Tips for Taking Non-CBT IPA Certification Exams in Japan

Target Audience

• Users who want to know some tips for IPA certification exams in Japan
• Users who want to refer to other examinees' experiences
• People interested in tips for taking Japan's national information processing certification exams

What This Document Explains

• The experience of an examinee who took the non-CBT IPA certification exam in Japan
• The atmosphere and environment of the certification exam venue in Japan
• Some general tips for IPA certification exams

What This Document Does Not Explain

• Specific content or questions of the IPA certification exam
• Efficient study methods or strategies for the certification exam
• Detailed content of the Registered Information Security Specialist Examination

Author Information

• Nationality: Japanese
• Native Language: Japanese

Tips for IPA Certification Exams (Non-CBT)

This time, I will explain my own tips for taking the certification exam in Japan.

I have been taking the non-CBT IPA exams since the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination, and I have taken it seven times so far.

Embarrassingly, I have taken the
Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (non-CBT) twice, the Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination four times, and the Registered Information Security Specialist Examination once (Autumn 2024).

• Profile:
  • Age at the time of the exam: 31 years old (born early in the year)
  • Main exam venue: Japan Tokyo Tama area
  • Work experience at the time of the exam: 5th year as a system engineer in Japan
  • Qualifications held:
    • Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination:基本情報技術者試験 :FE
    • Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination:応用情報技術者試験:AP
    • Introductory certifications from cloud vendors like AWS/Azure

1. The chairs at the exam venue are hard, so equip yourself with a cushion or towel

I have never been to a local exam venue, so this is a common occurrence in the metropolitan area, but the exam venues are often within university campuses. (In fact, I have never been assigned to a venue other than a university)

This is likely due to the high number of universities in the metropolitan area, including the Tama region, but the chairs at university exam venues are very hard.

The exam venues are classrooms where lectures are usually held, and the chairs are often foldable types with thin cushions and hard backrests.

Considering the need to move to the exam venue, carrying heavy luggage can be tiring, so bringing a light cushion or towel to place on the seat can prevent body pain during the exam.

If you bring a bath towel and a face towel, you can also take a bath at a nearby spa on your way back, which can help relieve fatigue, so it is recommended.

2. The exam venue is likely to be cold, so prepare a blanket

This is common for women, but the exam venue can be cold in both spring and autumn.

In spring, the coldness of winter lingers, and the heating in the exam venue may not reach your feet.

In autumn, if the summer heat lingers, the air conditioning may be on, and if winter is starting, the cold may reach your feet.

If you don't use it, you can wrap it around the cushion from point 1, so it's a useful item to bring.

A thin type of blanket is recommended as it is light and convenient.

3. Buy lunch at a convenience store near the station or your home before going to the exam venue

This is common in the Tama area, but due to the large scale of universities, campuses are often located in mountainous areas or cheap land. In such cases, there are often few convenience stores or restaurants around, and they are often closed on weekends and holidays, which are exam days.

Therefore, it is recommended to buy lunch not near the venue, but near the station you took to get to the venue or near your home.

Summary

Based on my experience as an examinee, I have introduced some tips for the certification exam day in Japan.

Main Points of Exam Day Tips

1. Chair Countermeasures at the Exam Venue: It is recommended to bring a cushion or towel to prepare for hard chairs.
2. Cold Weather Countermeasures: It is effective to prepare a blanket in case the exam venue is cold.
3. Lunch Preparation: It is important to buy lunch in advance as there may be few convenience stores or restaurants around the exam venue.

Additional Information

• This article was created using GitHub Copilot
• The cover picture is drew by me.