[Qualification] IT Passport Exam Passport ... Exam Passport Exam Passport Exam Passport Exam Passport Exam

Introduction

Hello. I'm Paru, an infrastructure engineer in the Systems Solutions Department, graduating in 2024.
The cherry blossoms have already fallen, and the pollen is still annoying, but I like spring because it makes me feel refreshed 🌸

Although I've entered my second year at the company, I'm still a baby engineer and a complete IT novice, but I recently passed the IT Passport exam!! 👏
So, this time, I'd like to write about the IT Passport exam, which is sometimes said to be pointless to take, including my study methods for passing it and my impressions of taking the exam. If you're wondering whether to take it or not, please read on.

There are also many other past articles on qualifications, so if you're interested, check them out!

[AZ-900] How a Public Relations Officer Passed the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Exam

[2024 Graduates] New Graduate's Experience of Passing the AWS Cloud Practitioner Exam [Shikoku Office]

Why IT Passport?

Having majored in literature and having lived a life completely unrelated to IT until joining the company, I naturally didn't have an IT Passport certification!
I took the exam not only to learn the absolute basics of IT, but also for this reason.

1. Before joining the company, I received an IT Passport study guide from the company. It was
   such a nice book, and it seemed a waste to leave it unopened, so I decided to study! By the way, at Beyond, even the IT Passport, which is considered relatively easy among IT certifications,has its exam fee waived, and you get a bonus if you pass, sothere's nothing but good things about it.
2. 's easy to study for
   , so there are plenty of reference books, andmany people provide thorough explanations, making it incredibly easy to study.
3. dates
   ... Personally, I found that disappointing, so Ilifelongcertifications as soon as possible.

Study methods I tried

Next, I'll share the study methods I tried.
The study period was about three months, squeezed in between work and leisure.

Read through the reference book

This is a standard method for studying for certifications. The textbook I usedProfessor Kayagi's IT Passport Classroomwasjust getting through it rather than understanding it. Just the fact that you've read such a thick book gives you a sense of accomplishment, so I recommend it. Ideally, you should read it several times, but I read it once and used it to reread areas I didn't understand while solving problems.

Solve problems on the app in your spare time

"IT Passport Complete Question Explanation" to solve problems during breaks at work or while soaking in the bathtub. Past questions practice sites are also good, but this oneis perfect for short study sessions.

Listen to vocabulary on YouTube

Instead of the hobby videos and streams I usually watch on a daily basis, I started playing videos that simply explained vocabulary words. Repeating the process of listening to words, solving problems, and listening to words again felt like I was graduallyan effective way to input informationmaking it

Solve past exam questions at the Past Exam Dojo

This is such a user-friendly and excellent website that you might wonder if it's really free!You can select a year to solve past exam questions, or solve problems by subject area, so I spent the weeks leading up to the exam just solving problems on this site. You'll feel more confident once you can solve about 80-90% of them.

Examination process

Here is a brief explanation of the process from application to taking the exam and the results announcement. For more information, please visit the official IT Passport website

1. The application
   and examination fee is 7,500 yen (tax included), and you can choose a convenient date from test centers nationwide. You can change your application details up to 3 days before your scheduled exam date, so it's quite flexible.
2. your exam date
   confirmation sheet(which contains your user ID, exam number, and confirmation code) andidentification documentsso don't forget them! Bringing unnecessary items such as smartphones and watches into the exam venue is prohibited, but as long as you listen carefully to the staff and follow their instructions, you should be fine.
3. To pass,
   a total score of 600 points or higherStrategy, Management, and Technologyand also score 300 points or higher in each of the following areas. While your score is displayed immediately after the exam, so you'll know if you passed or failed right away, the official announcement of results and the mailing of the certificate will take place approximately one month after the exam date. It's a bit complicated.

Thoughts: I'm glad I took it

There are many IT terms that are used in the workplace and are assumed to be familiar to you

One reason why the IT Passport exam is disliked is that it includes many questions on topics that don't seem directly related to IT, such as business strategy and corporate law. However, when I actually studied for it,that I took for granted in my work but didn't understand at all and had to look up extensively. I wish I had studied for it before joining the company, so I would say itan ideal qualification for people with no prior IT experience.

It helps you learn logical thinking

I wrote tons of reports, but since there were no tests, I didn't study much during my university years, so thiswas simply good practice for studying. Also, having avoided anything related to numbers until now, doing calculation problems again after a long timethe importance of "knowing how to think logically." It's essential for working in IT.

Conclusion

What did you think?

Regardless of whether it's for the IT Passport or any other exam, studying for any exam, even if it's not directly related to your work, is always worthwhile, so I myself want to continue challenging myself with various certifications!
Thank you for reading until the end 🌷

Reference:
IT Passport Exam Official Website
ITPassportExam.com (Past Exam Questions Dojo)
How to apply for the IT Passport Exam? Detailed explanation including important points on the exam day.