etc), corporate governance, CSR, IR, human resources (OJT, management by objectives, case studies, discretionary labor system, etc), behavioral science (leadership, communication, technical writing, presentation, negotiation, motivation), TQM, risk management, BCP, computer literacy, etc.
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Field Major Category Middle Category Minor Category Examples of Knowledge Items 2 OR/IE LP (Linear Programming), inventory problem,
PERT/CPM, game theory, analysis techniques (work analysis, PTS, work sampling, etc), inspection techniques (OC curve, sampling, simulation, etc), quality control techniques (seven QC tools, new seven QC tools, and so on), etc.
3 Accounting and financial affairs
financial accounting, management accounting, accounting standards, financial statements, consolidation accounting, depreciation, break-even point, financial indicators, initial cost, lease and rental, cash planning and cash management, asset management, etc.
23 Legal affairs 1 Intellectual property rights
Copyright Act, Industrial Property Law, Unfair Competition Prevention Act, license agreements , OSS license (GPL and BSD licenses), etc.
2 Laws on security Act on the Prohibition of Unauthorized Computer Access, Act on the Limitation of Liability for Damages of Specified Telecommunications Service Providers and the Right to Demand Disclosure of Identification Information of the Senders, etc.
3 Laws on labor and transaction
Labor Standards Act, laws on labor, outsourcing contract, software agreement, NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement), Act against Delay in Payment of Subcontract Proceeds, Etc. to Subcontractors, Act for Securing the Proper Operation of Worker Dispatching Undertakings and Improved Working Conditions for Dispatched Workers, civil law, commercial law, etc.
4 Other laws, guidelines, and engineer ethics
compliance, information disclosure, Telecommunication Business Law, network related laws and regulations, Companies Act, Financial Instruments and Exchange Law, tax laws, export-related laws and regulations, Act on the Protection of Personal Information, System Management Standards, Standards for Measures against Unauthorized Access to Computers, Standards for Measures against Computer Viruses, Software Management Guidelines, information ethics, engineer ethics, professionalism, etc.
5 Standardization roles of JIS, ISO, IEEE, and other associated bodies, standardization organizations, international certification framework (accreditation/certification/inspection bodies), various codes, JIS Q 15001, ISO 9000, ISO 14000, etc.
Note: The minor categories and knowledge items in the “Project Management” middle category are quoted from “Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide (PMBOK Guide) Version 3” (Project Management Institute [PMI]).
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
(2) Afternoon Examinations
The Afternoon Examinations test skills based on the following scope of questions for each
examination category (refer to Table 5 on for the examination time, type, and number of
questions and answers).
a) Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (Multiple-Choice)
1 Computer Systems
a) Hardware
Expression in numbers, characters, graphics, and sound, processing apparatus, storage
devices and media, input/output devices, instruction execution methods, addressing methods,
system configuration, etc.
b) Software
OSs, middleware, application software, descriptive language, modeling, etc.
c) Databases
Database types and characteristics, data models, normalization, DBMS, database languages
(SQL), etc.
d) Networks
Network configuration, internet and intranet, protocols, data transmission, transmission
control, etc.
2 Information Security
Information security policy, database security, network security, application security,
physical security, access control, encryption and authorization, anti-virus measures, etc.
3 Data Structure and Algorithms
Arrays, list structure, tree structure, graphs, sorting, search, numeric calculation, character
string processing, graphics processing, file processing, computational complexity, error, etc.
4 Software Design
Software requirements analysis, software formula design, software detailed design,
structured design, module design, object-oriented design, web application design, test
planning, human interfaces, etc.
5 Software Development
Programming (C, COBOL, Java, assembly, spreadsheets), testing, debugging, etc.
6 Management
a) Project Management
Estimation methods, quality control, process control, cost control, risk control, etc.
b) IT Service Management
Service support (service desk, problem management, change control), service delivery
(service level management, capacity management, system performance, system reliability),
system operational management, etc.
7 Strategy
a) System Strategy
Information system strategy, marketing, business models, etc.
b) Management/Related Laws and Regulations
Business management, task processes, organizational operation, corporate accounting,
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
related laws and regulations, standardization, etc.
b) Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination (Short Answer)
1 Business Strategy
Marketing, business analysis, business and corporate strategy, corporate finance, business
value evaluation, accounting, leadership theory, etc.
2 Information Strategy
Business models, product strategy, organizational operation, outsourcing policy, information
industry trends, information technology trends, international standardization trends, etc.
3 Strategy Planning and Consulting Techniques
Logical thinking, presentation techniques, balance score card and SWOT analysis, etc.
4 System Architecture
Formula design and functional decomposition, request for proposals (RFP), requirements
analysis, reliability and performance, web technology, (including web services and SOAs),
knowledge of tasks in major industries, application of package software and open source
programs, other trends in new technologies, etc.
5 IT Service Management
Service support (service desk, incident control, problem management, configuration
management, change control, release management), service delivery (service level
management, availability management, capacity management, IT service financial
management, IT service continuity management), system operational management, etc.
6 Project Management
Project planning and management (scope, process, quality, budget, personnel, procurement,
risks, communication), etc.
7 Networks
Network architecture, protocols, Internet, intranet and VPN, communication traffic, wired
and wireless communication, etc.
8 Databases
Data models, normalization, DBMS, database languages (SQL), database system operation
and maintenance, etc.
9 Embedded Systems Development
Realtime OS and MPU architecture, energy saving, high reliability design and memory
management, sensors and actuators, embedded system design, individual applications
(mobile phone, car, household appliances, etc.) etc.
10 Information Systems Development
External design, internal design, test planning and testing, standardization and
componentialization, development environment, object-oriented analysis (UML), software
lifecycle process (SLCP), individual applications (ERP, SCM, CRM, and so on), etc.
11 Programming
Algorithms, data structure, program creation technology (programming languages, markup
languages), web programming, etc.
12 Information Security
Information security policy, risk analysis, database security, network security, application
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
security, physical security, access control, encryption and authorization, anti-virus measures,
etc.
13 System Audit
IT governance, auditing of information system and embedded system planning, development,
operation, and maintenance, information security auditing, privacy protection auditing,
collaboration and adjustment with other audits (accounts audits, task audits), system audit
planning, implementation, and reporting, system audit related laws and regulations, etc.
c) Information Technology Strategist Examination (Afternoon I: Short Answer, Afternoon
II: Essay)
1 Formulation or support of business strategy utilizing information technology, reflecting the
business characteristics of each industry
Formulation of business strategy utilizing information technology based on a management
strategy, business model development proposals using information technology, business
reform planning, proposals to increase the added value of new products and services,
selection of system solutions, formulation of outsourcing strategy, etc.
2 Formulation of information system strategy and overall systemization plans, reflecting the
business characteristics of each industry
Definition of task models, definition of overall information systems, analysis and
prioritization of information system development issues, formulation of information system
infrastructure configuration policy and standard, formulation of system solution application
policy (ERP packages, etc), formulation of mid to long-term information systemization plans,
formulation of information system section operation policy, formulation of overall IT control
preparation policy, formulation and implementation of business continuity plan, analysis of
system risks, formulation of disaster response plan, formulation of information systemization
annual plans, etc.
3 Formulation of individual systemization concepts and plans, reflecting the business
characteristics of each industry
Formulation of systemization concepts, definition of system problems of tasks, task system
analysis, task model creation, task process design, organization of systemized functions and
formulation of system methods, formulation of system selection policy (application of
system solutions, etc), creation of overall development schedule, formulation of project
execution structure, preparation of request for proposals (RFP), proposal evaluation and
selection of suppliers, estimation of costs and system return on investment, etc.
4 Execution control and evaluation of information system strategy considering the assumptions
and restrictions of each business
Progress management of overall reform program for products, services, work, organization,
and information systems; standardization promotion of information system infrastructure
standard and system-related quality management standard; risk control and handling of
reform execution; promoting the application of system solutions; promotion of system
utilization; analysis, evaluation, and improvement of reform program effects, costs, and
risks; performance evaluation of business strategy, information system strategy, overall
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
systemization plan, and individual systemization plans; etc.
5 Planning, formulation and promotion of development plans for embedded systems
Technical trends analysis of communications, information, architecture, user interface,
storage, semiconductors, measurement, control, and platforms; organization of
considerations for intellectual property, regulations, and laws; risk analysis; formulation of
procurement policy; evaluation of consistency with management strategy; verification and
adjustment of requirements; etc.
d) Systems Architect Examination (Afternoon I: Short Answer, Afternoon II: Essay)
[Information Systems]
1 Contracts and Agreements
Request for Proposals (RFP) and proposals preparations, project planning support, etc.
2 Planning
Verification of target task content, analysis of target task systems, investigation of applicable
information technology, creation of task models, organization of systemized functions and
formulation of system methods, clarification of basic policy for service levels and quality,
consideration of feasibility, formulation of system selection policy, estimation of cost and
system return on investment, etc.
3 Requirements Definition
Identification of needs and definition of constraints, definition of task requirements,
materialization of requirements for the new organization and task environment, definition of
functional requirements, definition of non-functional requirements, definition of schedule-
related requirements, etc.
4 Development
System requirements definition, system formula design, software requirements definition,
software formula design, software detailed design, system integration, system qualification
verification testing, software installation, software acceptance support, etc.
5 Operation and Maintenance
Operational testing, task and systems migration, system operation evaluation, task operation
evaluation, evaluation of return on investment and task effects, understanding and correction
analysis of maintenance-related problems, etc.
6 Related Knowledge
Configuration management, quality assurance, auditing, related legislation, etc.
[Embedded Systems]
1 Functional Requirements Analysis, Determination of Functional Specifications, etc.
Functional requirements analysis for development systems, quality requirements analysis,
development process design, cost design, performance design, compilation of functional
specifications, related technology, etc.
2 Determination of Hardware and Software Requirements Specifications that Satisfy Functional
Specifications
Hardware and software trade-off, functional decomposition analysis, functional
decomposition into system components, determination of interface specifications between
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
devices, creation of software and hardware requirements specification documents, system
architecture design, reliability design, realtime operating systems, etc.
3 Use of Generic Modules
Module design, reuse, configuration management, etc.
techniques, digital forensics, audit reporting, follow up implementation, system audit tasks
and management (including quality management of audit tasks), etc.
4 System Audit Related Legislation
Information security related laws and regulations, privacy protection laws, intellectual
property laws, labor related legislation, statutory audit legislation, standards, guidelines and
measures related to system auditing and information security auditing, standards, guidelines
and measures for internal auditing and internal control, etc.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Annex 1 Transition of the Information Technology Engineers Examination System
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Annex 2 Comparison of Scope of Current and New Examinations
------------------------- (Note 1) For the Morning Examination, ○ indicates that it is within the scope of questions, and ● indicates that it is a priority field within the
scope of questions. (○) indicates that it is within the scope of questions of the Morning I Examination (common knowledge).
(Note 2) Red shading indicates fields with additions, expansions or enhancements.
(Note 3) A solid line arrow in the Afternoon Examinations indicates a corresponding field, and a dashed line arrow indicates correspondence
to part of a field.
a) Information Technology Passport Examination (Level 1)
FieldAD
(Morning)IT PassportExamination
1 Corporate Activities
2 Legal Affairs
3Business StrategyManagement
4Technical StrategyManagement
5Business StrategyManagement
6 System Strategy
7 System Planning
8System DevelopmentTechniques
9Software DevelopmentManagement Techniques
5Project
Management10 Project Management ○ ○
11 Service Management
12 System Audit
13 Basic Theory
14 Algorithms & Programming
15 Computer Components
16 System Components
17 Software
18 Hardware
19 Human Interfaces
20 Multimedia
21 Databases
22 Networks
23 Security
80 compulsoryquestions
100 compulsoryquestions
AD: Systems Administrator Examination
4
Management
6
TechnicalElements
ServiceManagement
○
○
9
DevelopmentTechniques
○
○
Technology
7 Basic Theory X ○
8ComputerSystems
○ ○
○ ○
○ ○
○ ○
○ ○
Major Category Middle Category
Strategy
1Corporate &Legal Affairs
3SystemStrategy
2BusinessStrategy
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
b) Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (Level 2)
X ○ Added System DevelopmentInformation SystemsDevelopment
8Management
StrategyX ○ Added System Evaluation IT Service Management Added
9Corporate &Legal Affairs
X ○ Added Project Management Added
80 compulsoryquestions
80 compulsoryquestions
System Audit Added
SW: Software Design and Development Engineer Examination Management Strategy, ITStrategy Planning, ConsultingMethods
Added
Select 6 questions from 12. Allmultiple choice questions.
Major Category
Strategy
Technology
Management
Technology
Management
Strategy
Technology
Management
Major Category
Strategy
Afternoon I: 6 compulsory questions,Morning II: 1 compulsory question.Questions only from Technology
Management
Strategy
Select 7 questions from 13. ForProgramming Languages selection ofquestions is compulsory. For all othersquestions are compulsory.
Select 7 questions from 13. For Algorithms questions arecompulsory. For Programming Languages a selection of questions iscompulsory (spreadsheets added). For all others a selection ofquestions is compulsory.
------------------------------------ (Note 1) For the Morning Examination, ○ indicates that it is within the scope of questions, and ● indicates that it is a priority field within the
scope of questions. (○) indicates that it is within the scope of questions of the Morning I Examination (common knowledge).
(Note 2) Red shading indicates fields with additions, expansions or enhancements.
(Note 3) A solid line arrow in the Afternoon Examinations indicates a corresponding field, and a dashed line arrow indicates correspondence
to part of a field.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
d) Information Technology Strategist Examination (Level 4)
■Morning Examination ■Afternoon Examinations
Field AN SDIT StrategistExamination AN -> IT Strategist Examination
1 Basic Theory X X (○)IT strategy formulation, and ITsystems construction planning
Business Strategy Formulationor Support
AddedCorresponds toBusiness Strategist
2ComputerSystems ○ ○ (○)
Making and advancing overall ITsystem plan
IT System Strategy and OverallSystemization Plan Formulation
3TechnicalElements ○ ○ (○)
Making and advancing individualsystem development plans
Individual Systemization Conceptand Plan Formulation
4DevelopmentTechniques ● ● (○)
Execution Management andEvaluation of Information SystemStrategies
ExtendedCorresponds toProgram Manager
5Project
Management ● ○ (○)[Embedded Systems] ProductPlanning, Development PlanFormulation and Advancement
AddedCorresponds toProduct Manager
6Service
Management ○ ○ (○)Preparation of task systemimprovement plans
7SystemStrategy ● ● ● IT system construction management
8Management
Strategy ● ● ● Information system use management
SD -> IT Strategist Examination
55 compulsoryquestions
55 compulsoryquestions
55 compulsoryquestions*
Afternoon I: select 3 from 4Afternoon II: select 1 from 3
Afternoon I: select 2 from 4Afternoon II: select 1 from 3
e) Systems Architect Examination (Level 4)
■Morning Examination ■Afternoon Examinations
Field AESystemsArchitect
ExaminationAE ->
Systems ArchitectExamination
1 Basic Theory X (○)System Analysis/RequirementsDefinition
Contracts/Agreements
2ComputerSystems ○ ○
System Design/Development -External Design
Planning/Requirements Definition ExtendedOverall OptimizationDesign for SystemStructure Added
Strategy ● (○)Afternoon I: select 3 from 4Afternoon II: select 1 from 3
Afternoon I: select 2 from 4Afternoon II: select 1 from 3
8Corporate &Legal Affairs ● (○)
55 compulsoryquestions
55 compulsoryquestions
AE: Application Systems Engineer Examination
Technology
Management
AN: Systems Analyst Examination SD: Senior Systems Administrator Examination
●
Management
9
Technology
● ●
Strategy
Strategy
Major Category
Major Category
Corporate &Legal Affairs
*Total of Morning I (common knowledge: 30 compulsory questions) and Morning II (specialist knowledge: 25compulsory questions). Same for (e) - (l) below.
Integrated
------------------------------------ (Note 1) For the Morning Examination, ○ indicates that it is within the scope of questions, and ● indicates that it is a priority field within the
scope of questions. (○) indicates that it is within the scope of questions of the Morning I Examination (common knowledge).
(Note 2) Red shading indicates fields with additions, expansions or enhancements.
(Note 3) A solid line arrow in the Afternoon Examinations indicates a corresponding field, and a dashed line arrow indicates correspondence
to part of a field.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
f) Project Manager Examination (Level 4)
■Morning Examination ■Afternoon Examinations
Field PMProject
ManagerExamination
PM -> Project Manager Examination
1 Basic Theory X (○) Project Planning Project Planning
4DevelopmentTechniques ○ ○ Network Service Utilization Network Service Utilization
5Project
Management ○ (○)Afternoon I: select 3 from 4Afternoon II: select 1 from 2
Afternoon I: 2 from 3Afternoon II: 1 from 2
6Service
Management ○ (○)
7SystemStrategy
× (○)
8Management
Strategy× (○)
9Corporate &Legal Affairs
× (○)
55 compulsoryquestions
55 compulsoryquestions
NW: Network Systems Engineer Examination
Management
Strategy
Technology
Strategy
Major Category
Major Category
Technology
Management
------------------------------------ (Note 1) For the Morning Examination, ○ indicates that it is within the scope of questions, and ● indicates that it is a priority field within the
scope of questions. (○) indicates that it is within the scope of questions of the Morning I Examination (common knowledge).
(Note 2) Red shading indicates fields with additions, expansions or enhancements.
(Note 3) A solid line arrow in the Afternoon Examinations indicates a corresponding field, and a dashed line arrow indicates correspondence
to part of a field.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
h) Database Specialist Examination (Level 4)
■Morning Examination ■Afternoon Examinations
Field DBDatabaseSpecialist
ExaminationDB ->
Database SpecialistExamination
1 Basic Theory X (○)Database SystemDesign/Construction
Database System Planning,RequirementsDefinition/Development
Afternoon I: select 3 from 4Afternoon II: select 1 from 2
Afternoon I: 2 from 3Afternoon II: 1 from 2
5Project
Management ○ (○)
6Service
Management ○ (○)
7SystemStrategy
X (○)
8Management
StrategyX (○)
9Corporate &Legal Affairs
X (○)
55 compulsoryquestions
55 compulsoryquestions
DB: Database Systems Engineer Examination
i) Embedded Systems Specialist Examination
■Morning Examination ■Afternoon Examinations
Field ES
EmbeddedSystemsSpecialist
Examination
ES -> Embedded Systems Specialist
Examination
1 Basic Theory X (○)Embedded SystemsDesign/Construction
Embedded Systems Design/Construction
2ComputerSystems ● ●
Embedded Systems SoftwareDesign
Embedded Systems SoftwareDesign
3TechnicalElements ○ ○
Embedded Systems HardwareDesign
Embedded Systems HardwareDesign
4DevelopmentTechniques ○ ●
Afternoon I: select 3 from 4Afternoon II: select 1 from 2
Afternoon I: 2 from 3Afternoon II: 1 from 2
5Project
Management ○ (○)
6Service
Management ○ (○)
7SystemStrategy
X (○)
8Management
StrategyX (○)
9Corporate &Legal Affairs
X (○)
55 compulsoryquestions
55 compulsoryquestions
ES: Embedded Systems Development Engineer Examination
Management
Strategy
Technology
Technology
Management
Strategy
Major Category
Major Category
----------------------------------- (Note 1) For the Morning Examination, ○ indicates that it is within the scope of questions, and ● indicates that it is a priority field within the
scope of questions. (○) indicates that it is within the scope of questions of the Morning I Examination (common knowledge).
(Note 2) Red shading indicates fields with additions, expansions or enhancements.
(Note 3) A solid line arrow in the Afternoon Examinations indicates a corresponding field, and a dashed line arrow indicates correspondence
to part of a field.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
j) Information Security Specialist Examination (Level 4)
■Morning Examination ■Afternoon Examinations
Field SV SU
InformationSecurity
SpecialistExamination
SV ->Information Security Specialist
Examination
1 Basic Theory X X (○)Information Security SystemsPlanning/Design/Construction
Information Security SystemsPlanning/Development/Operation/Maintenance
2ComputerSystems ○ ○ (○)
Information SecurityOperation/Management
Information Security Operation
3TechnicalElements ● ● ●
Information SecurityTechnology/Related Legislation
Information Security Technology
4DevelopmentTechniques ○ ○ ○ Development Management Development Management
X ○ (○)Information Security SystemsPlanning/Design/Construction
8Management
StrategyX ○ (○)
Information SecurityOperation/Management
9Corporate &Legal Affairs
X ○ (○)Information Security Technology/Related Legislation
55 compulsoryquestions
55 compulsoryquestions SU ->
Information Security SpecialistExamination
Afternoon I: select 3 from 4Afternoon II: select 1 from 2
Afternoon I: select 2 from 4Afternoon II: select 1 from 2
k) Information Technology Service Manager Examination (Level 4)
■Morning Examination ■Afternoon Examinations
Field SMIT ServiceManager
ExaminationSM -> IT Service Manager Examination
1 Basic Theory X (○)
IT System InfrastructurePlanning/Construction- Resource Management- Security Management- Performance Management
Service Support & ServiceDelivery
2ComputerSystems ● ○
IT System Infrastructure Operation- Operation Management- System Evaluation- New SystemAcceptance/Transition
System Operation ManagementReorganized questionfields in line with JIS Q20000 & ITIL.
3TechnicalElements ○ ○ System Management Technology
Continuous Improvement of ITService, Reporting of IT ServiceManagement
4DevelopmentTechniques ○ (○)
Information SecurityOperation/Management
5Project
Management ○ ● Customer Service
6Service
Management ● ●Afternoon I: select 3 from 4Afternoon II: select 1 from 3
Afternoon I: select 2 from 4Afternoon II: select 1 from 3
7SystemStrategy
X (○)
8Management
StrategyX (○)
9Corporate &Legal Affairs
X ○
55 compulsoryquestions
55 compulsoryquestions
SM: Systems Management Engineer Examination
Management
Strategy
Technology
Management
SV: Information Security Engineer Examination
SU: Information Systems Security Administrator Examination
55 compulsoryquestions
Technology
Major Category
Major Category
Strategy
Integrated
------------------------------------ (Note 1) For the Morning Examination, ○ indicates that it is within the scope of questions, and ● indicates that it is a priority field within the
scope of questions. (○) indicates that it is within the scope of questions of the Morning I Examination (common knowledge).
(Note 2) Red shading indicates fields with additions, expansions or enhancements.
(Note 3) A solid line arrow in the Afternoon Examinations indicates a corresponding field, and a dashed line arrow indicates correspondence
to part of a field.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
l) Systems Auditor Examination (Level 4)
■Morning Examination ■Afternoon Examinations
Field AUSystemsAuditor
ExaminationAU -> Systems Auditor Examination
1 Basic Theory X (○)IT Systems/CommunicationNetworks/General System Audit
IT Systems/EmbeddedSystems/CommunicationNetworks
Enhanced
2ComputerSystems ○ (○) System Audit Planning General System Audit
3TechnicalElements ○ ○ System Audit Implementation
System Audit Planning/Implementation/Reporting
4DevelopmentTechniques ○ ○ System Audit Reporting
System Audit RelatedLegislation
5Project
Management ○ (○) System Audit Related Legislation
6Service
Management ● ●Afternoon I: select 3 from 4Afternoon II: select 1 from 3
Afternoon I: select 2 from 4Afternoon II: select 1 from 3
7SystemStrategy ○ (○)
8Management
Strategy ● ○
9Corporate &Legal Affairs ● ●
55 compulsoryquestions
55 compulsoryquestions
AU: Systems Auditor Examination (Current Examination)
------------------------------------ (Note 1) For the Morning Examination, ○ indicates that it is within the scope of questions, and ● indicates that it is a priority field within the
scope of questions. (○) indicates that it is within the scope of questions of the Morning I Examination (common knowledge).
(Note 2) Red shading indicates fields with additions, expansions or enhancements.
(Note 3) A solid line arrow in the Afternoon Examinations indicates a corresponding field, and a dashed line arrow indicates correspondence
to part of a field.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Annex 3 Breakdown of Number of Questions per Field in the Fundamental
Information Technology Engineer Examination and Applied Information Technology
Engineer Afternoon Examination
Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (13 questions
of which 7 are to be answered)
Field Questions
1~7 Question 8 Questions 9~13
Hardware
○ x 4
Software
Databases
Networks
Information Security
Data Structure & Algorithms ●
Software Design ○
Software Development ● x 5 (Note)
Project Management ○
IT Service Management
System Strategy ○
Management/Related Legislation
Number of Questions 7 1 5
Required Number of Answers 5 1 1
● = compulsory questions ○= elective questions
(Note) In the Software Development field, there is 1 question on each of C, COBOL, Java, assembly
language, and spreadsheets. 1 question out of these must be selected and answered.
Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination (12 questions of which 6 are to be answered)
Field Questions 1~2 Questions 3~12
Management Strategy ○ ○ Information Strategy
Strategy Planning/Consulting Techniques System Architecture ○
Networks ○ Databases ○ Embedded System Development ○ Information System Development ○ Programming (Algorithms) ○
Information Security ○ Project Management ○ IT Service Management ○ System Audit ○
Number of Questions 2 10
Required Number of Answers 1 5
○= elective questions
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Appendix 1 Abstract of “Aiming towards the Development of Advanced IT Human Resources”
(Industrial Structure Council, Information Economy Committee, Information Service and Software
Subcommittee, HRD-WG Report)
5-4 Creation of an Objective Human Resource Evaluation Mechanism by Integrating the Information
Technology Engineers Examination and Skill Standards (D)
- An objective human resource evaluation mechanism should be created and fixed by constructing a
Common Career/Skill Framework, which can be a reference model of the current Information
Technology Engineers Examination and skill standards for the various human resources.
a) Creation of the Common Career/Skill Framework
b) Level Judgment Based on the Common Career/Skill Framework
c) Basic Configuration of the New Information Technology Engineers Examination
d) Content of Questions in the New Information Technology Engineers Examination
e) Implementation Methods of the New Information Technology Engineers Examination
● Creation of the Common Career/Skill Framework
・ In order to create an objective human resource mechanism, the target advanced IT human resources
is organized into the 7 types as indicated in section 4-1 and a Common Career/Skill Framework
indicating the skills required for the career of each type is constructed.
・ The Skill Standards for IT Professionals (ITSS), the Embedded Technology Skill Standards (ETSS),
and the User’s Information System Skill Standards (UISS) are reorganized under this framework,
and the Information Technology Engineers Examination is positioned as a judging measure for
entry, middle, and (some) high level human resources.
・ In reorganizing the skill standards based on the Common Career/Skill Framework, work categories,
level categories, level evaluation methods, and terminology are standardized. Furthermore, task
skills (knowledge and experience in user tasks) and knowledge regarding global standards are
positioned more clearly as skills required for advanced IT human resources.
・ Skills required for each work type are basically grouped into the following three: (a) Knowledge
acquired mainly from lectures (including PBL [Project Based Learning]), (b) Skills acquired mainly
through OJT (On-the-Job Training), and (c) qualities broadly developed through social experience.
Furthermore, the skill items that advanced IT human resources should obtain are organized into
skill items that are common to the 3 skill standards, referring to skill items such as in the IT
education curriculum standards.
・ The Common Career/Skill Framework, which integrates the Information Technology Engineers
Examination and the Human Resource Skill Standards, is promoted for international standardization.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
BasicStrategy
1.
Str
ateg
ist
2.
Sys
tem
s A
rchi
tect
3.
Ser
vice
Man
ager
4.
Pro
ject
Man
age
r
5.
Te
chni
cal S
peci
alis
t
1 Information TheoryInformation theory, Discrete mathematics, Probability andstatistics, Queueing, Numeric/Data representation, etc.
2Algorithm andProgramming
Algorithm and data structure, Programming fundamentals,Object-orientation, Programming language, Markuplanguage, etc.
3 Computer Component CPU, Memory, Transaction processing system, device, etc.
4 System ComponentSystem configuration method, System performance, Systemreliability and economical efficiency, etc.
5 SoftwareOS, Middleware, Open source software, File system,Language processing, etc.
6 HardwareElectric/electronic circuit, Mechanics and control, Logiccircuit, etc.
7 Human Interface Usability, Universal design, Virtual reality, 3D graphics, etc.
8 MultimediaSound processing, Image Processing, Video processing,Compression and decompression, Media integration, etc.
9 DatabaseDatabase design, Database operation, Transactionprocessing, etc.
10 NetworkWired and wireless communications, Network architecture,Server, Router, LAN/WAN, Ethernet, IP, etc.
11 SecurityCryptography, Security infrastructure and management,Technology evaluation, Measures, Implementation, Digitalsignature, etc.
12 Software DevelopmentSoftware requirement definition, Software developmentmethod, Software development process, Coding, Integration,Testing, Quality, Development environment, etc.
13 Project Management
Integration management, Scope management, Qualitymanagement, Cost management, Time management,Human resource management, Communicationsmanagement, Risk management, etc.
14ProcurementManagement
Request for proposal, Estimate, Proposal, Selection criterion,EVM, Installation, Acceptance, Inspection, Migration, etc.
15 Service Management
Service level management, Incident management,Configuration management, Change management, Resourcemanagement, Capacity management, Information assetmanagement, Security management, etc.
16 System AuditSystem audit, Information security audit, Audit technique, ITgovernance, Internal control, Business continuity, etc.
17 System DesignModeling, System design, Requirement definition,Architecture design, etc.
18 System StrategyIT strategy, Return on investment, Enterprise architecture,Business architecture, SOA, etc.
19Business Industry,Embedded ProductDomain
Business field (Financial sector, Distribution sector, Publicsector, etc.), Embedded product (Mobile, Automobile, HomeElectronics, etc.), etc.
20Business StrategyManagement
Business management theory, SCM, CRM, BPR, etc.
21 Corporate ActivitiesOrganizational theory, Decision-making theory, Corporateaccounting, Business finance, etc.
22 Legal AffairsIntellectual property right, Contract, Law, Engineer ethics,Standardization, etc.
9 23 Soft SkillsCommunication, Presentation, Negotiation, Leadership,Mentoring, etc. A B B A C
10 24Skills Gained fromRepeated Experience
Problem-finding ability, Abstraction ability, Problem-solvingability, etc. B B B B B
–
C
B
A
Minor Category(Examples)
Solution
Not absolutely necessary
Should be somewhat aware of it as a point ofknowledge
B B B
A
B
–
Major Category
5
Ser
vice
Man
agem
ent
7
Bus
ines
sS
trat
egy
6
Sys
tem
Str
ateg
yIn
form
atio
nS
cien
ce
2
4
A
C
Skills Per
sona
l
Qualities
B
B
Kn
owle
dge
1 –
C
A
B
C
–
B
A
C
A
C
–
C
C
B
A
B
C
Com
pute
rS
yste
m
B
A
C
B
B
A
C B B
Cor
pora
te a
ndLe
gal A
ffairs
Pro
ject
Man
agem
ent
A C
A certain level of understanding is required
C
Indispensable core knowledge item, thoroughknowledge essential (matter tested in the AdvancedExamination Afternoon questions)
Note: Detailed discussions will continue in the future based on the orientation below on matters including qualities and skills.<Common Career/Skill Framework> (Draft)
* Creator knowledge items cannot be organized indiscriminately and so are not described in this table.
Middle Category
Str
ateg
yM
ana
gem
ent
Te
chno
log
y
Tec
hnic
al C
ompo
nent
3
8
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
● Level Judgment Based on the Common Career/Skill Framework
・ There are seven levels in the Common Career/Skill Framework from 1 to 7, classified into level 1
as entry level, levels 2 and 3 as middle level, levels 4 and 5 as high level, and levels 6 and 7 as
super high level. Of these, “Advanced Human Resources” are level 4 or above. The following
describes the image of levels 5 to 7 in more detail.
29 Domain Specialist ET30 Software Engineer ET31 QA Specialist ET32 Test Engineer ET33 Development Environment Engineer ET
34 Education IT 7. Other
* 1: Although the “Information Security Engineer Examination” and “Systems Auditor Examination” are designed to examine the human resource models of Service Manager or Technical Specialist, these examinations remain unchanged.
* 2: In the new human resource models application design is part of the Systems Architect category, while application implementation is part of the Technical Specialist category. In the examination, topics from application design to implementation is included in the “Systems Architect Examination.”
Creation 6. Creator Creators are ineligible for assessment by the ITEE.
Correspond to education category in ITSS
HumanResources
Type
HumanResourceCategory
Current Skill Standards (34 Job Titles) IT: Skill Standards for IT Professionals (11) ET: Embedded Technology Skill Standards (10) UI: Users' Information Systems Skill Standards (13)
SkillStandards
BasicStrategy
Solution
Assessed by Exam ResultAssessed by Work Experience,Evaluation of Professionals, etc.
1. Strategist
5. Technical Specialist
2. Systems Architect
3. Service Manager
4. Project Manager
Ent
ry E
xam
inat
ion ( T
ent
ativ
e N
ame )
Bas
ic E
xam
inat
ion ( T
ent
ativ
e N
ame )
Str
ategi
st E
xam
Work
Exp
erie
nce
Ver
ific
atio
n
Mid
dle E
xam
inat
ion
( Ten
tative
Nam
e ) S
yste
ms
Arc
hitec
t
Exa
m
Ser
vice
Man
ager
Pro
ject
Tech
nic
al S
pecia
list
Exa
m
Work
Exp
erien
ce V
erificat
ion
& E
valu
atio
n of
Pro
fess
ional
s an
d Exp
erts
etc
.
Work
Exp
erie
nce
Ver
ific
atio
n & E
valu
atio
n o
f P
rofe
ssio
nal
s an
d E
xpert
s etc
.
Work
Exp
erien
ce V
erificat
ion
& E
valu
atio
n of
Pro
fess
ional
s an
d Exp
erts
etc
.
Sys
tem
s
Arc
hitect
Exa
m
● Content of Questions in the New Information Technology Engineers Examination
・ In part of the Advanced Examinations multiple-choice questions type, a skill set method is
introduced where possible, such as a selection system where questions are selected according to
skills. The question type is multiple-choice for the Entry Examination, and for the others multiple-
choice, short answer, and essay format are used in combination.
・ Since IT has spread as a competitive resource in all dimensions of corporate activity and thorough
knowledge of users’ tasks is required for the development and diffusion of module products,
questions are task biased on prerequisite common understanding of tasks in various industries such
as finance, manufacturing, distribution, and public sector (particularly in examination categories
such as strategist, system architect, and system audit). However, from the standpoint of maintaining
fairness, there are still also task neutral questions as before.
・ Also, the importance of providing solutions utilizing IT in all task areas is increasing, therefore
there are more questions on new industries such as medical and transportation.
・ Moreover, from the user’s point of view, there are also questions on fields of how to write request
for proposals (RFPs), estimation methods, knowledge of contracts, and management of outsourcing,
etc.
● Implementation Methods etc. of the New Information Technology Engineers Examination
・ In the new Information Technology Engineers Examination system, exemption of part of the
examination is considered for those who have completed a training program, etc. that satisfies the
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
necessary conditions. Along with this, if the dynamism of private enterprises etc. is realized based
on opinions from relevant parties, dissolution and evolvement of the Information Technology
Engineers Examination exceptional measures provided under the Structural Reform Special District
System, etc. into the above exemption system is be considered.
・ A high quality examination is implemented efficiently by acquisition of examination sites and the
implementation of the examinations in the 2 areas where the project is supposed to be carried out in
the fiscal year of 2008 by the successful bidders under the basic policies of the “Act Regarding the
Reform of Public Services by the Introduction of Competition” (the “Public Services Reform Act”).
Also, based on evaluation of the overall tasks implemented by successful bidders, if there is no fear
of causing obstruction to the stable implementation of examinations, based on results of review of
the Information Technology Engineers Examination system, utilization of private sector competitive
bidding is considered for fiscal year 2008 and later, in collaboration with the public-private
competitive bidding administrative committee.
・ Furthermore, from the standpoint of utilizing private sector dynamism, opening up implementation
of CBT method based examinations to the private sector is considered when establishing the Entry
Examination.
・ Note that with regard to CBT method examinations, possibility of utilization of the method in the
other examinations in future is considered based on the implementation status with the Entry
Examination.
・ With regard to some of the examinations which relate to security and system reliability, having in
mind the possibility of evolving them into qualification examinations in the future, actual
evolvement into qualifications is pursued by means such as stipulating the relevant jobs as
recommended job types in the different guidelines for government procurement.
・ Especially with regard to successful candidates in the Advanced Examinations, along with clearly
indicating the existence of advanced IT human resources to the society, and in parallel with
guaranteeing the capability of successful candidates in line with the skill standard evaluation cycle,
the construction of a registration system to provide incentives to increase skills further is considered.
Together with this, issuance of an IC card recorded with examination grades, etc. to successful
candidates who request so is considered.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
Appendix 2 Structure of Skill Standards
<Skill Standards for IT Professionals (ITSS) Career Framework (V2 2006)>
Mar
ketin
g m
anag
emen
t
Sal
es c
hann
el s
trat
egy
Mar
ket
com
mun
icat
ion
Con
sulti
ng s
ales
by
visi
ting
cust
omer
s
Pro
duct
sal
es b
y vi
sitin
g cu
stom
ers
Sal
es b
y m
edia
BT
(B
usin
ess
Tra
nsfo
rmat
ion)
IT App
licat
ion
of p
acka
ge
App
licat
ion
arch
itect
ure
Int
egra
tion
arch
itect
ure
Inf
rast
ruct
ure
arch
itect
ure
Sys
tem
dev
elop
men
t
IT
out
sour
cing
N
etw
ork
serv
ice
Sof
twar
e pr
oduc
t de
velo
pmen
t
Pla
tfor
m
Sys
tem
s m
anag
emen
t
Dat
abas
e
Net
wor
k
Dis
trib
uted
com
putin
g
Sec
urity
Bus
ines
s ap
plic
atio
n sy
stem
Bus
ines
s ap
plic
atio
n pa
ckag
e
Ope
ratin
g sy
stem
Mid
dlew
are
App
licat
ion
soft
war
e
Har
dwar
e
Sof
twar
e
Fac
ility
man
agem
ent
Ope
ratio
nal m
anag
emen
t
Sys
tem
s m
anag
emen
t
Ope
ratio
n
Ser
vice
des
k
Pla
nnin
g of
tra
inin
g pr
ogra
ms
Ins
truc
tions
Level 7
Level 6
Level 5
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
ConsultantIT
ArchitectType of Job
SpecializedField
Marketing SalesCustomerService
EducationProject
ManagementIT Specialist
IT ServiceManagement
ApplicationSpecialist
SoftwareDevelopment
Highlevel
Middlelevel
Entrylevel
► Levels 5 through 7 (High Level): In these levels, the lead is taken in creating technologies, methodology, and business in and outside the company. At level 7, in particular, it is necessary to take the lead in the development and commercialization of advanced services even in view of the entire market. Contribution to the formulation and execution of internal strategy is also required for skill development.
► Levels 3 and 4 (Middle Level): In these levels, skill specialism is well established as a professional, and the lead is taken in the discovery and solution of problems of tasks independently utilizing one’s own skills. Continuous enhancement of one’s own skills is required for skill development. Also, active contribution to training subordinates is also required for level 4.
► Levels 1 and 2 (Entry Level): In these levels, skill specialism as a professional is yet to be established, and discovery and solution of task problems can be conducted under the guidance of superiors for the relevant job type. Proactive enhancement of skills for the realization of one’s career path is required for skill development.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
<Embedded Technology Skill Standards (ETSS) Career Framework (Career Criteria
Version 1.1)>
Job Type Product Manager
Project Manager
Domain Specialist
Systems Architect Software EngineerBridge
SE
DevelopmentEnvironmentEngineer
Development Process Improvement Specialist
QA Specialist
Test Engineer
Sp
eci
alis
m
Em
bedd
ed S
yste
m
Em
bedd
ed S
oftw
are
Dev
elop
men
t
Em
bedd
ed R
elat
ed
Tech
nolo
gy
Em
bedd
ed A
pplic
atio
n
Dev
elop
men
t
Em
bedd
ed P
latfo
rm
Dev
elop
men
t
Em
bedd
ed A
pplic
atio
n
Dev
elop
men
t
Em
bedd
ed P
latfo
rm
Dev
elop
men
t
Em
bedd
ed S
oftw
are
Dev
elop
men
t
Em
bedd
ed S
oftw
are
Dev
elop
men
t
Em
bedd
ed S
oftw
are
Dev
elop
men
t
Em
bedd
ed S
oftw
are
Dev
elop
men
t
Em
bedd
ed S
yste
m
Dev
elop
men
t
Hig
h L
eve
l
Level 7
Level 6
Level 5
Mid
dle
Leve
l
Level 4
Level 3
Entry
Lev
el
Level 2
Level 1
► Levels 5 trough 7 (High Level): In these levels, the lead is taken in technology, methodology, and business
relating to the relevant job type/specialism in and outside the company. Also, significant contribution to the formulation and execution of internal human resource investment strategy is also required. At level 7, in particular, it is necessary to take the lead in and outside the company in the development and standardization of new technology.
► Level 3 and 4 (Middle Level): In these levels, the lead is taken in the discovery and solution of task problems. Also, active contribution to training of lower level individuals is also required.
► Levels 1 and 2 (Entry Level): In these levels, discovery and solution of task problems can be conducted under the guidance of superiors in the relevant job type.
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
<Users’ Information System Skill Standards (UISS) Career Framework (Ver. 1.1)>
Bus
ines
s S
trat
egis
t
IS S
trat
egis
t
Pro
gram
Ma
nage
r
Pro
ject
Man
ager
IS A
naly
st
App
licat
ion
De
sign
er
Sys
tem
Des
igne
r
IS O
pera
tion
IS A
dmin
istr
ator
IS A
rchi
tect
Sec
urity
Adm
inis
trat
or
IS S
taff
IS A
udito
r
Hig
h
7
6
5
Mid
dle
4
3
Ent
ry 2
1
The career levels are set in 7 stages from the following 3 standpoints.
Extent of contribution of tasks, level of recognition in and outside the company, and achievement of required work (overall degree of exhibition of capabilities)
The “extent of contribution of tasks” is a central concept to the Career Framework, and is a measure of contribution of the tasks to the realization of business strategies, in other words, to what extent the relevant task will contribute to business.
・ To the line of business, company, company group (levels 3 through 7) ・ To the project (levels 2 through 6) ・ To the tasks in charge (levels 1 through 5)
Furthermore, the “level of recognition” as an indicator to provide a career target model to aim for, supplements the “extent of contribution of tasks,” and is set on the following 3 levels in line with concept of the Skill Standards for IT Professionals.
► Level 7: Recognized as a target in and outside the company ► Level 6: Recognized within and outside the company ► Level 5: Recognized within the company
Unlike the “IS Skill Level” of skill evaluations, the “level of achievement of required work” is achieved using overall capabilities including common skills and other specialist skills, and is set on the following 4 levels in line with the Skill Standards for IT Professionals.
► Level 4: Ability to supervise ► Level 3: Ability to work independently ► Level 2: Ability to work independently to a certain extent ► Level 1: Ability to work under supervision
Human
Resource
Model
Car
eer
Lev
el
Copyright(c) Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan. All rights reserved 2008
New Examination System Deliberation Committee Members List
<Chairperson>
Yoshiaki IWAMARU Deputy Chief Information Officer(CIO), Financial Service Agency(FSA),
Government of JAPAN
<Members>
Yuichi AIDA Managing Executive Officer, Engineering Dev., TIS Inc.
Yukari AOKI Senior Consultant, Research & Consulting Division, The Japan Research