Applied Information Technology Engineer Certification Guide
Applied Information Technology Engineer Certification Guide
Certification Overview
The Applied Information Technology Engineer certification is a national qualification in Japan that evaluates practical knowledge in system development. As an advanced qualification above the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer, it requires more advanced knowledge in areas such as project management and security.
This certification covers the entire system development process. It evaluates practical knowledge across the system development lifecycle, from requirements definition to design, implementation, testing, and operation. It also includes knowledge that manager-level engineers should have, such as project management, quality management, and security management.
Job Application Guide
The Applied Information Technology Engineer certification is beneficial for mid-level and above IT positions.
System Engineer: Suitable for large-scale system construction and operation roles, as system design and project management abilities are required.
Project Manager: Preferred in IT project management roles, as project management and quality management knowledge are included.
System Architect: Advantageous for system architecture design roles, as understanding of large-scale system design is necessary.
Security Engineer: Helpful for information security management roles, as security management and risk assessment knowledge are included.
IT Consultant: Serves as a foundation for roles involving client system improvement proposals, as broad knowledge across systems is needed.
Required Knowledge
System Development
- System development processes and methodologies
- Requirements definition and analysis techniques
- System design principles and patterns
- Implementation and testing methods
Project Management
- Project planning and schedule management
- Risk management and quality management
- Team composition and communication
- Project success factors
Security Management
- Information security threats and countermeasures
- Security policy establishment and operation
- Encryption and authentication technologies
- Security audits and evaluation
Database
- Database design and optimization
- Transaction management and integrity
- Backup and recovery strategies
- Performance tuning
Network
- Network architecture design
- Network security and firewalls
- Load balancing and high availability
- Cloud networking
Operations Management
- System operation and monitoring
- Incident response and recovery
- Capacity management and performance management
- Change management and release management
Preparation Methods
Step 1: Basic Learning (3-4 months)
Review knowledge at the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer level and learn the basics of system development processes and project management. Study systematically using textbooks and online courses.
Step 2: Acquire Practical Knowledge (2-3 months)
Learn practical knowledge of the entire system development process. Learn practical techniques for each phase: requirements definition, design, implementation, and testing. Deepen understanding through actual project cases.
Step 3: Learn Management Knowledge (2 months)
Learn manager-level knowledge such as project management, quality management, and security management. Study using standard frameworks such as PMBOK or ITIL.
Step 4: Past Exam Practice (3-4 months)
Solve past exam questions from the last 5 years. The afternoon questions are essay-type, so practice explaining problem-solving processes logically. Maintain an error notebook to organize incorrect answers.
Step 5: Mock Exams (1-2 months)
Take multiple mock exams during the 1-2 months before the test. Practice time management and focus on improving weak areas.
Pass Rates for the Past 5 Years
| Year | Examinees | Passed | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 48,234 | 9,456 | 19.6% |
| 2023 | 51,782 | 10,245 | 19.8% |
| 2022 | 49,123 | 9,678 | 19.7% |
| 2021 | 45,891 | 8,934 | 19.5% |
| 2020 | 42,456 | 8,234 | 19.4% |
The average pass rate is approximately 19.6%, which is lower than the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer. As practical experience and management knowledge are required, sufficient study time and practical experience are important.
Practical Tips
Utilize Work Experience: If you have actual system development or project management experience, you can learn more easily by understanding based on that experience.
Afternoon Question Practice: As afternoon questions are essay-type, practicing logical explanation of problem-solving processes is important. Solve many past questions and practice writing answers.
Strengthen Management Knowledge: Manager-level knowledge such as project management, quality management, and security management is frequently tested. Focus your studies on these areas.
Study System Cases: Researching actual large-scale system development cases helps with the exam. Find and read published cases.
Join Study Groups: Participating in online communities or study groups to share information and ask questions can also be helpful.