Information Technology Engineers

Examinations

Guidebook

February 2001

Testing Organization Designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry

Japan Information Processing Development Center

Japan Information Technology Engineers Examination Center
Table of Contents

1. EXPECTED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERS IN AN INFORMAT ION -ORIENTED

SOCIETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2. INFORMATION TECH NOLOGY ENGINEERS EXAMINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERS EXAMINATIONS. . . 3

4. CLASSIFICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERS EXAMINATIONS . . . . . . . . . . 6

5. DETAILS OF THE NEW INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERS EXAMINATIONS. . . . . . . . 7

5.1 Typical qualifications of examinees by examination category ......................................................7

5.2 Specific requirements of candidates for the Information Technology Engineers Examinations.....8
(1) Systems Analyst Examination ..........................................................................................................................................8
(2) Project Manager Examination...........................................................................................................................................8
(3) Application Systems Engineer Examination .................................................................................................................9
(4) Software Design & Development Engineer Examination...........................................................................................9
(5) Network Systems Engineer Examination ................................................................................................................... 10
(6) Database Systems Engineer Examination.................................................................................................................. 10
(7) Systems Management Engineer Examination............................................................................................................11
(8) Embedded Systems Development Engineer Examination .......................................................................................11
(9) Information Systems Security Administrator Examination ................................................................................... 12
(10) Senior Systems Administrator Examination.............................................................................................................. 12
(11) Systems Administrator Examination ........................................................................................................................... 13
(12) Systems Auditor Examination........................................................................................................................................ 14
(13) Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination.............................................................................. 14

6. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMINATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

7. ADMINISTRATION OF EXAMINATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1. Expected Information Technology Engineers in an information-oriented society
Nowadays things change and move forward with information technology (IT) leading the way. IT is
indispensable for our economic activities and social life in our country and an information-oriented
investment of companies is not restricted by rationalization and IT is a management strategy. With
innovations in techniques, digital-oriented, mobile-oriented and net work-oriented, etc., information
technology rapidly progresses. The most effective method of use information technology is our important
subject for bringing up the new high information society in the 21st century and educating
information-oriented people is the key to success or failure.
It is urgently necessary for our country’s information service companies and also general companies to
educate information technology engineers. The market needs for information-oriented people are extremely
high. Information technology engineers who have specialized rich experience and sophisticated expertise
and technologies are expected to take part in activity.

2. Information Technology Engineers Examination

IT has permeated through companies’ key businesses and information businesses. Educating people,
such as information technology engineers who can construct and operate information systems and end users
who can use information systems as business tools is extremely important. An information technology
examination is to estimate the total level for background and basics in using IT. Exams attract the
attention of many companies and schools for each person’s skill and an educational level of information
literacy and plays a major role to educate IT people in Japan. To educate information technology engineers
to adapt and quickly change to market needs and rapid progress of information technology, the information
technology engineers examination has a role of “educating and evaluating basic applicable abilities in coping
with various questions of information technology” “educating engineering experts”.

3. A brief history of the Information Technology Engineers Examinations

Objectives of Examinations:

・To improve the technical competence of information technology engineers.

・To ensure that competence levels established by the examinations meet performance requirements.
・To ensure that objective criteria for evaluating competence are universally applied.
・To provide the opportunity to gain a better understanding of information technology systems and
applications to any persons interested.

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1969: Introduction of the Examination Program

In 1969 in response to the need for a programmer approval system to meet a rapidly increasing
demand for information technology engineers, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry
(MITI) announced, by ministerial notification, the establishment of the Information Technology
Engineers Examination Program . Programmer and Senior programmer examinations were
conducted that year for the first time.

1970: Legislation of the Examinations

As a result of the initial response to the program, the examinations were given legal status under
the Japan Information Processing Development Center [JIPDEC] Act (amended to the Promotion of
Information Processing Act effective as of April 1, 1986) and have been officially administered since
then as information technology engineers examinations.

1971: Addition of Systems Engineer Examination

The rapid advances in information processing technologies had by this time considerably enhanced
the role of system s engineers in their applications. As a result, systems engineer examinations were
added to the examination program.

1984: Transfer of Examination Administration

For streamlining purposes, it was decided that examination administration would be transferred to
a public corporation beginning in April 1984. In accordance with the Promotion of Information
Processing Act, the Japan Information Processing Development Center (JIPDEC) was designated by
the Minister of International Trade and Industry as the official examination administrator and the
Japan Information Technology Engineers Examination Center (JITEC) was established at the same
time.

1986: Addition of Systems Auditor Examination

In January 1985, systems auditor guidelines were mapped out to promote the introduction of
systems auditing in Japan and an information technology systems auditor examination was added to
the program in 1986.

1988: Introduction of an On-Line Information Technology Engineers Examination

In tune with the industry trend of information systems rapidly upgrading from intra-company
systems to inter-company network systems, an On-Line Information Technology Engineers
Examination was instituted in 1988.

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1994: Complete Revamping of Examination Program

In order to assist engineers in assimilating continuous new developments in information

technologies, a reform of the entire examination program was carried out and new information
technology engineers examinations were introduced in the autumn of 1994. Examinations were
administered for 11 categories of IT systems specialists in 11 examination centers at JITEC branches
nationwide.
The Systems Auditor, Systems Engineer, On-Line, Programmer and Senior Programmer
Examinations in the former examination program were revamped to become, in the new program, the
Systems Auditor, Application Systems Design Engineer, Network Specialist and Class I and II
Information Technology Engineer Examinations in order to meet the requirements of the new era.
Six new examination centers were created in response to the increasingly complex application of
information technologies in society.

1996: Introduction of the Microcomputer Application Systems Design Engineer Examination

Microcomputer application technologies are now incorporated in every thing from basic home
appliances such as TVs and refrigerators to complex industrial products and information systems
equipment. The Microcomputer Application Systems Design Engineer Examination was therefore
instituted in response to the needs of the times.

Introduction of the Senior Systems Administrator Examination

Tremendous advances in client-server systems and the phenomenal penetration of personal

computers are today building an environment where end-users can freely select and process needed
information. In the autumn of 1996, a Senior Systems Administrator Examination was added to the
examination program to help build a society with high added value operating on the basis of the
application of systems.

2001: Transition to New Examination System

Industrial Structure Council’s Subcommittee started to discuss bringing up information-oriented people
in November 1998 and put together an interim report in June 1999.
In line with the interim report Japan Information Technology Engineers Examination Center(JITEC) set
up a meeting of the board of trustee instead of ISC Subcommittee’s discussion to propose freely what an
exam system should be. JITEC meeting discussed innovations on the basis of some points of the interim
report, such as revisions of the examination to reflect market needs, creating certification classes for each
examination category, and improvement for applicants’ use.
From viewpoint of reflecting market needs and creating certification classes for each examination
category, JITEC reformed and arranged each examination category and the scope of examinations, the
reform and abolition methods, and the newly establish partial examination categories and introduced the
new partial exemption system.
For improvement of convenience, JITEC revised the methods of the examination system, such as the

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 common morning examination and decreasing of the number of examination questions, making the dates of
successful applicants clear, abolition of the age restriction, and abolition of the working record.
Spring Examinations are executed using 7 examination categories, Software Design & Development
Engineer Examinations, Database Systems Engineer Examinations, Systems Management Engineer
Examinations, Embedded Systems Development Engineer Examinations, Systems Administrator
Examinations, Systems Auditor Examinations and Fundamental Information Technology Engineer
Examinations.
Autumn Examinations are executed using 8 examination categories; Systems Analyst
Examinations, Project Manager Examinations, Application Systems Design Engineer Examinations,
Network Specialist Examinations, Information Systems Security Administrator Examinations, Senior
Systems Administrator Examinations, Systems Administrator Examinations and Fundamental
Information Technology Engineer Examinations.

4. Classification of information technology engineers examinations

Independent Information system development and operation side Information system user side

Technical Engineer
Application Systems Engineer

Information Systems Security

Systems Analyst Examination

Project Manager Examination

Senior Systems Administrator

Systems Auditor Examination

Administrator Examination
Examinations
Network Systems

Embedded Systems
Database Systems

Systems Management
Examination

Examination

Software Design & Development Engineer Examination

Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination Systems Administrator

Examination

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5. Details of the New Information Technology Engineers Examinations
5.1 Typical qualifications of examinees by examination category
Starting from fiscal 2001, the following examinations will be held in spring or autumn.
The Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination and Systems Administrator
Examination are administered twice a year in spring and autumn. Other examinations are held once a
year.
Examination category Typical examinees Test
period
Individuals who plan information strategies based on management
Systems Analyst strategies, produce plans for the construction of general systems and
Autumn
Examination individual systems, support information system development projects from
the planners' standpoint, and evaluate the results of such activities.
Individuals who are responsible for information system development
projects and ensure smooth operation of projects by producing project
Project Manager
plans, by procuring necessary resources for project implementation such as Autumn
Examination
personnel and materials, and by managing processes of establishing project
systems, budgets, delivery schedules, and quality.
Individuals who perform a series of processes in information system
Application Systems development projects ranging from work requirements analysis to system
Autumn
Engineer Examination design, program development and test operations in accordance with
project plans.
Individuals who produce internal design and program design sheets,
Software Design &
develop effective programs for information system development projects,
Development Engineer Spring
and perform a series of processes ranging from unit tests to integrated
Examination
tests.
Network Individuals who serve core functions in the construction and operation of
information system infrastructures (system resources shared by business Autumn
Systems
Technical Engineer

systems), and support development and installation operations as

Examinations

Database specialized engineers in individual information systems development Spring

Systems projects. Specific knowledge includes that related to networks, databases,
Systems and systems management technology. For embedded systems
incorporating microprocessors and system LSIs, specialized knowledge of Spring
Management
information system components is also included as a technical element.
Embedded
Spring
Systems
Information Systems Individuals who have basic knowledge of information systems security and
Security Administrator who plan, implement, analyze and review the security policies of Autumn
Examination information systems.
Individuals in information system user companies who have the knowledge
Senior Systems
and skills to determine how information technology should be utilized in
Administrator Autumn
business activities, and lead activities for restructuring and improving
Examination
business information systems.
Individuals in information system user companies who have certain levels
Systems Administrator of knowledge and skills regarding information technology, and who help Spring/
Examination foster information utilization in departments or groups from the users' autumn
standpoint.
Individuals who investigate safety, efficiency, reliability, availability,
confidentiality, maintainability, usefulness, strategic benefits, and other
factors from a position independent from the departments being audited
Systems Auditor
and from the viewpoint of company management to assess whether the Spring
Examination
information systems are contributing to company management; evaluate
systems based on their own criteria formed through envisioning ideal
systems; and provide convincing guidance for solving problems.
Individuals who have basic knowledge and skills related to general aspects
Fundamental
of information technology (including those who produce program design Spring/
Information Technology
sheets, develop programs, and conduct a series of operations up to unit autumn
Engineer Examination
testing in information system development projects).

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5.2 Specific requirements of candidates for the Information Technology Engineers
Examinations
(1) Systems Analyst Examination
Functions System analysts produce information utilization strategies, general system plans, and individual
and work systems plans in the information system planning stages; promote and support information
requirem system construction based on strategies and plans in the development and installation stages;
ents promote and support business operation restructuring activities implemented concurrently with
the information system construction; take part in the evaluation of results of the above activities;
and serve the following functions.
(1) Planning of information utilization strategies consistent with management strategies, and
production of general system plans according to information utilization strategies.
(2) Production of resource and organization management policies related to information systems,
and application of policies in general system plans.
(3) Proposal of information systems capable of restructuring business operations based on general
system plans, and production of individual systems plans.
(4) Support to information system construction and information system service operations based
on strategies and plans, and support to business restructuring activities conducted by system
user departments.
(5) Evaluation of achievements of objectives, effectiveness, productivity and attained quality
standards of information systems from the planners' standpoint.
Required As information utilization strategies are becoming increasingly critical in management strategies,
abilities system analysts are required to have the following knowledge, experience and practical abilities
that are necessary for planning information utilization strategies, proposing business operation
restructuring based on information technology utilization, and establishing system construction
plans.
(1) The ability to correctly understand management strategies, to extract factors related to
information systems that can solve management problems, and to plan concrete information
system construction concepts and information utilization strategies.
(2) The ability to define business models and general information systems and to produce general
information system plans by organizing necessary systems and analyzing information system
development topics.
(3) The ability to understand information technology and system product trends and to plan
policies for the establishment of optimum information system infrastructures.
(4) The ability to analyze current conditions, organize prerequisites for system development,
design the outlines of systems, and evaluate effects, costs and risks, and to plan the
development of individual systems that contribute to business reform.
(5) The ability to produce evaluation points for entire system plans and individual systems
development plans. Ability to evaluate results of system development in terms of
effectiveness and achieved quality standards.

(2) Project Manager Examination

Functions Project mangers take part in planning, promotion and operation of projects as the persons in
and work charge of information system development projects, and serve the following functions.
requirem (1) Production of project execution plans based on individual system plans, procurement of
ents necessary resources, and establishment of project systems.
(2) Management of budgets, delivery schedules and quality to ensure smooth project operation.
Achievement of project objectives by understanding progress conditions, by identifying and
recognizing problems and future issues in early stages, and by implementing appropriate
problem-prevention measures.
(3) Reporting of project policies, progress conditions, topics and countermeasures to persons with
higher-level responsibilities in projects and other pertinent people for smooth project progress,
when deemed necessary.
(4) Analysis and evaluation of project plans and achievements after the completion of an entire
project or major processes of projects or when deemed necessary, incorporation of analysis and
evaluation results in projects and system operation, and distribution of information as
reference materials for other projects.
Required Project managers are required to have the ability to understand basic aspects and elements of
abilities organizational management and general information systems, as well as knowledge, experience,

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 and practical abilities in the following areas.
(1) The ability to correctly recognize information system construction plans and project
expectations, and to produce feasible project plans.
(2) The ability to ensure consistency of general awareness of projects in the context of given
conditions and restrictions to achieve project objectives.
(3) The ability to manage personnel, materials, budgets, delivery schedules and quality for
smooth project operation.
(4) The ability to understand project progress conditions and future isuues in early stages, and to
respond to them appropriately.
(5) The ability to properly analyze and evaluate project plans and achievements, to reflect
analysis and evaluation results in project operations, and to provide information as reference
materials for other projects.

(3) Application Systems Engineer Examination

Functions Application systems engineers analyze work prerequisites, take part in activities to create
and work information systems in information system development projects, and serve the following
requirem functions.
ents (1) Analysis of work prerequisites demanded from the users' side, and organization of required
specifications.
(2) Design of information systems by examining methods of systems implementation such as new
applications development and packaged software; system configurations; and system transfer
and operation, based on required specifications.
(3) Instructing program development staff to implement program development.
(4) Planning and implementation of general test plans, and support to system transfer and
operation tests.
(5) Consulting specialists regarding individual hardware technology, software technology,
network construction, database construction, and system operation, when needed.
Required Application systems engineers analyze work prerequisites as the core engineers of information
abilities systems development and are required to have the following knowledge, experience, and practical
abilities for creating information systems.
(1) Business knowledge regarding accounting, production control and other areas, and the ability
to analyze business conditions on the users' side and to produce specifications.
(2) The ability to evaluate and select methods of implementing systems, such as new applications
development and packaged software.
(3) General information technology knowledge regarding hardware, software, networks, and
databases, and the ability to design information systems according to specifications with the
advice of information technology specialists in specific fields, when necessary.
(4) The ability to produce external and internal design sheets using standard notational methods
in accordance with specifications.
(5) The ability to instruct program development staff in program development and
unit/integrated tests.
(6) The ability to plan and manage general tests and to support staff on the users' side in system
transfer and operation tests.
(7) The ability to execute and manage planned quality control and process operations.

(4) Software Design & Development Engineer Examination

Functions Software Design & Development Engineers take part in the development of software in
and work accordance with external specifications in information system development projects, and serve the
requirem following functions.
ents (1) Communication with the producers of external specifications, and production of internal
design and program design sheets in accordance with external specifications.
(2) Production of effective programs based on the knowledge of advanced algorithms and data
structures.
(3) Execution of unit/integrated tests of programs.
(4) Instructing fundamental information technology engineers in software development.
Required Software Design & Development Engineers are required to have the following knowledge and
abilities skills to perform internal design, program design, and program development for the production of
high-quality software as software development engineers in information systems development.

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 (1) General information technology knowledge related to networks, databases, system
configurations, and other fields, and the ability to design information systems under the
guidance of higher-ranking engineers.
(2) The ability to produce internal design and program design sheets.
(3) The ability to apply advanced logic to program development.
(4) Practical skills to develop networks and databases.
(5) Extensive knowledge of specifications of one or more programming languages, as well as the
ability to develop effective programs by maximizing the features of the specific language(s)
and to instruct fundamental information technology engineers.
(6) Extensive knowledge of program testing methods, and the ability to plan and manage
unit/integrated tests and to instruct program development staff in the execution of tests.

(5) Network Systems Engineer Examination

Functions Network systems engineers take part in planning, designing, and operating network systems, and
and work serve the following functions.
requirem (1) Management of network resources which constitute information system infrastructures as
ents network administrators.
(2) Design, construction, and operation of networks to achieve high efficiency, reliability, and
safety by analyzing requirements of WAN/LAN.
(3) Network-related technical support in all stages (planning, analysis, design, operation, and
maintenance) of individual systems development.
Required Networks are the basis of information systems and an integral part of individual application
abilities systems. As network functions are rapidly advancing and incorporating multimedia, network
systems engineers are required to have the following extensive knowledge, experience, and
practical skills.
(1) The ability to perceive trends in network technologies and systems, and to select suitable
technologies in accordance with objectives.
(2) Accurate comprehension of network requirements demanded by companies, organizations, or
individual applications, and the ability to produce network specifications.
(3) The ability to produce optimum logic and physical design by selecting network design
methods, protocol techniques, reliability design, security techniques, and communication
services/fees that are related to specifications.
(4) The ability to efficiently construct and operate networks by utilizing network-related
companies (telecommunications companies, vendors, installation companies, etc.).

(6) Database Systems Engineer Examination

Functions Database systems engineers take part in planning, designing, constructing, operating, and
and work managing information resources and databases, and serve the following functions.
requirem (1) Management of data resources of entire information systems as data administrators.
ents (2) Construction and maintenance of core databases as database administrators.
(3) Database-related technical support in all stages (planning, analysis, design, operation ,and
maintenance) of individual systems development.
Required Databases serve critical functions for streamlining core business operations and achieving
abilities advanced application of information technology. In order to construct and maintain high-quality
databases, database systems engineers are required to have the following extensive knowledge,
experience, and practical skills.
(1) Understanding of purposes and techniques of information resource management, and the
ability to standardize data parts as well as design, construct, operate and maintain data
repository systems.
(2) Understanding of data modeling techniques, and the ability to analyze data in accordance
with user requirements and to produce accurate conceptual data models.
(3) Understanding of characteristics of database management systems, and the ability to design,
construct, operate, and maintain high-quality core databases and data warehouses.

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 (7) Systems Management Engineer Examination
Functions Systems management engineers take part in planning, constructing, and operating information
and work system infrastructures (system resources shared by business systems), and serve the following
requirem functions.
ents (1) Management of configurations, impediments, performance, accounting, and security related to
information system infrastructures as system administrators.
(2) Execution of activities for improving the stability and efficiency of information systems
operation.
(3) Planning and implementation of operation tests and system transfer related to new system
installation/operation.
(4) Technical guidance, assistance, and support to system users.
Required In regard to system management operations of highly complex and diverse information systems,
abilities system management engineers need the following extensive knowledge, experience, and practical
skills in order to apply their management techniques to achieve comprehensive system
management with the cooperation of other specialists.
(1) Knowledge necessary for operating and managing information system infrastructures safely
and stably, and the ability to manage configurations of hardware, software, networks,
facilities and equipment, and to respond to maintenance and expansion of system resources.
(2) The ability to manage performance in consideration of service levels, work processing
volumes, resources, and costs of operating systems, and to evaluate performance and
operations.
(3) Technical skills necessary for monitoring, identifying, correcting, and preventing
impediments, and ability to manage system problems.
(4) Knowledge and skills to execute effective security measures, and the ability to conduct
security management.
(5) The ability to understand system usage conditions and to conduct appropriate accounting
management.
(6) The ability to establish system operation quality control standards for systems in operation or
scheduled for installation, and to make necessary improvements.
(7) The ability to plan and execute operation tests and system transfers related to new system
installation/operation.
(8) The ability to plan and execute educational programs on system use and operation for system
users.

(8) Embedded Systems Development Engineer Examination

Functions Embedded systems development engineers summarize embedded system-related specifications,
and work take part in planning system development processes and designing work based on system
requirem development process plans, and serve the following functions.
ents (1) Evaluation of technical and cost-cutting effects of software, microprocessors, and system LSI
devices to be embedded in products to ensure specifications are met.
(2) Planning of embedded system design, including proposal of system development processes,
production of required specifications, examination of real-time processing capabilities, and
trade-offs between hardware and software.
(3) Determination and selection of specifications for microprocessors, system LSIs, real-time OSs,
and other components.
(4) Arrangement and improvement of development environments for the execution of
development activities.
Required Embedded systems development engineers are required to have the following extensive
abilities knowledge, experience, and practical skills in order to achieve required performance, quality,
reliability, and other factors in embedded systems by combining appropriate hardware and
software.
(1) The ability to organize required specifications for software development in consideration of
incorporated microprocessors and system LSIs.
(2) The ability to analyze required specifications and to plan and manage embedded system
development processes by combining appropriate hardware and software.
(3) The ability to produce function designs, detailed designs, and systems, and to execute a series
of general tests for combinations of hardware and software.

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 (4) Fundamental and advanced knowledge of information and control technologies, and the
ability to acquire specific knowledge related to the development of required embedded systems
and to conduct technical discussions with engineers in specialized fields.

(9) Information Systems Security Administrator Examination

Functions As the persons responsible for information security management in the field, information systems
and work security administrators plan and execute information security measures based on the physical,
requirem human-related, and technical aspects in all stages of security-related planning, execution,
ents operation and analysis; take part in the evaluation of results of implementing measures; and
serve the following functions.
(1) Sorting of information resources, analysis of security threats and risks, and production of
security policies to identify security management targets of organizations.
(2) Selection and application of technologies to achieve information security in accordance with
security policies, production of operation guidelines, and education of general users.
(3) Continuous monitoring of security violations based on various information outputs from
managed systems, and execution of countermeasures for security violations. Implementation
of appropriate measures to maintain intended levels of security policies.
(4) Discovery of factors resulting in security violations, and production of improvement measures.
Required Information systems security administrators are responsible for maintaining information security
abilities for organizations, and must fulfill social demands related to information confidentiality. In order
to maintain and manage information security in organizations, they are required to have the
following knowledge and skills.
(1) The ability to produce security policies and guidelines.
(2) The ability to analyze and control risks.
(3) Knowledge of OSs, networks, Internet technology, products (hardware, software, services),
and the ability to utilize it.
(4) Knowledge of security protection technologies, and the ability to apply it.
(5) Knowledge of security operations and control, and the ability to produce security policies.
(6) Knowledge of vulnerability, and the ability to plan and implement countermeasures.
(7) The ability to discover and correct security violations.
(8) Knowledge of security and privacy laws.
(9) Knowledge of security auditing and evaluation, and the ability to audit and evaluate
applicable systems.
(10) Knowledge of human and social behaviors related to security.
(11) The ability to plan security measures for the general user level.
(12) Knowledge of international security-related trends, and the ability to apply it.

(10) Senior Systems Administrator Examination

Functions Senior systems administrators take the pivotal positions in business operations and other
and work corporate/organizational activities, and play a leading role in PDCA cycles regarding improvement
requirem of business operation and information utilization. They are required to understand management
ents and business strategies, and to serve the following functions for business and information
systems.
[Business systems]
(1) Participation in planning of business models and business process restructuring, planning of
implementation plans, and preparation of plans for executing environments.
(2) Production of concrete implementation measures for new business models and business
processes, and providing instruction for restructuring activities.
(3) Evaluation of the impact of new activities and of the information feedback needed to achieve
further improvements.
[Information systems]
(1) Production of information system RFPs in accordance with restructured business models,
participation in presentations to IT vendors and evaluation of RFPs, and support to company
management.
(2) Understanding of system development progress and achievement levels, preparation for
acceptance and operation, and determination and instruction in matters required for
operation commencement.
(3) Continuous monitoring of system operation and usage conditions as part of daily business

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 operations, evaluation of completeness of systems, and production of improvement proposals.
(4) Participation in planning and evaluation of business and information strategies conducted by
company management, and provision of support.
Required As information utilization strategies are becoming increasingly critical in achieving management
abilities strategies, from the viewpoint of the business execution side, senior systems administrators are
responsible for 1) proposing business restructuring to utilize information technology; 2) organizing
necessary information systems; and 3) using and evaluating new systems. Moreover, they are
required to have the following extensive knowledge, experience, and practical skills.
(1) General knowledge of company operations, management, and information technology, and the
ability to accurately grasp business and information technology trends.
(2) Understanding of advanced management and information technology trends based on
information technology, such as electronic commerce, and the ability to participate in the
planning of business model restructuring and making contributions.
(3) The ability to understand and produce business models with broad perspectives, and to design
the most appropriate overall solutions.
(4) The ability to understand and propose abstract concepts of business operations, activities, and
systems in discussions with the information system supplier side, and to produce appropriate
functional models.
(5) The ability to correctly analyze the conditions and operations of their
companies/organizations, conditions of other companies, and market conditions, and to
identify problems.
(6) The ability to organize problems and plan solutions in consideration of priorities.
(7) The ability to analyze cost-effectiveness and risks of solutions, and to explain results to
company management.
(8) The ability to design and implement business operations, organizations, and systems based on
planned solutions.
(9) The ability to establish performance targets and evaluation criteria for planned solutions, and
to evaluate achievement levels.
(10) The ability to manage plans, and to take appropriate measures, when necessary.
(11) The ability to plan business reform and improvement by utilizing information technology in
system use, such as the promotion of information transmission through intranets and
qualitative enhancement of information quality.

(11) Systems Administrator Examination

Functions Systems administrators are required to possess certain levels of knowledge and skills related to
and work information technology on the users' side, and serve the following functions to promote
requirem information utilization in pertinent business operations from the users' standpoint.
ents (1) Understanding problems in current business operations, and planning solutions to problems
by utilizing information technology.
(2) Construction of portions of necessary information systems and providing support.
(3) Convey opinions and requests from users of the information system to the provider of the
system.
(4) Organization and improvement of information system operation environments and system
application environments.
Required In information system user companies, systems administrators are required to have the following
abilities knowledge and skills to promote application and information utilization in pertinent business
operations from the users' standpoint.
(1) The ability to think systematically to understand business procedures and to plan
improvement measures, and knowledge related to DFD, work flow methods and computer
utilization methods that are needed to provide support to the implementation of plans.
(2) Knowledge and skills related to human interface design, tests, and system operation in the
development and application of information systems.
(3) Basic knowledge related to personal computers and networks.
(4) The ability to operate and utilize business tools such as spreadsheets and database software.
(5) Practical knowledge and skills related to the installation, operation, and management of
personal computers.
(6) Knowledge related to the various uses of personal computers and to personal computer
utilization environments and office environments.

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 (7) Knowledge related to effective speech, writing style, and visual expression for the promotion
of information utilization.

(12) Systems Auditor Examination

Functions As internal auditors, systems auditors inspect and evaluate overall information systems, explain
and work audit results to top management and relevant personnel, take part in submitting improvement
requirem proposals, and serve the following functions.
ents (1) Establishment of audit plans, execution of audits, and reporting of audit results to the top
management and relevant personnel.
(2) Contribution to the enhancement of company management as well as the information and
network community by promoting improvement of internal control functions for information
systems and by guaranteeing effectiveness.
Required Systems auditors are required to have the following extensive knowledge, experience, and
abilities practical skills needed to enhance the contribution of information systems not only to information
processing operations but also to companies and society.
(1) The ability to establish audit plans in accordance with business prerequisites and
management policies.
(2) The ability to timely and accurately apply auditing techniques for effective execution of
auditing procedures in the stages of information system planning, development, and
operation.
(3) The ability to extract problems in current business processes in which business applications
are used, and to form their own criteria for analyzing and evaluating problems.
(4) The ability to organize audit results in reports logically and without contradictions, and to
submit convincing improvement proposals.
(5) The ability to understand information technology and technological trends that are needed to
execute audits.
(6) The ability to grasp changes in external environments, and to envision the future image of
organizations.

(13) Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination

Functions Fundamental information technology engineers take part in the design and development of
and work programs based on internal specifications in information system development projects, and serve
requirem the following functions.
ents (1) As system development project members, the ability to contribute by utilizing their basic
knowledge of general information technology.
(2) The ability to produce program design sheets based on given internal design specifications
under the guidance of higher-ranking engineers.
(3) The ability to produce programs based on the knowledge of fundamental algorithms and data
structures.
(4) The ability to test produced programs.
Required Fundamental information technology engineers are required to design and develop information
abilities system development programs by utilizing general fundamental knowledge of information
technology, and to have the following knowledge and skills. It is further understood that they
will seek to become highly capable engineers in the future.
(1) Understanding of basic technical terms and definitions related to general information
technology.
(2) The ability to produce program design sheets under the guidance of higher-ranking engineers.
(3) The ability to apply the logical thinking necessary for programming.
(4) Knowledge of the specifications for one or more programming languages, and the ability to
produce programs using specific language(s).
(5) Knowledge of program testing methods, and the ability to perform tests.

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6. Description of Examinations
(1) Test method
(1) Paper tests are used to evaluate techniques and skills. The morning tests are administered to test
knowledge and assess whether the examinees have the ability to meet the expected technical
standards of relevant examination categories. The afternoon tests are designed to evaluate
technical application know-how and other practical skills as well as determine whether the
examinees have the ability to meet the expected technical standards of the relevant examination
category.
(2) Test formats and testing times
Morning Afternoon I Afternoon II
Examination category
9:30 - 11:00 (90 min) 12:30 - 14:00 (90 min) 14:30 - 16:30 (120 min)
Written test Written test (short essay)
Systems Analys t 3 out of the 4 questions must 1 of the 3 questions must be
Examination Multiple-choice test be answered answered
(selection of one correct answer
from four choices)
Written test Written test (short essay)
Project Manager 3 out of the 4 questions must 1 of the 3 questions must be
All 50 questions must be answered
Examination (the same questions are used in all be answered answered
3 morning examinations) Written test Written test (short essay)
Application Systems 3 out of the 4 questions must 1 of the 3 questions must be
Engineer Examination be answered answered
Multiple-choice test
Technical Engineer Examinations

Written test Written test (case analysis)

(selection of one correct answer
Network Systems 3 out of the 4 questions must 1 of the 2 questions must be
from four choices)
All 50 questions must be answered be answered answered
Multiple-choice test Written test Written test (case analysis)
(selection of one correct answer
Database Systems 3 out of the 4 questions must 1 of the 2 questions must be
from four choices)
All 50 questions must be answered be answered answered
Multiple-choice test Written test Written test (short essay)
Systems (selection of one correct answer
from four choices)
3 out of the 4 questions must 1 of the 3 questions must be
Management be answered answered
All 50 questions must be answered
Multiple-choice test Written test Written test (case analysis)
Embedded (selection of one correct answer
3 out of the 4 questions must 1 of the 2 questions must be
from four choices)
Systems All 50 questions must be answered be answered answered
Multiple-choice test Written test Written test (short essay)
Senior Systems (selection of one correct answer
3 out of the 4 questions must 1 of the 3 questions must be
Administrator Examination from four choices)
All 50 questions must be answered be answered answered
Multiple-choice test Written test Written test (short essay)
Systems Auditor (selection of one correct answer
3 out of the 4 questions must 1 of the 3 questions must be
from four choices)
Examination All 50 questions must be answered be answered answered

Morning Afternoon I Afternoon II

Examination category
9:30 - 11:00 (90 min) 12:30 - 14:00 (90 min) 14:30 - 16:00 (90 min)
Information Systems Multiple-choice test Written test Written test
(selection of one correct answer 3 out of the 4 questions must 1 of the 2 questions must be
Security Administrator from four choices) be answered answered
Examination All 50 questions must be answered

Morning Afternoon I Afternoon II

Examination category
9:30 - 12:00 (150 min)
Multiple-choice test
Software Design &
(selection of one correct answer
Development Engineer from four choices)
All 80 questions must be answered
Examination
13:00 - 15:00 (120 min) 15:30 - 16:30 (60 min)
Written test
Written test
All 6 questions must be
Only 1 question is given
answered

Morning Afternoon
Examination category
9:30 - 12:00 (150 min) 13:00 - 15:30 (150 min)
Multiple-choice test Multiple-choice test
Systems Administrator (selection of one correct answer
from four choices)
All 7 questions must be
Examination All 80 questions must be answered answered
Multiple-choice test
Fundamental Information (selection of one correct answer
Multiple-choice test
Technology Engineer from four choices) 7 out of 11 questions must be
All 80 questions must be answered answered
Examination

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 (2) The Scope of Examinations
In accordance with “The Scope of Examinations” herewith.

7. Administration of Examinations
(1) Examination sites
Administra-
Testing locations tion office

Sapporo Obihiro Asahikawa Hakodate Hokkaido

Aomori Morioka Sendai Akita Yamagata Koriyama Tohoku
Mito Utsunomiya Maebashi Saitama Chiba Kashiwa Tokyo Hachioji
Yokohama/
Kanto
Kawasaki Fujisawa Atsugi Niigata Nagaoka Nagano Kofu Shizuoka
Gifu Nagoya Toyohashi Yokkaichi Toyama Kanazawa Chubu
Fukui Shiga Kyoto Osaka Nara Kobe Himeji Wakayama Kinki
Matsue* Yonago* Okayama Fukuyama Hiroshima Yamaguchi Chugoku
Tokushima Takamatsu Matsuyam Niihama Kochi Shikoku
a
Fukuoka Kitakyushu Saga Nagasaki Kumamoto Oita Miyazaki Kagoshima Kyushu
Naha Okinawa
* In Matsue, the examination is held only in spring. In Yonago, the examination is held only in
autumn.

(2) Examination administration and application schedule

Test period Spring Autumn

Test dates 3rd Sunday in April 3rd Sunday in October

Examination ・ Database Systems Engineer Examination ・ Systems Analyst Examination
categories ・ Systems Management Engineer ・ Project Manager Examination
Examination ・ Application Systems Engineer
・ Embedded Systems Development Engineer Examination
Examination ・ Network Systems Engineer Examination
・ Software Design & Development Engineer ・ Information Systems Security
Examination Administrator Examination
・ Systems Administrator Examination ・ Senior Systems Administrator
・ Systems Auditor Examination Examination
・ Fundamental Information Technology ・ Systems Administrator Examination
Engineer Examination ・ Fundamental Information Technology
Engineer Examination
Official
announcement
Middle of December (tentative) Early June (tentative)
of examination
administration
Application
Early January - Early February Early July - Early August
acceptance

(3) Application acceptance

・Both individual and group applications are accepted.
・Applications are handled as group applications whenever ten or more individuals apply at the same
time. With group applications, the various procedures involved, such as the distribution of pamphlets
and application forms, submission of applications, payment of examination fees, and distribution of
examination admission tickets and certificates, are processed together.

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 (1) Individual applications
a. Application at post offices (same as previously)
・ Pamphlets and application forms are distributed by branch offices of the Examination Center.
・ Applicants must complete the application form and submit it to a post office together with the
examination fee.
b. Application via the Internet
・ Applications are accepted from applicants transmitting all necessary information through the
Internet.
・ Pamphlets can be downloaded and printed, if necessary.
・ Examination fee payments are charged to major credit cards until further notification.

(2) Group applications

a. Application by paper application forms (same as previously)
b. Application by electronic media
・ Applications are accepted via a specified electronic data form in place of the paper application
form.

(4) Examination fee

The examination fee (5,100 yen) is as specified by law.

(5) Announcement of successful examinees

(1) Method of notification
Examinees who have passed their examinations are announced in the following media:
・Official gazette
・On the Examination Centers Web site
・At the Examination Center’s head office and branch offices.

(2) Announcement dates

The dates on which examination results are announced posted in advance on the Examination
Center’s Web site. Announcement dates have been moved up to an earlier time frame than previously.

(6) Other
The special provisions for physically challenged examinees remain unchanged from previously.
Test questions in Braille for sight-impaired examinees are provided for the following examination
categories.
Spring : Software Design & Development Engineer Examination, Fundamental Information
Technology Engineer Examination, Systems Administrator Examination (not offered
previously).
Autumn : Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination, Systems Administrator
Examination.

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[ M E M O ]

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Information Technology Engineers Examinations
Guidebook
Published February 2001
Publisher: Japan Information Processing Development Center
Japan Information Technology Engineers Examination Center
Urban Toranomon Building, 8th Floor, 1-16-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001
Phone +81-3-3591-0421
Fax +81-3-3591-0428
Fax information service +81-3-5512-9240
Telephone service +81-3-3591-0429
Internet http://www.jitec.jipdec.or.jp