IT Strategist Certification Guide
IT Strategist Certification Guide
Certification Overview
The IT Strategist (ITストラテジスト) is a national certification in Japan that evaluates advanced expertise for integrally advancing business strategy and IT strategy. It is an advanced certification that confirms knowledge required for promoting digital transformation.
This certification covers IT strategy specialization techniques. It evaluates advanced knowledge across IT strategy including integration of business and IT strategies, IT investment evaluation, IT governance, and digital transformation strategy. The goal is to develop experts capable of planning and executing organizational IT strategies.
Job Application Guide
The IT Strategist certification is beneficial for specialized IT strategy-related positions.
IT Strategy Officer: Suitable for roles planning organizational IT strategies. Integration abilities of business and IT strategies are required.
CIO: Helpful for Chief Information Officer roles. Must be able to plan and oversee organizational IT strategies.
IT Consultant: Suitable for consulting roles improving client IT strategies. IT strategy evaluation and improvement proposal abilities are necessary.
Management: Also useful for executives overseeing IT strategies. IT strategy knowledge helps with decision-making.
Digital Transformation Officer: Serves as a foundation for roles promoting digital transformation. Digital transformation strategy planning abilities are necessary.
Required Knowledge
Business Strategy
- Business strategy basics
- Business model design
- Competitive strategy
- Growth strategy
IT Strategy
- IT strategy planning methodologies
- IT investment evaluation
- IT governance
- IT architecture strategy
Digital Transformation
- Digital transformation strategy
- Digital business models
- Digital technology utilization
- Digital organizational culture
IT Governance
- IT governance systems
- IT risk management
- IT compliance
- IT audits
IT Investment Evaluation
- IT investment evaluation methodologies
- ROI analysis
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Investment priority decisions
Business and IT Integration
- Business and IT alignment
- Business innovation using IT
- Business process improvement
- Customer experience improvement
Preparation Methods
Step 1: Basic Learning (2-3 months)
Learn basic concepts of business strategy and IT strategy. Study business strategy theory and IT strategy basics using textbooks.
Step 2: Learn IT Strategy (3-4 months)
Learn IT strategy planning methodologies and IT governance. Deepen understanding through actual IT strategy cases.
Step 3: Learn Digital Transformation (2-3 months)
Learn digital transformation strategy and digital business models. Research latest digital transformation cases.
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.
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 | 8,234 | 1,056 | 12.8% |
| 2023 | 9,782 | 1,345 | 13.7% |
| 2022 | 8,123 | 1,078 | 13.3% |
| 2021 | 7,891 | 934 | 11.8% |
| 2020 | 6,456 | 734 | 11.4% |
The average pass rate is approximately 12.8%, which is relatively low even among advanced certifications. Broad knowledge and experience in business strategy and IT strategy are necessary.
Practical Tips
Understand Business Strategy: Understanding business strategy is essential to become an IT strategist. Study business strategy theory in depth.
Study IT Strategy Cases: Researching actual organizational IT strategy cases helps with the exam. Analyze both success and failure cases.
Stay Updated on Digital Transformation Trends: As digital transformation continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest digital transformation trends is also important.
Essay Practice: As afternoon questions are essay-type, practicing logical explanation of problem-solving processes is important.
Network with Executives: Networking with executives to understand the relationship between business strategy and IT strategy can also be helpful.