itee guidebook

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 TECHNOLOGY 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

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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

・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.

Objectives of Examinations:

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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 systems 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

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Software Design & Development Engineer Examination

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Systems Administrator Examination

Independent Information system development and operation side Information system user side

Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination

Technical Engineer Examinations

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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

Systems Analyst Examination

Individuals who plan information strategies based on management strategies, produce plans for the construction of general systems and individual systems, support information system development projects from the planners' standpoint, and evaluate the results of such activities.

Autumn

Project Manager Examination

Individuals who are responsible for information system development projects and ensure smooth operation of projects by producing project plans, by procuring necessary resources for project implementation such as personnel and materials, and by managing processes of establishing project systems, budgets, delivery schedules, and quality.

Autumn

Application Systems Engineer Examination

Individuals who perform a series of processes in information system development projects ranging from work requirements analysis to system design, program development and test operations in accordance with project plans.

Autumn


Individuals who produce internal design and program design sheets, develop effective programs for information system development projects, and perform a series of processes ranging from unit tests to integrated tests.

Spring

Network Systems

Autumn

Database Systems

Spring

Systems Management

Spring

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Embedded Systems

Individuals who serve core functions in the construction and operation of information system infrastructures (system resources shared by business systems), and support development and installation operations as specialized engineers in individual information systems development projects. Specific knowledge includes that related to networks, databases, and systems management technology. For embedded systems incorporating microprocessors and system LSIs, specialized knowledge of information system components is also included as a technical element.

Spring

Information Systems Security Administrator Examination

Individuals who have basic knowledge of information systems security and who plan, implement, analyze and review the security policies of information systems.

Autumn

Senior Systems Administrator Examination

Individuals in information system user companies who have the knowledge and skills to determine how information technology should be utilized in business activities, and lead activities for restructuring and improving business information systems.

Autumn


Individuals in information system user companies who have certain levels of knowledge and skills regarding information technology, and who help foster information utilization in departments or groups from the users' standpoint.

Spring/ autumn

Systems Auditor Examination

Individuals who investigate safety, efficiency, reliability, availability, confidentiality, maintainability, usefulness, strategic benefits, and other factors from a position independent from the departments being audited and from the viewpoint of company management to assess whether the 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.

Spring


Individuals who have basic knowledge and skills related to general aspects of information technology (including those who produce program design sheets, develop programs, and conduct a series of operations up to unit testing in information system development projects).

Spring/ autumn

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5.2 Specific requirements of candidates for the Information Technology Engineers Examinations (1) Systems Analyst Examination

Functions and work requirements

System analysts produce information utilization strategies, general system plans, and individual systems plans in the information system planning stages; promote and support information system construction based on strategies and plans in the development and installation stages; 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 abilities

As information utilization strategies are becoming increasingly critical in management strategies, 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


Project mangers take part in planning, promotion and operation of projects as the persons in charge of information system development projects, and serve the following functions. (1) Production of project execution plans based on individual system plans, procurement of

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 abilities

Project managers are required to have the ability to understand basic aspects and elements of 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


Application systems engineers analyze work prerequisites, take part in activities to create information systems in information system development projects, and serve the following functions. (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 abilities

Application systems engineers analyze work prerequisites as the core engineers of information 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


Software Design & Development Engineers take part in the development of software in accordance with external specifications in information system development projects, and serve the following functions. (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 abilities

Software Design & Development Engineers are required to have the following knowledge and 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


Network systems engineers take part in planning, designing, and operating network systems, and serve the following functions. (1) Management of network resources which constitute information system infrastructures as

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 abilities

Networks are the basis of information systems and an integral part of individual application 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


Database systems engineers take part in planning, designing, constructing, operating, and managing information resources and databases, and serve the following functions. (1) Management of data resources of entire information systems as data administrators. (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 abilities

Databases serve critical functions for streamlining core business operations and achieving 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 and work requirements

Systems management engineers take part in planning, constructing, and operating information system infrastructures (system resources shared by business systems), and serve the following functions. (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 abilities

In regard to system management operations of highly complex and diverse information systems, 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


Embedded systems development engineers summarize embedded system-related specifications, take part in planning system development processes and designing work based on system development process plans, and serve the following functions. (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 abilities

Embedded systems development engineers are required to have the following extensive 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


As the persons responsible for information security management in the field, information systems security administrators plan and execute information security measures based on the physical, human-related, and technical aspects in all stages of security-related planning, execution, 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 abilities

Information systems security administrators are responsible for maintaining information security 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


Senior systems administrators take the pivotal positions in business operations and other corporate/organizational activities, and play a leading role in PDCA cycles regarding improvement of business operation and information utilization. They are required to understand management 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 abilities

As information utilization strategies are becoming increasingly critical in achieving management 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


Systems administrators are required to possess certain levels of knowledge and skills related to information technology on the users' side, and serve the following functions to promote information utilization in pertinent business operations from the users' standpoint. (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 abilities

In information system user companies, systems administrators are required to have the following 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


As internal auditors, systems auditors inspect and evaluate overall information systems, explain audit results to top management and relevant personnel, take part in submitting improvement proposals, and serve the following functions. (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 abilities

Systems auditors are required to have the following extensive knowledge, experience, and 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


Fundamental information technology engineers take part in the design and development of programs based on internal specifications in information system development projects, and serve the following functions. (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 abilities

Fundamental information technology engineers are required to design and develop information 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.

－ 15 －

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)

Systems Analys t Examination

Written test 3 out of the 4 questions must

be answered

Written test (short essay) 1 of the 3 questions must be

answered

Project Manager Examination


be answered


answered

Application Systems Engineer Examination

Multiple-choice test (selection of one correct answer

from four choices) All 50 questions must be answered (the same questions are used in all

3 morning examinations) Written test 3 out of the 4 questions must

be answered


answered

Network Systems


from four choices) All 50 questions must be answered


be answered

Written test (case analysis) 1 of the 2 questions must be

answered

Database Systems




be answered


answered

Systems Management




be answered


answered

Tec

hnic

al E

ngin

eer E

xam

inat

ions

Embedded Systems




be answered


answered

Senior Systems Administrator Examination




be answered


answered

Systems Auditor Examination




be answered


answered


Information Systems Security Administrator Examination




be answered

Written test 1 of the 2 questions must be

answered





Written test All 6 questions must be

answered

Written test Only 1 question is given

Morning Afternoon Examination category

9:30 - 12:00 (150 min) 13:00 - 15:30 (150 min)




Multiple-choice test All 7 questions must be

answered




Multiple-choice test 7 out of 11 questions must be

answered

－ 16 －

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

7. Administration of Examinations

(1) Examination sites

Testing locations Administra-

tion office

Sapporo Obihiro Asahikawa Hakodate Hokkaido

Aomori Morioka Sendai Akita Yamagata Koriyama Tohoku

Mito Utsunomiya Maebashi Saitama Chiba Kashiwa Tokyo Hachioji Yokohama/ Kawasaki Fujisawa Atsugi Niigata Nagaoka Nagano Kofu Shizuoka

Kanto

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 Matsuyama

Niihama Kochi Shikoku

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 categories

・ Database Systems Engineer Examination ・ Systems Management Engineer

Examination ・ Embedded Systems Development Engineer

Examination ・ Software Design & Development Engineer

Examination ・ Systems Administrator Examination ・ Systems Auditor Examination ・ Fundamental Information Technology

Engineer Examination

・ Systems Analyst Examination ・ Project Manager Examination ・ Application Systems Engineer

Examination ・ Network Systems Engineer Examination ・ Information Systems Security

Administrator Examination ・ Senior Systems Administrator

Examination ・ Systems Administrator Examination ・ Fundamental Information Technology

Engineer Examination Official announcement of examination administration

Middle of December (tentative) Early June (tentative)

Application acceptance

Early January - Early February Early July - Early August

(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.

－ 17 －

(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.

－ 18 －

[ M E M O ]

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

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