IT Passport Certification Guide

Certification Overview

IT Passport (ITパスポート) is a national certification in Japan that evaluates basic knowledge that all working professionals should have for utilizing IT. It is characterized by testing knowledge from both business and IT perspectives, and can be obtained by IT beginners or those in non-IT fields.

This certification covers the fundamentals of IT literacy. It evaluates broad basic knowledge from fundamental concepts of hardware and software to the basics of networks and databases, and basic principles of information security. It also includes business improvement using IT and basics of project management.

Job Application Guide

The IT Passport certification is beneficial for various positions.

General Office Work: Suitable for roles requiring IT utilization for work efficiency. Having basic IT knowledge can be applied to work.

Sales: Advantageous for sales roles selling IT products or services. Can explain products to customers based on basic IT knowledge.

Marketing: Helpful for digital marketing or web marketing roles. Can understand and utilize marketing tools through basic IT knowledge.

Management: Also useful for executives establishing IT strategies. Basic IT knowledge helps with decision-making.

IT Field Beginners: Serves as a first step for those transitioning to IT. Provides a foundation for building IT basics and obtaining higher certifications.

Required Knowledge

IT Basics

• Basic concepts of computers and information
• Roles of hardware and software
• Data representation and processing

System Development

• Basic processes of system development
• Basic concepts of programming
• Fundamentals of databases

Network

• Basic structure of networks
• Basics of the internet and web
• Concepts of cloud computing

Information Security

• Basic principles of information security
• Security threats and countermeasures
• Personal information protection

IT and Business

• Business improvement using IT
• Basics of project management
• IT strategy and management

Preparation Methods

Step 1: Basic Learning (1-2 months)

Learn basic IT knowledge. Study comprehensive content including hardware, software, networks, databases, and security using textbooks. It is important to choose textbooks that are easy to understand even for those without IT background.

Step 2: Learn Business Knowledge (1 month)

Learn the relationship between IT and business. Learn business improvement cases using IT and basics of project management.

Step 3: Past Exam Practice (1-2 months)

Solve past exam questions from the last 5 years. Understand question patterns and focus review on frequently tested topics. As it is a CBT format, practice solving questions on a computer is also necessary.

Step 4: Mock Exams (2 weeks - 1 month)

Take multiple mock exams during the 2 weeks to 1 month before the test. Practice time management and focus on improving weak areas.

Pass Rates for the Past 5 Years

The average pass rate is approximately 60.1%, which is relatively high among IT national certifications. With consistent study of basic knowledge, the likelihood of passing is high.

Practical Tips

Learn Step by Step from Basics: Study from the basics so that even those without IT background can understand. It is important to learn difficult terms through repeated study.

Connect to Real Life: Understanding IT knowledge by connecting it to real life or work makes learning easier.

Practice CBT Format: As the exam is computer-based testing (CBT), practice solving questions on a computer is necessary.

Understand Business Perspective: Understanding from a business perspective is also important, not just IT technology. Study business improvement cases using IT.

Regular Study: It is important to study consistently, even a little each day. Intensive study on weekends is also a good method.